U.  S.  DEPARTMENT  OF  AGRICULTURE, 

BUREAU  OF  ANIMAL  INDUSTRY. 
A.  D.  MELVIN,  Chief  oh  Bureau. 


SPECIAL  REPORT 


ON 


DISEASES  OF  THE  HORSE. 


BY 


Drs.  PEARSON,  MICHENER,  UW,  HARBAUGH,  TRUMBOWER,  LIAUTARD, 

HOLCOMBE,  HUIDEKOPER,  MOHLER,  EICHHORN, 

HALL,  AND  ADAMS. 


REVISED  EDITION,  1916. 


WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE. 

1916. 


$f^ 


U 


Depaktmext  of  Agriculture, 

Washington,  March  30,  1916. 
This  edition  of  the  Special  Report  on  Diseases  of  the  Horse  has 
been  prei)ared  in  compliance  with  House  Concurrent  Resolution  Xo. 
13,  passed  February  3,  1916,  as  follows : 

Resolved  by  the  House  of  Representatives  {the  Senate  conciirrino).  That 
there  be  printed  and  bound  in  cloth  one  hundred  thousand  copies  of  the  Special 
Report  on  tlie  Diseases  of  tlie  Horse,  tlie  same  to  be  first  revised  and  brought 
to  date,  under  the  supervision  of  the  Secretary  of  Agriculture ;  seventy  tliou«and 
copies  for  the  use  of  the  House  of  Representatives  and  thirty  thousand  for  use 
of  tne  Senate. 

Since  the  original  edition  issued  bv  the  Department  in  1890  several 
editions  have  been  printed  by  order  of  Congress.  The  work  was 
reprinted  in  1896,  and  revised  and  reprinted  in  1903,  1908,  and  1911. 
In  accordance  with  the  foregoing  resolution  it  again  has  been  revised 
so  as  to  embody  the  latest  practical  development  of  knowledge  of  the 
subject. 


D.  F.  Houston 


Secretary, 


^ 


CONTENTS. 


Page. 

Tho  examination  of  a  sick  horse.     By  Leonard  IVarson 7 

Fundamental  principles  of  disease.     Hy  Rush  Shippen  Iluidekoper 27 

Methods  of  administering  medicines.     By  Ch.  B.  Michener 44 

Diseases  of  the  digestive  organs.     By  Ch.  B.  Michener 49 

Di-seases  of  the  respiratory  organs.     By  W.  II.  Harhaugh 95 

Diseases  of  the  urinary'  organs.     By  James  Law 134 

Diseases  of  the  generative  organs.     By  James  Law 164 

Diseases  of  the  nervous  system.     By  M.  R.  Trumhower 210 

Diseases  of  the  heart,  blood  vessels,  and  lymphatics.     By  M.  R.  Trumhower. .  247 

Di.scases  of  the  eye.     By  James  Law 274 

Lameness.     By  A .  Liautard - 298 

Diseases  of  the  fetlock,  ankle,  and  foot.     By  A .  A .  Ilolcombe 395 

Diseases  of  the  skin.     By  James  Law 458 

Wounds  and  their  treatment.     By  Ch.  B.  Michener 484 

Infectious  diseases.     By  Rush  Shippen  Iluidekoper 507 

Shoeing.     By  John  W.  Adams 583 

Ind '< 607 

3 


no7134 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PLATES. 

Page. 

Plate      I.  Tnnammation 32 

II.  Inflammation 32 

III.  Digestive  apparatus 48 

IV.  Age  of  horses  as  indicated  by  teeth 58 

V.  Intestinal  worms 92 

VI.  Dots 92 

VII.  Position  of  the  left  lung 112 

VIII.  Longitudinal  section  through  kidney 136 

IX.  Microscopic  anatomy  of  kidney 13G 

X.  Microscopic  anatomy  of  kidney 13f> 

XI.  Calculi  and  instrument  for  removal 152 

XII.  Normal  presentation 192 

XIII.  Some  factors  in  difficult  labor 192 

XrV.  Instniments  used  in  difficult  labor 192 

XV.  Abnormal  presentations 200 

X^'I.  Abnormal  presentations 200 

XVII.  Abnormal  presentations 200 

XVIII.  Al)normal  presentations 200 

XIX.  The  nervous  system ; 21G 

XX.  Interior  of  chest,  showing  position  of  heart  and  diaphragm 248 

XXI.  Circulatory  apparatus 248 

XXII.  Diagrammatic  vertical  section  through  horse's  eye 277 

XXITI.  Skeleton  of  horse 304 

XXIV.  Superficial  layer  of  muscles 30 1 

XXV.  Splint 312 

XXVI.  Ringbone 312 

XXVII.  Various  types  of  spavin 312 

XXVIII.  Bone  spavin 312 

XXIX.  Bone  spavin 312 

XXX.  Dislocation  of  shoulder  and  elbow,  Bourgelat's  apparatus 360 

XXXI.  The  sling  in  use 360 

XXXII.  Anatomy  of  foot 400 

XXXIII.  Anatomy  of  foot 400 

XXXIV.  Anatomy  and  diseases  of  foot 400 

XXXV.  Sound  and  contriuted  feet 400 

XXX^T  Quarter  crack  and  remedies 432 

XXXVII.  Foundered  feet 432 

XXXVIII.  The  skin  and  its  diseases 458 

XXXIX.  Mites  that  infest  the  horse 480 

XL.  Glanders 544 

XLI.  Clandera 544 

XLII.  Glanders 544 

5 


6  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

TEXT   FIGURES. 

Page. 

Fig.    1.  Ground  surface  of  a  right  fore  hoof  of  the  "regular' '  form 590 

2.  Pair  of  fore  feet  of  regular  form  in  regular  standing  position .'*. ,  591 

3.  Pair  of  fore  feet  of  base-wide  form  in  toe-wide  standing  position 591 

4.  Pair  of  fore  feet  of  base-narrow  form  in  toe-narrow  standing  position . .  592 

5.  Side  vievr  of  an  acute-angled  fore  foot,  of  a  regidar  fore  foot,  and  of  a 

stumpy  fore  foot 592 

6.  Side  \dew  of  foot  with  the  foot-axis  broken  backward  as  a  result  of  too 

long  a  toe 595 

7.  Left  fore  hoof  of  a  regular  form,  shod  with  a  plain  fullered  shoe 599 

8.  Side  view  of  hoof  and  fullered  shoe 1 599 

9.  An  acute-angled  left  fore  hoof  shod  with  a  bar  shoe 601 

10.  A  fairly  formed  right  fore  ice  shoe  for  a  roadster 601 

11.  Left  fore  hoof  of  regular  form  shod  with  a  rubber  pad  and  "thi'ee- 

quarter ' '  shoe ; 602 

12.  A  narrow  right  fore  hoof  of  the  base-wide  standing  position  shod  with 

a  plain  ' '  dropped  crease ' '  shoe 602 

13.  Hoof  surface  of  a  right  hind  shoe  to  prevent  interfering 603 

14.  Ground  surface  of  shoe  shown  in  fig.  13 603 

15.  Side  view  of  a  fore  hoof  shod  so  as  to  quicken  the  'breaking  over"  in 

a  "forger" 604 

16.  Side  view  of  a  short-toed  hind  hoof  of  a  forger 004 

17.  A  toe-weight  shoe  to  increase  the  length  of  stride  of  fore  feet 605 

18.  Most  common  form  of  punched  heel-weight  shoe  to  induce  high  action 

in  fore  feet,  ..,.......,,.„,.  ..o  ,...,  =  ......,......  =  .o.  ,„  =  o  o..,  = ,  605 


SPECIAL  REPORT 

ON 

DISEASES  OF  THE  HORSE. 


THE  EXAMINATION  OF  A  SICK  HORSE. 

By  Leonabd  Peabson,  B.  S.,  V.  M.  D. 

In  the  examination  of  a  sick  horse  it  is  important  to  have  a  method 
or  system.  If  a  definite  phm  of  examination  is  followed  one  may  feel 
reasonably  sure,  when  the  examination  is  finished,  that  no  important 
point  has  l)een  overlooked  and  that  the  examiner  is  in  a  position  to 
arriAe  at  an  opinion  that  is  as  accurate  as  is  possible  for  him.  Of 
course,  an  experienced  eye  can  see,  and  a  trained  hand  can  feel,  slight 
alterations  or  variations  from  the  normal  that  are  not  perceptible  to 
the  unskilled  observer.  A  thorough  knowledge  of  the  conditions  that 
exist  in  health  is  of  the  highest  importance,  because  it  is  only  by  a 
knowledge  of  what  is  right  that  one  can  surely  detect  a  wrong  condi- 
tion. A  knowledge  of  anatomy,  or  of  the  structure  of  the  body, 
and  of  physiology,  or  the  functions  and  activities  of  the  body,  lie  at 
the  bottom  of  accuracy  of  diagnosis.  It  is  imj^ortant  to  remembei- 
that  animals  of  ditl'erent  races  or  families  deport  themselves  ilitFer- 
ently  under  the  influence  of  the  same  disease  or  pathological  prcx-ess. 
The  sensitive  and  highly  organized  thoroughbred  resists  cerebral 
depression  more  than  does  the  lymphatic  draft  horse.  Hence  a  de- 
gree of  fever  that  does  not  produce  marked  dullness  in  a  thorough- 
bred may  cause  the  most  al)ject  dejection  in  a  coarsely  bred,  heavy 
draft  horse.  This  and  similar  facts  are  of  vast  importance  in  the 
diagnosis  of  disease  and  in  the  recognition  of  its  significance. 

The  order  of  examination,  as  given  hereafter,  is  one  that  has  proved 
to  be  comparatively  easy  of  application  and  sufficiently  thorough  for 
the  purpose  of  the  readei*s-  of  this  work,  and  is  recommended  by 
several  writers. 


8  DISEASES   OP    THE   HOESE. 

HISTORY. 

It  is  important  to  know,  first  of  all,  something  of  the  origin  and 
development  of  the  disease ;  therefore  the  cause  should  be  looked  for. 
The  cause  of  a  disease  is  important,  not"  only  in  connection  witli  diag- 
nosis, but  also  in  connection  with  treatment.  The  character  of  feed 
that  the  hoi-se  has  had,  the  use  to  which  he  has  been  put,  and  the  kind 
of  care  he  has  received  should  all  be  closely  inquired  into.  It  may  be 
found  by  this  investigation  that  the  horse  has  been  fed  on  damaged 
feed,  such  as  brewers'  grains  or  moldy  silage,  and  this  may  be  suffi- 
cient to  explain  the  profound  depression  and  weakness  that  are  char- 
acteristic of  forage  poisoning.  If  it  is  learned  that  the  horse  has 
been  kept  in  the  stable  without  exercise  for  several  days  and  upon 
full  rations,  and  that  he  became  suddenly  lame  in  his  back  and  hind 
legs,  and  finally  fell  to  the  ground  from  what  appeared  to  be  partial 
paralysis,  this  knowledge,  taken  in  connection  with  a  few  evident 
symptoms,  will  be  enough  to  establish  a  diagnosis  of  azoturia  (excess 
of  nitrogen  in  the  urine).  If  it  is  learned  that  the  horse  has  been 
recently  shipped  in  the  cars  or  has  been  through  a  dealer's  stable, 
we  have  knowledge  of  significance  in  connection  with  the  causation 
of  a  possible  febrile  disease,  which  is,  under  these  conditions,  likely 
to  prove  to  be  influenza,  or  edematous  pneumonia. 

It  is  also  important  to  know  whether  the  particular  horse  under 
examination  is  the  only  one  in  the  stable,  or  on  the  premises,  that  is 
similarly  afflicted.  If  it  is  found  that  several  horses  are  afflicted 
much  in  the  same  way.  we  have  evidence  of  a  common  cause  of 
disease  which  maj^  prove  to  be  of  an  infectious  nature. 

Another  item  of  importance  in  connection  with  the  history  of  the 
case  relates  to  the  treatment  that  the  horse  may  have  had  before  he 
is  examined.  It  sometimes  happens  that  medicine  given  in  excessive 
quantities  produces  symptoms  resembling  those  of  disease,  so  it  is 
important  that  the  examiner  be  fully  informed  as  to  the  medication 
that  has  been  employed. 

ATTITUDE  AND  GENERAL  CONDITION. 

Before  beginning  the  special  examination,  attention  should  be 
paid  to  the  attitude  and  general  condition  of  the  animal.  Sometimes 
horses  assume  positions  that  are  characteristic  of  a  certain  disease. 
For  example,  in  tetanus  (lockjaw)  the  muscles  of  the  face,  neck,  and 
shoulders  are  stiff  and  rigid,  as  well  as  the  muscles  of  the  jaw. 
This  condition  produces  a  peculiar  attitude,  that  once  seen  is  subse- 
quently recognized  as  rather  characteristic  of  the  disease.  A  horse 
with  tetanus  stands  with  his  muscles  tense  and  his  legs  in  a  somewhat 
bracing  position,  as  though  he  were  gathered  to  repel  a  shock.  The 
neck  is  stiff  and  hard,  the  head  is  slightly  extended  upon  it,  and  the 


THE   EXAMINATION    OF   A   SICK    HORSE.  9 

face  is  drawn,  and  the  nostrils  are  dilatetl.  The  tail  is  usually  held 
up  a  little,  and  when  pressed  down  against  the  thighs  it  springs  back 
to  its  previous  position.  In  inflammation  of  the  thi'oat,  as  in  pharvn- 
golaryngitis,  the  head  is  extended  upon  the  neck  and  the  angle  be- 
tween the  jaw  and  the  lower  border  of  the  neck  is  opened  as  fai-  as 
possible  to  relieve  the  pressure  that  otherwise  would  fall  upon  the 
throat.  In  dumniiness,  or  immobility,  the  lianging  position  of  the 
head  and  the  stupid  expression  are  rather  characteristic.  In  pleurisy, 
peritonitis,  and  some  other  painful  diseases  of  the  internal  organs, 
the  rigid  position  of  the  body  denotes  an  effort  of  the  animal  to  avoid 
pressure  upon  and  to  protect  the  inflamed  sensitive  region. 

The  horse  may  be  down  in  the  stall  and  unable  to  rise.  This  condi- 
tion may  result  from  paraplegia  (paralysis),  from  azoturia,  from 
forage  poisoning,  from  tetanus,  or  from  painful  conditions  of  the 
bones  or  feet,  such  as  osteoporosis  or  founder.  Ikying  down  at 
unusual  times  or  in  Unusual  positions  may  indicate  disease.  The  first 
symptom  of  colic  may  be  a  desire  on  the  part  of  the  horse  to  lie  down 
at  an  unusual  or  inappropriate  time  or  place.  Sometimes  disinclina- 
tion to  lie  down  is  an  indication  of  disease.  "\Mien  there  is  diniculty 
in  breathing,  the  horse  knows  that  he  can  manage  himself  better 
upon  his  feet  than  upon  his  breast  or  his  side.  It  happens,  therefore, 
that  in  nearly  all  serious  diseases  of  the  respiratory  tract  he  stands 
persistently,  day  and  night,  until  recovery  has  commenced  and 
breathing  is  easier,  or  until  the  animal  falls  from  sheer  exhaustion. 
If  there  is  stiffness  and  soreness  of  the  muscles,  as  in  rheumatism, 
inflammation  of  the  muscles  from  overwork,  or  of  the  bones  in  osteo- 
porosis, or  of  the  feet  in  founder,  or  if  the  muscles  are  stiff  and  be- 
y(md  control  of  the  animal,  as  in  tetanus,  a  standing  position  is  main- 
tained, because  the  horse  seems  to  realize  that  when  he  lies  down  he 
will  be  unable  to  rise. 

Abnormal  attitudes  are  assumed  in  painful  diseases  of  the  diges- 
tive organs  (colic).  A  horse  with  colic  may  sit  upon  his  haunches, 
like  a  dog,  or  may  stand  upon  his  hind  feet  and  rest  upon  his  knees 
in  front,  or  he  may  endeavor  to  balance  himself  upon  his  back,  with 
all  four  feet  in  the  air.  These  positions  are  assumed  because  they 
give  relief  from  pain  by  lessening  pressure  or  tension  u]ion  the  sensi- 
tive structures. 

Under  the  general  condition  of  the  animal  it  is  necessary  to  observe 
the  condition  or  state  of  nutrition,  the  confonuation,  so  far  as  it  may 
indicate  the  constitution,  and  the  temperament.  By  observing  the 
condition  of  nutrition  one  may  be  able  to  detennine  to  a  certain  ex- 
tent the  effect  that  the  disease  has  already  had  upon  the  animal  and 
to  estimate  the  amount  of  strength  that  remains  and  that  will  be 
available  for  the  repair  of  the  diseased  tissues.  A  good  condition  of 
nutrition  is  shown  by  the  rotundity  of  the  body,  the  pliability  and 


10  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

softness  of  the  skin,  and  the  tone  of  the  hair.  If  the  subcutaneous  fat 
has  disappeared  and  the  muscles  are  wasted,  allowing  the  bony- 
prominences  to  stand  out;  if  the  skin  is  tight  and  inelastic  aad  the 
coat  dry  and  harsh,  we  have  evidence  of  a  low  state  of  nutrition. 
This  may  have  resulted  from  a  severe  and  long-continued  disease  or 
from  lack  of  proper  feed  and  care.  ^Vlien  an  animal  is  emaciated — 
that  is,  becomes  thin — there  is  first  a  loss  of  fat  and  later  the  muscles 
shrink.  By  observing  the  amount  of  shrinkage  in  the  muscles  one 
has  some  indication  as  to  the  duration  of  the  unfavorable  conditions 
under  which  the  animal  has  lived. 

By  constitution  we  understand  the  innate  ability  of  the  animal  to 
withstand  disease  or  unfavorable  conditions  of  life.  The  constitution 
depends  largely  upon  the  conformation.  The  type  of  construction 
that  usually  accompanies  the  best  constitution  is  deep,  broad  chest, 
allowing  plenty  of  room  for  the  lungs  and  heart,  indicating  that 
these  vital  organs  are  well  developed;  capacious  abdomen,  allowing 
sufficient  space  for  well-developed  organs  of  digestion;  the  loins 
should  be  short — that  is,  the  space  should  be  short  between  the  last 
rib  and  the  point  of  the  hip ;  the  head  and  neck  should  be  well  molded, 
without  superfluous  or  useless  tissue;  this  gives  a  clear-cut  throat. 
The  ears,  eyes,  and  face  should  have  an  expression  of  alertness  and 
good  breeding.  The  muscular  development  should  be  good;  the 
shoulders,  forearms,  croup,  and  thighs  must  have  the  appearance  of 
strength.  The  withers  are  sharp,  which  means  that  they  are  not 
loaded  with  useless,  superfluous  tissue ;  the  legs  are  straight  and  their 
axes  are  parallel ;  the  knees  and  hocks  are  low,  which  means  that  the 
forearms  and  thighs  are  long  and  the  cannons  relatively  short.  The 
cannons  are  broad  from  in  front  to  behind  and  relatively  thin  from 
side  to  side.  This  means  that  the  bony  and  tendinous  structures  of 
the  legs  are  well  developed  and  well  placed.  The  hoofs  are  compact, 
tense,  firm  structures,  and  their  soles  are  concave  and  frogs  large. 
Such  a  horse  is  likely  to  have  a  good  constitution  and  to  be  able  to 
resist  hard  work,  fatigue,  and  disease  to  a  maximum  degree.  On  the 
other  hand,  a  poor  constitution  is  indicated  by  a  shallow,  narrow 
chest,  small  bones,  long  loins,  coarse  neck  and  head,  with  thick  throat, 
small,  bony,  and  muscular  development,  short  thighs  and  forearms, 
small  joints,  long,  round  cannons,  and  hoofs  of  open  texture  with  flat 
soles. 

The  temperament  is  indicated  by  the  manner  in  which  the  horse 
responds  to  external  stimuli.  When  the  horse  is  spoken  to,  or  when 
he  sees  or  feels  anything  that  stimulates  or  gives  alarm,  if  he  re- 
sponds actively,  quickly,  and  intelligently,  he  is  said  to  be  of  lively, 
or  nervous,  temperament.  On  the  other  hand,  if  he  responds  in  a 
slow,  sluggish  manner,  he  is  said  to  have  a  sluggish,  or  lymphatic. 


THE   EXAMINATION    OF   A   SICK    HORSE.  11 

temperament.  The  temperament  is  indicated  by  the  gait,  by  tlie 
expression  of  the  face,  and  by  tlie  carriage  of  the  head  and  ears.  The 
nature  of  the  tempeiament  shoiihl  Ik*  taken  into  consick'iatiou  in  an 
endeavor  to  ascertain  the  severity  of  a  given  case  of  iUness,  because 
t!ie  general  expre.ssion  of  an  animal  in  disease  as  well  as  in  health  de- 
pends to  a  large  extent  on  the  temperament. 

THE  SKIN  AND  THE  VISIBLE  MUCOUS  MEMBRANES. 

The  condition  of  the  skin  is  a  fair  index  to  the  condition  of  the 
animal.  The  effect  of  disease  and  emaciation  upon  the  j)liability  of 
tlie  skin  have  been  refeiied  to  above.  Tliere  is  no  part  of  the  body 
that  loses  its  elasticity  and  tone  as  a  result  of  disease  sooner  than  the 
skin.  The  practical  herdsman  or  flockmaster  can  gain  a  great  (k*al  of 
information  as  to  the  condition  of  an  animal  mciely  by  grasping  the 
coat  and  looking  at  and  feeling  the  skin.  Similarly,  the  condition  of 
the  animal  is  shown  to  a  certain  extent  by  the  appearance  of  the 
muct>iis  membranes.  For  example,  wlien  the  hoi'se  is  anemic  as  a 
result  of  disease  or  of  inappropriate  feed  the  mucous  membranes 
become  pale.  This  change  in  the  mucous  membranes  can  be  seen  most 
readily  in  the  linhig  of  the  eyelids  and  in  the  lining  of  the  nostril. 
For  convenience  of  examination  the  eyelids  can  readily  be  everted. 
Paleness  means  weak  circulation  or  poor  blood.  Increased  redness 
occurs  physiologically  in  painful  c<mditions,  excitement,  and  follow- 
ing severe  exertion.  Under  such  conditions  the  increase  of  circula- 
tion is  transitory.  In  fevers  there  is  an  increased  redness  in  the 
mucous  membrane,  and  this  continues  so  long  as  the  fever  lasts.  In 
some  diseases  red  spots  or  streaks  form  in  the  mucous  membrane. 
This  usually  indicates  an  infectious  disease  of  considerable  severity, 
and  occurs  in  blood  poisoning,  puri)ura  hemorrhagica,  hemorrhagic 
septicemia,  and  in  urticaria.  When  the  liver  is  deranged  and  doe^; 
not  operate,  or  when  the  red-blood  corpuscles  are  broken  down,  as 
in  serious  cases  of  influenza,  there  is  a  yellowish  discoloration  of  the 
mucous  membrane.  The  mucous  membranes  become  bluish  or  blue 
when  the  blood  is  imperfectly  oxidized  and  contains  an  excess  of 
cail)on  dioxid.  This  condition  exists  in  any  serious  disease  of  the 
respiratory  tract,  as  pneumonia,  and  in  heart  failure. 

Tlie  temj)erature  of  tiie  skin  varies  with  the  tempeiature  of  the 
body.  If  there  is  fever  the  temperature  of  tlie  skin  is  likely  to  be 
increased.  Sometimes,  however,  as  a  result  of  poor  circulation  and 
irregular  distril>uti<>n  of  the  blood,  the  body  may  be  warmer  than 
nornud,  whik>  tiie  extremities  (the  legs  and  ears)  may  be  cold. 
Where  the  general  surface  of  the  body  becomes  cold  it  is  evident  that 
the  small  blood  vessels  in  the  skin  have  contracted  and  are  keeping 
tiie  blood  away,  as  during  a  chill,  or  that  tlu*  ln';ir<   is  weak  :ind  i- 


12  DISEASES   OP   THE    HOESE. 

unable  to  iDiimp  the  blood  to  the  surface,  and  that  the  animal  is  on 
the  verge  of  collapse. 

The  sldn  is  moist,  to  a  certain  degree,  at  all  times  in  a  healthy 
horse.  This  moisture  is  not  in  the  form  of  a  perceptible  sweat,  but  it 
is  enough  to  keep  the  skin  pliable  and  to  cause  the  hair  to  have  a 
soft,  healthy  feel.  In  some  chronic  diseased  conditions  and  in  fever, 
the  skin  becomes  dry.  In  this  case  the  hair  has  a  harsh  feel  that  is 
quite  different  from  the  condition  observed  in  health,  and  from  the 
fact  of  its  being  so  dry  the  individual  hairs  do  not  adhere  to  one 
another,  they  stand  apart,  and  the  animal  has  what  is  known  as 
"  a  staring  coat."  When,  during  a  fever,  sweating  occurs,  it  is 
usually  an  indication  that  the  crisis  is  passed.  Sometimes  sweating  is 
an  indication  of  pain.  A  horse  with  tetanus  or  azoturia  sweats  j)ro- 
fusely.  Horses  sweat  freely  when  there  is  a  serious  impediment  to 
respiration;  they  sweat  under  excitement,  and,  of  course,  from  the 
well-known  physiological  causes  of  heat  and  work.  Local  sweating, 
or  sweating  of  a  restricted  area  of  the  body,  denotes  some  kind  of 
nerve  interference. 

Swellings  of  the  skin  usually  come  from  wounds  or  other  external 
causes  and  have  no  special  connection  with  the  diagnosis  of  internal 
diseases.  There  are,  however,  a  number  of  conditions  in  which  the 
swelling  of  the  skin  is  a  symptom  of  a  derangement  of  some  other 
part  of  the  body.  For  example,  there  is  the  well-known  "  stocking," 
or  swelling  of  the  legs  about  the  fetlock  joints,  in  influenza.  There 
is  the  soft  swelling  of  the  hind  legs  that  occurs  so  often  in  draft 
horses  when  standing  still  and  that  comes  from  previous  inflamma- 
tion (lymphangitis)  or  from  insufficient  heart  power.  Dropsy,  or 
edema  of  the  skin,  may  occur  beneath  the  chest  or  abdomen  from 
heart  insufficiency  or  from  chronic  collection  of  fluid  in  the  chest  or 
abdomen  (hydrothorax,  ascites,  or  anemia).  In  anasarca  or  purpura 
hemorrhagica  large  soft  swellings  appear  on  any  part  of  the  skin, 
but  usually  on  the  legs,  side  of  the  body,  and  about  the  head. 

Gas  collects  under  the  skin  in  some  instances.  This  comes  from  a 
local  inoculation  with  an  organism  which  produces  a  fermentation 
beneath  the  sldn  and  causes  the  liberation  of  gas  which  inflates  the 
skin,  or  the  gas  may  be  air  that  enters  through  a  woimd  penetrating 
some  air-containing  organ,  as  the  lungs.  The  condition  here  de- 
scribed is  laiown  as  emphysema.  Emphysema  may  follow  the  frac- 
ture of  a  rib  when  the  end  of  a  bone  is  forced  inward  and  caused  to 
penetrate  the  lung,  or  it  may  occur  when,  as  a  result  of  an  ulcerat- 
ing process,  an  organ  containing  air  is  perforated.  This  accident  is 
more  common  in  cattle  than  it  is  in  horses.  Emphysema  is  recog- 
nized by  the  fact  that  the  swelling  that  it  causes  is  not  hot  or  sensi- 
tive on  pressure.  It  emits  a  peculiar  crackling  sound  when  it  is 
stroked  or  pressed  upon. 


THE   EXAMINATION    OF   A   SICK    HORSE.  13 

Wounds  of  the  skin  may  be  of  importance  in  the  diapiosis  of 
internal  disease.  Wounds  over  the  bony  prominence,  as  the  point 
of  the  hip,  the  point  of  the  shoulder,  and  the  greatest  convexity  of 
the  ribs,  occur  when  a  horse  is  unable  to  stand  for  a  long  time  and, 
through  continually  lying  upon  his  side,  has  shut  off  the  circulation 
to  the  portion  of  the  skin  that  covers  parts  of  the  body  that  carry 
the  greatest  weight,  and  in  this  way  has  caused  them  to  mortify. 
I^ittle,  round,  soft,  doughlike  swellings  occur  on  the  skin  and  may  be 
scattered  freely  over  the  surface  of  the  body  when  the  horse  is 
afflicted  with  urticaria.  Similar  eruptions,  but  distributed  less  gen- 
erally, about  the  size  of  a  silver  dollar,  may  occur  as  a  symptom  of 
dourine,  or  colt  distemper.  Hard  lumps,  from  which  radiate  welt- 
like swellings  of  the  lymphatics,  occur  in  glanders,  and  blisterlike 
eruptions  occur  around  the  mouth  and  pasterns  in  horsepox, 

THE  ORGANS  OF  CIRCULATION. 

The  first  item  in  this  portion  of  the  examination  consists  in  taking 
the  pulse.  The  pulse  may  be  counted  and  its  character  may  be  de- 
termined at  any  point  where  a  large  artery  occupies  a  situation 
close  to  the  skin  and  above  a  hard  tissue,  such  as  a  bone,  cartilage,  or 
tendon.  The  most  convenient  place  for  taking  the  pulse  of  the  horse 
is  at  the  jaw.  The  external  maxillary  artery  runs  from  between  the 
jaws,  around  the  lower  border  of  the  jawbone,  and  up  on  the  outside 
of  the  jawbone  to  the  face.  It  is  located  immediately  in  front  of  the 
heavy  muscles  of  the  cheek.  Its  throb  can  be  felt  most  distinctly 
just  before  it  turns  around  the  lower  border  of  the  jawbone.  The 
balls  of  the  first  and  second  or  of  the  second  and  third  fingers  should 
be  pressed  lightly  on  the  skin  over  this  artery  when  its  pulsations  are 
to  be  studied. 

The  normal  pulse  of  the  healthy  horse  varies  in  frequency  as 
follows : 

Stallion - 28  to  32  boats  per  nilmite. 

Cc'ldinf: 33  to  38  beats  per  inimite. 

Mnre 34  to  40  boats  por  niiiuito. 

Foal  2  to  3  years  old . 40  to  50  boats  por  niimite. 

Foal  6  to  12  months  old 45  to  60  bents  per  minute. 

Foal  2  to  4  weeks  old 70  to  90  boats  i)er  niiiuite. 

Tlie  pulse  is  accelerated  by  the  digestion  of  rich  food,  by  hot 
weather,  exercise,  excitement,  and  alarm.  It  is  slightly  more  rapid 
in  the  evening  than  it  is  in  the  morning.  Well-l)red  horses  have  a 
slightly  more  rapid  pulse  than  sluggish,  cold-blooded  horses.  The 
pulse  should  be  regular;  that  is,  the  .separate  beats  should  follow  each 
other  after  intervals  of  equal  length,  and  the  beats  should  be  of  equal 
fullness,  or  volume. 


14  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

In  disease,  the  pulse  may  become  slower  or  more  rapid  than  in 
health.  Slowing  of  the  pulse  may  be  caused  by  old  age,  great  ex- 
haustion, or  excessive  cold.  It  may  be  due  to  depression  of  the  cen- 
tral nervous  system,  as  in  dumminess,  or  be  the  result  of  the  admin- 
istration of  drugs,  such  as  digitalis  or  strophantus.  A  rapid  pulse 
is  almost  always  found  in  fever,  and  the  more  severe  the  infection 
and  the  weaker  the  heart  the  more  rapid  is  the  pulse.  Under  these 
conditions,  the  beats  may  rise  to  80,  90,  or  even  120  per  minute. 
When  the  pulse  is  above  100  per  minute  the  outlook  for  recovery  is 
not  promising,  and  especially  if  this  symptom  accompanies  high 
temperature  or  occurs  late  in  an  infectious  disease.  In  nearly  all  of 
the  diseases  of  the  heart  and  in  anemia,  the  pulse  becomes  rapid. 

The  pulse  is  irregular  in  diseases  of  the  heart,  and  especially  where 
the  valves  are  affected.  The  irregularity  may  consist  in  varying  inter- 
vals between  the  beats  or  the  dropping  of  one  or  more  beats  at  regu- 
lar or  irregular  intervals.  The  latter  condition  sometimes  occurs  in 
chronic  diseases  of  the  brain.  The  pulse  is  said  to  be  weak,  or  soft, 
when  the  beats  are  indistinct,  because  little  blood  is  forced  through 
the  artery  by  each  contraction  of  the  heart.  This  condition  occurs 
when  there  is  a  constriction  of  the  vessels  leading  from  the  heart  and 
it  occurs  in  certain  infectious  and  febrile  diseases,  and  is  an  indication 
of  heart  weakness. 

In  examining  the  heart  itself  it  is  necessary  to  recall  that  it  lies  in 
the  anterior  portion  of  the  chest  slightly  to  the  left  of  the  median  line 
and  that  it  extends  from  the  third  to  the  sixth  rib.  It  extends  almost 
to  the  breastbone,  and  a  little  more  than  half  of  the  distance  between 
the  breastbone  and  the  backbone.  In  contracting,  it  rotates  slightly 
on  its  axis,  so  that  the  point  of  the  heart,  which  lies  below,  is  pressed 
against  the  left  chest  wall  at  a  place  immediately  above  the  point  of 
the  elbow.  The  heart  has  in  it  four  chambers — ;two  in  the  left  and 
two  in  the  right  side.  The  upper  chamber  of  the  left  side  (left  auri- 
cle) receives  the  blood  as  it  comes  from  the  lungs,  passes  it  to  the 
lower  chamber  of  the  left  side  (left  ventricle) ,  and  from  here  it  is  sent 
with  great  force  (for  this  chamber  has  very  strong,  thick  walls) 
through  the  aorta  and  its  branches  (the  arteries)  to  all  parts  of  the 
body.  The  blood  returns  through  the  veins  to  the  upper  chamber  of 
the  right  side  (right  auricle) ,  passes  then  to  the  lower  chamber  of  the 
right  side  (right  ventricle),  and  from  this  chamber  is  forced  into  the 
lungs  to  be  oxidized.  The  openings  between  the  chambers  of  each 
side  and  into  the  aorta  are  guarded  by  valves. 

If  the  horse  is  not  too  fat,  one  may  feel  the  impact  of  the  apex  of 
the  heart  against  the  chest  wall  with  each  contraction  of  the  heart  by 
placing  the  hand  on  the  left  side  back  of  the  fifth  rib  and  above  the 
point  of  the  elbow.  The  thinner  and  the  better  bred  the  horse  is  the 
more  distinctly  this  impact  is  felt.    If  the  animal  is  excited,  or  if  he 


THE   EXAMINATION    OF   A   SICK    HORSE.  15 

has  just  been  exercised,  the  impact  is  stronger  than  when  the  horse  is 
at  rest.    If  the  horse  is  weak,  the  impact  is  reduced  in  force. 

The  oxamination  of  the  heart  with  the  ear  is  an  important  matter  in 
this  coimection.  Certain  sounds  arc  produced  by  eacli  contraction  of 
the  normal  heart.  It  is  customary  to  divide  these  into  two,  and  to 
call  them  the  first  and  second  sounds.  These  two  sounds  are  hear<l 
during  each  pulsation,  and  any  deviation  of  the  normal  indicates  some 
alteration  in  the  structure  or  the  functions  of  the  heart.  In  making 
lliis  examination,  one  may  apply  the  left  ear  over  tlie  heavy  muscles 
of  the  shoulder  back  of  the  shoulder  joint,  and  just  above  the  point  of 
the  elbow,  or,  if  the  sounds  are  not  heard  distinctly,  the  left  fore  leg 
may  bo  drawn  forward  by  an  assistant  and  the  right  ear  placed 
against  tlie  lower  portion  of  the  chest  wall  that  is  exposed  in  this 
manner. 

The  first  sound  of  the  heart  occurs  while  the  heart  muscle  is  con- 
tracting and  while  the  blood  is  being  forced  from  the  heart  and  the 
valves  are  rendered  taut  to  prevent  the  return  of  the  blood  from  the 
lower  to  the  upper  chambers.  The  second  sound  follows  quickly  after 
the  first  and  occurs  during  rebound  of  blood  in  the  arteries,  caus- 
ing pressure  in  the  aorta  and  tensions  of  the  valves  guarding  its  open- 
ing into  the  left  ventricle.  The  first  sound  is  of  a  high  pitch  and  is 
longer  and  more  distinct  than  the  second.  Under  the  influence  of 
disease  these  sounds  may  be  altered  in  various  ways.  It  is  not  profit- 
able, in  a  work  such  as  this,  to  describe  the  details  of  these  alterations. 
Those  who  are  interested  will  find  this  subject  fully  discussed  in  the 
veterinary  textbooks. 

TEMPERATURE. 

The  temperature  of  the  horse  is  determined  roughly  b}--  placing 
the  fingers  in  the  mouth  or  between  the  thighs  or  by  allowing  the 
horse  to  exhale  against  the  cheek  or  back  of  the  hand.  In  accurate 
examination,  however,  these  means  of  determining  temperature  are 
not  relied  upon,  but  recourse  is  had  to  the  use  of  the  thermometer. 
The  thermometer  used  for  taking  the  temperature  of  a  horse  is  a 
self-registering  clinical  thermometer,  similar  to  that  used  by  phy- 
sicians, but  larger,  being  from  5  to  G  inches  long.  The  temperature 
of  the  animal  is  measured  in  the  rectum. 

The  normal  temperature  of  the  horse  varies  somewhat  under  dif- 
ferent conditions.  It  is  higher  in  the  young  animal  than  in  the  old, 
and  is  higher  in  hot  weather  than  in  cokl.  The  weather  and  exei- 
cise  decidedly  influence  the  temperature  physiologically.  The  nor- 
mal temperature  varies  from  00..5''  to  101°  F.  If  the  temperature 
rises  to  10-2.5°  the  horse  is  said  to  have  a  low  fever;  if  the  temj)era- 
ture  reaches  104^  the  fever  is  moderate;  if  it  reaches  10G°  it  is  high. 


16  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

and  above  this  point  it  is  regarded  as  very  high.  In  some  diseases, 
such  as  tetanus  or  sunstroke,  the  temperature  goes  as  high  as  108°  or 
110°.  In  the  ordinary  infectious  diseases  it  does  not  often  exceed 
106°.  A  temperature  of  107.5°  and  above  is  very  dangerous  and  must 
be  reduced" promptly  if  the  horse  is  to  be  saved. 

THE  ORGANS  OF  RESPIRATION. 

In  examining  this  system  of  organs  and  their  functions  it  is  cus- 
tomary to  begin  by  noting  the  frequency  of  the  respiratory  move- 
ments. This  point  can  be  determined  by  observing  the  motions  of 
the  nostrils  or  of  the  flanks ;  on  a  cold  day  one  can  see  the  condensa- 
tion of  the  moisture  of  the  warm  air  as  it  comes  from  the  lungs.  The 
normal  rate  of  respiration  for  a  healthy  horse  at  rest  is  from  8  to  16 
per  minute.  The  rate  is  faster  in  young  animals  than  in  old,  and  is 
increased  by  work,  hot  weather,  overfilling  of  the  stomach,  preg- 
nancy, lying  upon  the  side,  etc.  Acceleration  of  the  respiratory  rate 
where  no  physiological  cause  operates  is  due  to  a  variety  of  condi- 
tions. Among  these  is  fever;  restricted  area  of  active  lung  tissue, 
from  filling  of  portions  of  the  lungs  with  inflanmiatory  exudate,  as 
in  pneumonia;  compression  of  the  lungs  or  loss  of  elasticity;  pain 
in  the  muscles  controlling  the  respiratory  movements;  excess  of 
carbon  dioxid  in  the  blood;  and  constriction  of  the  air  passages 
leading  to  the  lungs. 

Difficult  or  labored  respiration  is  known  as  dyspnea.  It  occurs 
when  it  is  difficult,  for  any  reason,  for  the  animal  to  obtain  the 
amount  of  oxygen  that  it  requires.  This  may  be  due  to  filling  of  the 
lungs,  as  in  pneumonia;  to  painful  movements  of  the  chest,  as  in 
rheumatism  or  pleurisy;  to  tumors  of  the  nose  and  paralysis  of  the 
throat,  swellings  of  the  throat,  foreign  bodies,  or  weakness  of  the 
respiratory  passages,  fluid  in  the  chest  cavity,  adhesions  between 
the  lungs  and  chest  walls,  loss  of  elasticity  of  the  lungs,  etc.  Where 
the  difficulty  is  great  the  accessory  muscles  of  respiration  are  brought 
into  play.  In  great  dyspnea  the  horse  stands  with  his  front  feet 
apart,  with  his  neck  straight  out,  and  his  head  extended  upon  his 
neck.  The  nostrils  are  widely  dilated,  the  face  has  an  anxious  ex- 
pression, the  eyeballs  protrude,  the  up-and-down  motion  of  the 
larnyx  is  aggravated,  the  amplitude  of  the  movement  of  the  chest 
walls  increased,  and  the  flanks  heave. 

The  expired  air  is  of  about  the  temperature  of  the  body.  It  con- 
tains considerable  moisture,  and  it  should  come  with  equal  force  from 
each  nostril  and  should  not  have  an  unpleasant  odor.  If  the  stream 
of  air  from  one  nostril  is  stronger  than  from  the  other,  there  is  an 
indication  of  an  obstruction  in  a  nasal  chamber.  If  the  air  possesses 
a  bad  odor,  it  is  usually  an  indication  of  putrefaction  of  a  tissue  or 


THE  EXAMINATION    OF   A   SICK   HORSE.  17 

secretion  in  some  part  of  the  respiratory  tract.  A  l)acl  odor  is  found 
where  there  is  necrosis  of  the  bone  in  the  nasal  passages  or  in  chronic 
catarrh.  An  ulcerating  tumor  of  the  nose  or  throat  may  cause  the 
breath  to  have  an  offensive  odor.  The  most  offensive  breath  occurs 
where  there  is  necrosis,  or  gangrene,  of  the  hmgs. 

In  some  diseases  there  is  a  discharge  from  the  nose.  In  oider  to 
determine  the  significance  of  the  discharge  it  should  be  examino<l 
closely.  One  should  ascertain  whether  it  comes  from  one  "or  both 
nostrils.  If  but  from  one  nostril,  it  probably  originates  in  the  head. 
The  color  should  be  noted.  A  thin,  waterv  discharge  may  be  com- 
posed of  serum,  and  it  occurs  in  the  earlier  stages  of  coryza,  or  nasid 
catarrh.  An  opalescent,  slightly  tinted  discharge  is  composed  of 
mucus  and  indicates  a  little  more  severe  irritation.  If  the  discharge 
is  sticky  and  puslike,  a  deeper  difficulty  or  more  advanced  irrita- 
tion is  indicated.  If  the  discharge  contains  flakes  and  clumps  of 
more  or  less  dried,  agglutinated  particles,  it  is  probable  that  it  origi- 
nates within  a  cavity  of  the  head,  as  the  sinuses  or  guttural  pouches. 
The  discharge  of  glanders  is  of  a  peculiar  sticky  nature  and  adheres 
tenaciously  to  the  wings  of  the  nostrils.  The  discharge  of  pneumonia 
is  of  a  somewhat  red  or  reddish  brown  color  and,  on  this  account, 
has  been  described  as  a  prime-juice  discharge.  The  discharge  may 
contain  blood.  If  the  blood  appears  as  clots  or  as  streaks  in  the  dis- 
charge, it  probably  originates  at  some  point  in  the  upper  part  of  the 
respiratory  tract.  If  the  blood  is  in  the  form  of  a  fine  froth,  it 
comes  from  the  lungs. 

In  examining  the  interior  of  the  nasal  passage  one  should  remem- 
ber that  the  normal  color  of  the  mucous  membrane  is  a  rosy  pink  and 
that  its  surface  is  smooth.  If  ulcers,  nodides,  swellings,  or  tinnors 
are  found,  these  indicate  disease.  The  ulcer  that  is  characteristic  of 
glanders  is  described  fully  in  connection  with  the  discussion  of  that 
disease. 

Between  the  lower  jaws  there  aie  several  clusters  of  lymphatic 
glands.  These  glands  are  so  small  and  so  soft  that  it  is  difUcult  to 
find  them  b}'  feeling  through  the  skin,  but  when  a  suppurative  dis- 
ease exists  in  the  upper  part  of  the  respiratory  tract  these  glands 
Ix'come  swollen  and  easy  to  feel.  They  may  become  soft  and  bjonlc 
down  and  discharge  as  abscesses;  this  is  seen  constantly  in  strangles. 
On  the  other  hand,  they  may  become  indurated  and  hard  from  the 
jiroliferation  of  connective  tissue  and  attach  themselves  to  the  jaw- 
bone, to  the  tongue,  or  to  the  skin.  This  is  seen  in  clironic  glandci-s. 
If  the  glands  are  swollen  and  tender  to  pressure,  it  indicates  that  the 
disease  causing  the  enlargement  is  acute;  if  they  are  hard  and  insen- 
sitive, the  disease  causing  the  enlargement  is  chronic. 
36444°— IG 2 


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20  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

THE  EXAMINATION  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  TRACT. 

The  first  point  in  connection  with  the  examination  of  the  organs  of 
digestion  is  the  appetite  and  the  manner  of  taking  food  and 'drink.  A 
healthy  animal  has  a  good  appetite.  Loss  of  appetite  does  not  point 
to  a  special  diseased  condition,  but  comes  from  a  variety  of  causes. 
Some  of  these  causes,  indeed,  may  be  looked  upon  as  being  physio- 
logical. Excitement,  strange  surroundings,  fatigue,  and  hot  weather 
may  all  cause  loss  of  appetite.  Where  there  is  cerebral  depression, 
fever,  profound  wealaiess,  disorder  of  the  stomach,  or  mechanical 
difficulty  in  chewing  or  swallowing,  the  appetite  is  diminished  or 
destroyed.  Sometimes  there  is  an  appetite  or  desire  to  eat  abnormal 
things,  such  as  dirty  bedding,  roots  of  grass,  soil,  etc.  This  desire 
usually  comes  from  a  chronic  disturbance  of  nutrition. 

Thirst  is  diminished  in  a  good  many  mild  diseases  unaccompanied 
by  distinct  fever.  It  is  seen  where  there  is  great  exhaustion  or  depres- 
sion or  profound  brain  disturbance.  Thirst  is  increased  after  pro- 
fuse sweating,  in  diabetes,  diarrhea,  in  fever,  at  the  crises  of  infec- 
tious diseases,  and  when  the  mouth  is  dry  and  hot. 

Some  diseases  of  the  mouth  or  throat  make  it  difficult  for  the 
horse  to  chew  or  swallow  his  feed.  T\Tiere  difficulty  in  this  respect 
is  experienced,  the  following-named  conditions  should  be  borne  in 
mind  and  carefully  looked  for:  Diseases  of  the  teeth,  consisting  in 
deca}^,  fracture,  abscess  formation,  or  overgrowth;  inflammatory 
conditions,  or  wounds  or  tumors  of  the  tongue,  cheeks,  or  lips; 
paralysis  of  the  muscles  of  chewing  or  swallowing;  foreign  bodies 
in  upper  part  of  the  mouth  between  the  molar  teeth;  inflammation 
of  throat.  Difficulty  in  swallowing  is  sometimes  shown  by  the  S3^mp- 
tom  known  as  "  quidding."  Quidding  consists  in  dropping  from  the 
mouth  well-chewed  and  insalivated  boluses  of  feed.  A  mouthful  of 
hay,  for  example,  after  being  gi'ound  and  masticated,  is  carried  to  the 
back  part  of  the  mouth.  The  horse  then  finds  that  from  tenderness 
of  the  throat,  or  from  some  other  cause,  swallowing  is  difficult  or 
painful,  and  the  bolus  is  then  dropped  from  the  mouth.  Another 
quantity  of  hay  is  similarly  prepared,  only  to  be  dropped  in  turn. 
Sometimes  quidding  is  due  to  a  painful  tooth,  the  bolus  being 
dropped  from  the  mouth  when  the  tooth  is  struck  and  during  the 
pang  that  follows.  Quidding  may  be  practiced  so  persistently  that 
a  considerable  pile  of  boluses  of  feed  accumulate  in  the  manger  or  on 
the  floor  of  the  stall.  In  pharyngitis  one  of  the  symptoms  is  a 
return  through  the  nose  of  fluid  that  the  horse  attempts  to  swallow. 

In  some  brain  diseases,  and  particularh'^  in  chronic  internal  hydro- 
cephalus, the  horse  has  a  most  peculiar  manner  of  swallowing  and 
of  taking  feed.  A  similar  condition  is  seen  in  hyperemia  of  the 
brain.     In  eating  the  horse  will  sink  his  muzzle  into  the  grain  in 


THE    EXAMINATION    OF   A   SICK    HORSE.  21 

the  feed  box  and  eat  for  a  Avhile  without  raising  the  head.  Long 
pauses  are  made  while  the  feed  is  in  the  mouth.  Sometimes  the 
horse  will  eat  very  rapidly  for  a  little  while  and  then  slowly;  the 
jaws  may  be  brought  together  so  forcibly  that  the  teetii  gnash.  In 
eating  hay  the  horse  will  stop  at  times  with  hay  protruding  from 
the  mouth  and  stand  stupidly,  as  though  he  has  forgotten  what  he 
was  about. 

In  examining  the  mouth  one  should  first  look  for  swellings  or  for 
evidence  of  abnormal  conditions  upon  the  exterior;  that  is,  the  front 
and  sides  of  the  face,  the  jaws,  and  about  the  muzzle.  By  this  means 
wounds,  fractures,  tumors,  abscesses,  and  disease  accompanied  by 
erui)tions  about  the  muzzle  may  be  detected.  The  interior  of  the 
mouth  is  examined  by  holding  the  head  up  and  inserting  the  fingers 
through  the  interdental  space  in  such  a  way  as  to  cause  the  mouth  to 
open.  The  mucous  membrane  should  be  clean  and  of  a  light-pink 
color,  excepting  on  the  back  of  the  tongue,  where  the  color  is  a  yel- 
lowish gi-ay.  As  abnormalities  of  this  region,  the  chief  are  diffuse 
inflammation,  characterized  by  redness  and  catarrhal  discharge; 
local  inflammation,  as  from  eruptions,  ulcers,  or  wounds;  necrosis 
of  the  lower  jawbone  in  front  of  the  first  back  tooth ;  and  swellings. 
Foreign  bodies  are  sometimes  found  embedded  in  the  mucous  mem- 
brane lining  of  the  mouth  or  lodged  between  the  teeth. 

The  examination  of  the  pharynx  and  of  the  esophagus  is  made 
chiefly  by  pressing  upon  the  skin  covering  the^e  organs  in  the  region 
of  the  throat  and  along  the  left  side  of  the  neck  in  the  jugular  gutter. 
Sometimes,  when  a  more  careful  examination  is  necessary,  an  esoph- 
ageal tube  or  probang  is  passed  through  the  nose  or  mouth  down  the 
esophagus  to  the  stomach. 

Vomiting  is  an  act  consisting  in  the  expulsion  of  all  or  part  of  the 
contents  of  the  stomach  through  the  mouth  or  nose.  This  act  is  more 
ditlicult  for  the  horse  than  for  most  of  the  other  domestic  animals, 
because  the  stomach  of  the  horse  is  small  and  does  not  lie  on  the  floor 
of  the  abdominal  cavity,  so  that  the  :ibdoniin:il  walls  in  contracting 
do  not  bring  pressure  to  bear  npon  it  so  directly  and  forcibly,  as  is 
the  case  in  many  other  animals.  Beside  this,  there  is  a  loose  fold  of 
nnu'ous  membrane  at  the  point  where  the  esophagus  enters  the  stoui- 
ach,  and  this  forms  a  sort  of  valve  which  docs  not  interfere  with  (he 
passage  of  food  into  the  stomach,  but  does  interfere  with  the  exit  of 
food  through  the  esophageal  ojiening.  Still,  vomitiug  is  a  symptom 
that  is  occasionally  seen  in  the  horse.  It  occurs  when  the  stomach  is 
very  much  distended  with  food  or  with  gas.  Distention  stretches  the 
mucous  membrane  and  eradicates  the  valvular  fold  referred  to,  and 
also  makes  it  jK)Ssiblc  for  more  pressure  to  be  exerted  upon  the  stom- 
ach through  the  contraction  of  the  abdominal  muscles.     Since  the 


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B*S«iA5yE^  OS'   TaS   HOiSt^. 


i«^j;>$>^iite5i  tkaJi  It  l)e*«is  tu>  <^'  the  sioiSMK'k  walk;.     Ttit:;;  has 

Ch-  --  '  •  -  ^  ^:iae  tiwkt  ~  '  ~  -  .        ■  v"^ 

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A:06ei- riiijptUiiv  ,**-     -  'v  ■  ^  ■■'_  ■-  ^^  --s,  'V- 

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th.  ^-    _    .  V>  ,  .  .. 

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tiiQii  ais©  occiaiFS  m  TiecaiBiiiis  irom  tfte  eocicraetkaa  oi  tJaie  abdKfWfidaal 

lank.  Oil  eitlaer  tine  ri^t  or  ieift  sa-de, 
ct-  _  -        -is  aetaT  be  iueard  titat  are  fcntowTa  as  peristaltic 

iar9-?t>?r:  ^     .          ,  ;ii^  a  littlie                 ^n  tlje 

ri_  sM,  di  the  fact  that  tike  iar^  intes- 

t:      ■  -            "^ -■•••-;'--^^     -;•--■  ^.s  is  always  an 

JL.  -  - -.  -    ^  -  ..:*alT^  o-f.tbe 

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.  :oii  oi  the  animal, 

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The  feces  ^-(Mr.  to»  a  certain  exteat.  tlae  thoro«^:iiEse6s  of  digesti^sn. 

s  ]?eeD.  "well  o^roBcmd,  aad  siijOiald.  im 
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of  the  orarans  of  the 

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24  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

irresponsive  to  external  stimuli.  Cerebral  depression  also  occurs  in 
the  severe  febrile  infections  diseases,  in  chronic  hydrocephalus,  in 
chronic  diseases  of  the  liver,  in  poisoning  with  a  narcotic  substance, 
and  with  chronic  catarrh  of  the  stomach  and  intestines. 

Fainting  is  a  symptom  that  is  not  often  seen  in  horses.  \'\lien  it 
occurs  it  is  shown  by  unsteadiness  of  gait,  tottering,  and,  finally,  in- 
ability to  stand.  The  cause  usually  lies  in  a  defect  of  the  small  brain, 
or  cerebellum.  This  defect  may  be  merely  in  respect  of  the  blood 
supply,  to  congestion,  or  to  anemia,  and  in  this  case  it  is  likely  to  pass 
away  and  may  never  return,  or  it  may  be  due  to  some  permanent 
cause,  as  a  tumor  or  an  abscess,  or  it  may  result  from  a  hemorrhage, 
from  a  defect  of  the  valves  of  the  heart,  or  from  poisoning. 

Loss  of  consciousness  is  known  as  coma.  It  is  caused  by  hemor- 
rhage in  the  brain,  by  profound  exhaustion,  or  may  result  from  a 
saturation  of  the  system  with  the  poison  of  some  disease.  Coma  may 
follow  upon  cerebral  depression,  which  occurs  as  a  secondary  state 
of  inflammation  of  the  brain. 

^Vliere  the  sensibility  of  a  part  is  increased  the  condition  is  laiown 
as  hyperesthesia,  and  where  it  is  lost — ^that  is,  where  there  is  no  feel- 
ing or  knowledge  of  pain — the  condition  is  known  as  anesthesia.  The 
former  usually  accompanies  some  chronic  disease  of  the  spinal  cord 
or  the  earlier  stages  of  irritation  of  a  nerve  trunk.  Hyperesthesia  is 
difficult  to  detect  in  a  nervous,  irritable  animal,  and  sometimes  even 
in  a  horse  of  less  sensitive  temperament.  An  irritable,  sensitive  spot 
may  be  found  surrounded  by  skin  that  is  not  sensitive  to  pressure. 
This  is  sometimes  a  symptom  of  beginning  of  inflammation  of  the 
brain.  Anesthesia  occurs  in  connection  with  cerebral  and  spinal 
paralj^sis,  section  of  a  nerve  trunk  leading  to  a  part,  in  severe  mental 
depression,  and  in  narcotic  poisoning. 

URINARY  AND  SEXUAL  ORGANS. 

In  considering  the  examination  of  the  urinaiy  and  sexual  organs 
we  may  consider,  at  the  beginning,  a  false  impression  that  prevails  to 
an  astonishing  extent.  Many  horsemen  are  in  the  habit  of  pressing 
upon  the  back  of  a  horse  over  the  loins  or  of  sliding  the  ends  of  the 
fingers  along  on  either  side  of  the  median  line  of  this  region.  If  the 
horse  depresses  his  back  it  is  at  once  said  "  his  kidneys  are  weak." 
Nothing  could  be  more  absurd  or  further  from  the  truth.  Any 
healthy  horse — any  horse  with  normal  sensation  and  with  a  normally 
flexible  back — will  cause  it  to  sink  when  manipulated  in  this  way.  If 
the  kidneys  are  inflamed  and  sensitive,  the  back  is  held  more  rigidly 
and  is  not  dej^ressed  under  this  pressure. 

To  examine  the  kidneys  by  pressure  the  pressure  should  be  brought 
to  bear  over  these  organs.     The  kidnevs  lie  beneath  the  ends  of  the 


THE   EXAMINATION    OF    A   SICK    HORSE.  25 

transverse  processes  of  the  vertebne  of  the  k)iiis  aiul  heneatli  the  hind- 
most ribs.  If  the  kidneys  are  actually  inflamed  and  especially  sensi- 
tive, pressure  or  light  blows  applied  here  may  cause  the  horse  to 
shrink. 

The  physical  examination  of  the  sexual  and  generative  organs  is 
made  in  large  part  through  the  rectum,  and  this  portion  of  the  exami- 
nation should  be  carried  out  by  a  veterinarian  only.  By  this  means 
it  is  possible  to  discover  or  locate  cysts  of  the  kidneys,  urinary 
calculi  in  the  ureters,  bladder,  or  ui)}>er  urethra,  malformations,  and 
acute  inflannnati(ms  acct>uipanied  by  pain.  The  external  genital 
organs  are  swollen,  discolored,  or  show  a  discharge  as  a  result  of 
local  disease  or  from  disease  higher  in  the  tract. 

The  manner  of  urinating  is  sometimes  of  considerable  diagnostic 
importance.  Painful  urination  is  shown  by  frequent  attempts,  dur- 
ing which  but  a  small  quantity  of  urine  is  passed;  by  groaning,  by 
constrained  attitude,  etc.  This  condition  comes  from  inflammation 
of  the  bladder  or  urethra,  urinary  calculi  (stones  of  the  l)lad(ler  or 
urethra),  hemorrhage,  tumors,  bruises,  etc.  The  urine  is  retained 
from  spasms  of  the  muscle  at  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  from  calculi, 
inflammatory  growths,  tumors,  and  paralysis  of  the  bladder. 

The  urine  dribbles  without  control  when  the  neck  of  the  bladder 
is  weakened  or  paralyzed.  This  condition  is  seen  after  the  bladder  is 
v\  eakened  from  long-continued  retention  and  where  there  is  a  partial 
I  ai-alysis  of  the  hind  quarters. 

Horses  usually  void  urine  five  to  sjeven  times  a  day,  and  pass  f lom  4 
to  7  quarts.  Disease  may  be  shown  by  increase  in  the  number  of 
voidings  or  of  the  (|uantity.  Frequent  urination  indicates  an  irritable 
or  painful  condition  of  the  bladder  or  urethra  or  that  the  <|uan- 
tity  is  excessive.  In  one  form  of  chronic  inflammation  of  the  kidneys 
(interstitial  nephritis)  and  in  j^olyuria  the  quantity  may  be  increased 
to  20  or  30  quarts  daily.  Diminution  in  the  quantity'  of  urine  comes 
from  profuse  sweating,  diarrhea,  high  fever,  weak  heart,  diseased  and 
uonsecreting  kidneys,  or  an  obstruction  to  the  flow. 

The  urine  of  the  healtln'  horse  is  a  pale  or  at  times  a  slightly  red- 
dish yellow.  The  color  is  less  intense  when  the  quantity  is  large,  and 
is  more  intense  when  the  quantity  is  diminished.  Daik-brown  urine 
is  seen  in  azoturia  and  in  severe  acute  muscular  rheumatism.  A 
brownish -green  color  is  seen  in  jaundice.  Red  color  indicates  admix- 
ture of  blood  from  a  bleeding  point  at  some  part  of  the  urinary  tract, 
usually  in  the  kidneys. 

The  urine  of  the  healthy  horse  is  not  clear  and  transparent.  It 
contains  mucus,  which  causes  it  to  bo  slightly  thick  and  string}*,  and 
a  certain  amount  of  undissolved  carbonates,  causing  it  to  be  cloudy, 
A  sediment  collects  when  the  urine  is  allowed  to  stand.  The  urine  of 
the  horse  is  normally  alkaline.    If  it  becomes  acid  the  bodies  in  sus- 


26  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

pension  are  dissolved  and  the  urine  is  made  clear.  The  urine  nuay  be 
unusually  cloudy  from  the  addition  of  abnormal  constituents,  but  to 
determine  their  character  a  chemical  or  microscopic  examirr^tion  is 
necessary.  Red  or  reddish  flakes  or  clumps  in  the  urine  are  always 
abnormal,  and  denote  a  hemorrhage  or  suppuration  in  the  urinary 
tract. 

The  normal  specific  gravity  of  the  urine  of  the  horse  is  about  1.040. 
It  is  increased  when  the  urine  is  scanty  and  decreased  when  the 
quantity  is  excessive. 

Acid  reaction  of  the  urine  occurs  in  chronic  intestinal  catarrh,  in 
high  fever,  and  during  starvation.  Chemical  and  microscopic  tests 
and  examinations  are  often  of  great  importance  in  diagnosis,  but 
require  special  apparatus  and  skill. 

Other  points  in  the  examination  of  a  sick  horse  require  more  discus- 
sion than  can  be  afforded  in  this  connection,  and  require  special  train- 
ing on  the  part  of  the  examiner.  Among  such  points  may  be  men- 
tioned the  examination  of  the  organs  of  special  sense,  the  examination 
of  the  blood,  the  microscopic  examination  of  the  secretions  and  excre- 
tions, bacteriological  examinations  of  the  secretions,  excretions,  and 
tissues,  specific  reaction  tests,  and  diagnostic  inoculation. 


FUNDAMENTAL  PRINCIPLES  OF  DISEASE. 

By  Rush  Shiimm;n  Hiidkkoi-kk,  .M.  I  >..  \'kt. 

[Revlsod  by  I Hi>nl  I'.iusDn,  1'..  S.,  V.  M.  !».] 

ANIMAL  TISSUES. 

Tho  nonprofessional  reader  may  repinl  the  animal  tissues,  which 
are  subject  to  inflanunation,  as  excessively  simple  structures,  as  simi- 
lar, simple,  and  fixed  in  their  organization  as  the  joists  and  boards 
■which  frame  a  house,  the  bricks  and  iron  coils  of  pipe  which  build  a 
furnace,  or  the  stones  and  mortar  which  make  the  support  of  a  great 
railroad  bridge.  Yet  while  the  principles  of  structure  are  thus  sim- 
ple, for  the  general  understanding  by  the  student  who  begins  their 
study  the  complete  appreciation  of  the  shades  of  variation,  which 
differentiate  one  tissue  from  another,  which  define  a  sound  tendon  or 
a  ligament  from  a  fibrous  band — the  result  of  disease  filling  in  an  old 
lesion  and  tying  one  organ  with  another — is  as  complicated  as  the 
nicest  jointing  of  Chinese  woodwork,  the  building  of  a  furnace  for 
the  most  difficult  chemical  analysis,  or  the  construction  of  a  bridge 
which  Avill  stand  for  ages  and  resist  any  force  or  weight. 

All  tissues  are  composed  of  certain  fundamental  and  similar  ele- 
ments which  are  governed  by  the  same  rules  of  life,  though  at  fii-st 
glance  they  may  appear  to  be  widely  different.  These  are  (a)  amor- 
phous substances,  (b)  fibers,  and  (r)  cells. 

(a)  Amorphous  substances  may  be  in  licjuid  form,  as  in  the  fluid 
of  the  blood,  which  holds  a  vast  amount  of  salts  and  nutritive  matter 
in  solution;  or  they  may  be  in  a  semilicjuid  condition,  as  the  plasnui 
which  intiltrates  the  loose  meshes  of  connecti\e  tissue  and  lubricates 
the  surface  of  some  membranes;  or  they  may  be  in  the  form  of  a  glue 
or  cement,  fastening  one  structure  to  another,  as  a  tendon  or  nuiscle 
end  to  a  Ijone;  or,  again,  they  hold  similar  elements  firmly  together, 
as  in  bone,  where  they  form  a  still"  matrix  wlijcli  becomes  impreg- 
nated with  lime  siilts.  Amori)hous  substances,  again,  form  the  pro- 
toplasm or  nutritive  element  of  cells  or  the  elements  of  life. 

(b)  Fibei's  are  formed  of  elements  of  organic  matter  which  have 
only  a  passive  function.  They  can  be  assimilated  to  little  strings,  or 
cords,  tangled  one  with  another  like  a  mass  of  waste  yarn,  woven 
regularly  like  a  cloth,  or  bound  together  like  a  rope.    They  are  of  two 


28  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

kinds — white  connective  tissue  fibers,  only  slightly  extensible,  pliable, 
and  very  strong,  and  yellow  elastic  fibers,  elastic,  curly,  ramified,  and 
very  dense.  These  fibers  once  created  require  the  constant  presence 
of  fluids  around  them  in  order  to  retain  their  functional  condition,  as 
a  piece  of  harness  leather  demands  continual  oiling  to  keep  its 
strength,  but  they  undergo  no  change  or  alteration  in  their  form 
until  destroyed  by  death. 

(c)  Cells,  which  may  even  be  regarded  as  low  forms  of  lifej  are 
masses  of  protoplasm  or  amorphous  living  matter,  with  a  nucleus 
and  frequently  a  nucleolus,  which  are  capable  of  assimilating  nutri- 
ment or  food,  propagating  themselves  either  into  others  of  the  same 
form  or  into  fixed  cells  of  another  outward  appearance  and  differ- 
ent function  but  of  the  same  constitution.  It  is  simply  in  the  mode 
of  the  grouping  of  these  elements  that  we  have  the  variation  in  tis- 
sues, as  (1)  loose  connective  tissue,  (2)  aponeurosis  and  tendons, 
(3)  muscles,  (4)  cartilage,  (5)  bones,  (6)  epithelia  and  endothelia, 
(7)  nerves. 

(1)  Loose  connective  tissue  forms  the  great  framework,  or  scaf- 
folding, of  the  body,  and  is  found  under  the  skin,  between  the 
muscles  surrounding  the  bones  and  blood  vessels,  and  entering  into 
the  structures  of  almost  all  the  organs.  In  this  the  fibers  are  loosely 
meshed  together  like  a  sponge,  leaving  spaces  in  which  the  nutrient 
fluid  and  cells  are  irregiTlarly  distributed.  This  tissue  we  find  in  the 
skin,  in  the  spaces  between  the  organs  of  the  body  where  fat  accumu- 
lates, and  as  the  framework  of  all  glands. 

(2)  Aponeurosis  and  tendons  are  structures  which  serve  for  the  . 
termination  of  muscles  and  for  their  contention,  and  for  the  attach- 
ment of  bones  together.    In  these  the  fibers  are  more  frequent  and 
dense,  and  are  arranged  with  regularity,  either  crossing  each  other  or 
lying  parallel,  and  here  the  cells  are  found  in  minimum  quantity. 

(3)  In  the  muscles  the  cells  lie  end  to  end,  forming  long  fibers 
which  have  the  power  of  contraction,  and  the  connective  tissue  is  in 
small  quantity,  serving  the  passive  purpose  of  a  band  around  the  con- 
tractile elements. 

(4)  In  cartilage  a  mass  of  firm  amorphous  substance,  with  no  vas- 
cularity and  little  vitality,  forms  the  bed  for  the  chondroplasts,  or 
cells  of  this  tissue. 

(5)  Bone  differs  from  the  above  in  having  the  amorphous  matter 
impregnated  with  lime  salts,  which  gives  it  its  rigidity  and  firmness. 

(6)  Epithelia  and  endothelia,  or  the  membranes  which  cover  the 
body  and  line  all  its  cavities  and  glands,  are  made  up  of  single  or 
stratified  and  multiple  layers  of  cells  bound  together  by  a  glue  of 
amorphous  substance  and  resting  on   a  layer  composed  of  fibers. 


FUNDAMENTAL   PRINCIPLES   OF    DISEASE.  29 

"When  the  monibiaiio  serves  for  secreting  or  excietinn;  purposes,  fis 
ill  the  salivary  ghiiids  or  the  kidneys,  it  is  usually  simple;  when  it 
serves  the  niedianic-al  purj^ose  of  pi-oteeting  a  part,  as  over  the  tongue 
or  skin,  it  is  invariably  multiple  and  stratilied,  the  surface  wearing 
away  while  new  cells  replace  it  from  beneath. 

(7)  In  nerves,  stellate  cells  are  connected  by  their  rays  to  each 
other,  or  to  fibers  which  conduct  the  nerve  impressions,  or  they  act 
as  receptacles,  storehouses,  and  transmitters  for  them,  as  the  switch- 
board of  a  telephone  system  serves  to  connect  the  various  wires. 

All  these  tissues  arc  supplied  with  blood  in  greater  or  less  quan- 
tity. The  vascularity  depends  upon  the  function  which  the  tissue  is 
called  upon  to  perform.  If  this  is  great,  as  in  the  tongue,  the  lungs, 
or  the  sensitive  part  of  the  hoof,  a  large  quantit}'  of  blood  is  re<iuired ; 
if  the  labor  is  a  passive  one,  as  in  cartilage,  the  membrane  over  the 
withers,  or  the  tendons  of  the  legs,  the  vessels  only  reach  the  ])eriph- 
ery,  and  nutrition  is  furnished  b}'  imbibition  of  the  fluids  brought  to 
their  surface  by  the  blood  vessels. 

Blood  is  brought  to  the  tissues  by  arterioles,  or  the  small  termina- 
tions of  the  arteries,  and  is  carried  oil  from  them  by  the  veinlets,  or 
the  commencement  of  the  veins.  Between  these  two  systems  are 
small,  delicate  networks  of  vessels  called  capillaries,  which  subdivide 
into  a  veritable  lacework  so  as  to  reach  the  neighborhood  of  every 
element. 

In  health  the  blood  passes  through  these  capillaries  with  a  regular 
current,  the  red  cells  or  corpuscles  floating  rapidh^  in  the  fluid  in  the 
center  of  the  channel,  while  the  white  or  ameboid  cells  are  attracted 
to  the  walls  of  the  vessels  and  move  very  slowly.  The  supply  of 
blood  is  regulated  by  the  condition  of  repose  or  activity  of  the  tissue, 
and  under  normal  conditions  the  outflow  exactly  compensates  the  sup- 
ply. The  caliber  of  the  blood  vessels,  and  consequently  the  (piantity 
of  blood  which  they  carry,  is  governed  by  nerves  of  the  sympathetic 
system  in  a  healthy  body  with  unerring  regularity,  but  in  a  diseased 
organ  the  flow  may  cease  or  be  greatly  augmented.  In  health  a  tissue 
or  organ  receives  its  proper  quantity  of  blood:  the  nutritive  elements 
are  extracted  for  the  support  of  the  tissue  and  for  the  product,  which 
the  function  of  the  organ  forms.  The  force  re(iuired  in  the  achieve- 
ment of  this  is  furnished  by  combustion  of  the  hydrocarbons  and 
oxygen  brought  by  the  arterial  blood,  then  by  the  veins  this  same 
fluid  passes  off,  less  its  oxygen,  loaded  with  the  waste  products,  which 
aie  the  result  of  the  worn-out  and  disintegrated  tissues,  and  of  those 
which  have  undergone  combustion.  The  foregoing  brief  outline  indi- 
cates the  process  of  nutrition  of  the  tissues. 

Ilyjiernutrition,  or  excessive  nutrition  of  a  tissue,  may  bo  normal 
or  morbid.    If  the  latter,  the  tissue  becomes  congested  or  inflamed. 


30  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

CONGESTION. 

Congestion  is  an  unnatural  accumulation  of  blood  in  a^part.  Ex- 
cessive accumulation  of  blood  may  be  nomial,  as  in  blushing  or  in 
the  red  face  which  temporarily  follows  a  violent  muscular  effort,  or, 
as  in  the  stomach  or  liver  during  digestion,  or  in  the  lungs  after 
severe  work,  from  which,  in  the  latter  case,  it  is  shortly  relieved  by  a 
little  rapid  breathing.  The  term  congestion,  however,  usually  indi- 
cates a  morbid  condition,  with  more  or  less  lasting  effects.  Congestion 
is  active  or  passive.  The  former  is  produced  by  an  increased  supply 
of  blood  to  the  part,  the  latter  by  an  obstacle  preventing  the  escape 
of  blood  from  the  tissue.  In  either  case  there  is  an  increased  sup- 
ply of  blood,  and  as  a  result  increased  combustion  and  augmented 
nutrition. 

ACTIVE    CONGESTION. 

Active  congestion  is  caused  by — 

(1)  Functional  activity. — Any  organ  which  is  constantly  or  exces- 
sivel}^  used  is  habituated  to  hold  an  unusual  quantity  of  blood; 
the  vessels  become  dilated:  if  overstrained  the  walls  become  weak- 
ened, lose  their  elasticity,  and  any  sudden  additional  quantity  of 
blood  engorges  the  tissues  so  that  they  can  not  contract,  and  conges- 
tion results.  Example :  The  lungs  of  a  race  horse,  after  an  unusual 
burst  of  speed  or  severe  work,  in  damp  weather. 

(2)  Irritants. — Heat  and  cold,  chemical  or  mechanical.  Any  of 
these,  by  threatening  the  vitality  of  a  tissue,  induce  immediately  an 
augmented  Aoav  of  blood  to  the  part  to  furnish  the  means  of  repair — a 
hot  iron,  frostbites,  acids,  or  a  blow. 

(3)  Nerve  influence. — This  may  produce  congestion  either  by  act- 
ing on  the  part  refiexly  or  as  the  result  of  some  central  nerve  dis- 
turbance affecting  the  branch  which  supplies  a  given  organ. 

(4)  Plethora  and  sanguinary  temperament. — Full-blooded  animals 
are  much  more  predisposed  to  congestive  diseases  than  those  of  a 
lymphatic  character  or  those  in  an  anemic  condition.  The  circula- 
tion in  them  is  forced  to  all  parts  with  much  greater  force  and  in 
large  quantities.  A  well-bred,  full-blooded  horse  is  much  more  sub- 
ject to  congestive  diseases  than  a  common,  coarse,  or  old,  worn-out 
animal. 

(5)  Fevers. — In  fever  the  heart  works  more  actively  and  forces  the 
current  of  blood  more  rapidly:  the  tissues  are  weakened,  and  it 
requires  but  a  slight  local  cause  at  an}''  pa^t  to  congest  the  structures 
already  overloaded  with  blood.  Again,  in  certain  fevers,  we  find 
alteration  of  the  blood  itself,  rendering  it  less  or  more  fluid,  which 
interferes  with  its  free  passage  through  tlie  vessels  and  induces  a 
local  predisposition  to  congestion. 


FUNDAMENTAL   PRINCIPLES   OF    DISEASE.  31 

(G)  Wai^ni  climate  ami  su/nnwr  h-eat. — Warmth  of  tlie  atmosphere 
relaxes  the  tissues;  it  demands  of  the  animals  less  blood  to  keep  up 
their  own  body  temperature,  and  the  extra  quantity  accumulates  in 
the  blood-vessel  system.  It  causes  sluggishness  in  the  performance 
of  the  organic  functions,  and  in  this  way  it  induces  congestion, 
especially  of  the  internal  organs.  So  we  find  founders,  congestive 
colics,  and  staggers  more  frequent  in  summer  than  in  winter. 

(7)  Previous  coiujestion. — Whether  the  previous  congestion  of  any 
organ  has  been  a  continuous  normal  one — that  is,  a  repeated  func- 
tional activity — or  has  been  a  morbid  temjiorary  overloading,  it 
always  leaves  the  walls  of  the  vessels  weakened  and  more  predisposed 
to  recurrent  attacks  from  accidental  causes  than  are  perfectly  healthy 
tissues.  Thus  a  horse  which  has  had  a  congestion  of  the  lungs  from 
a  severe  drive  is  liable  to  have  another  attack  from  even  a  lesser  cause. 

The  alterations  of  congestion  are  distention  of  the  blood  vessels, 
accumulation  of  the  cellular  elements  of  the  blood  in  them,  and  effu- 
sion of  a  portion  of  the  liquid  of  the  blood  into  the  fibrous  tissues 
which  surround  the  vessels.  When  the  changes  produced  by  conges- 
tion are  visible,  as  in  the  eye,  the  nostril,  the  mouth,  the  genital 
organs,  and  on  the  surface  of  the  bod}^  in  white  or  unpigmented  ani- 
mals, the  part  appears  red  from  the  increase  of  blood;  it  becomes 
swollen  from  the  effusion  of  liquid  into  the  spongelike  connective 
tissues;  it  is  at  times  more  or  less  hot  fi'om  the  increased  combustion; 
the  pai-t  is  frequently  painful  to  the  animal  f lom  pressure  of  the  effu- 
sion on  the  nerves,  and  the  function  of  the  tissue  is  interfered  with. 
The  secretion  or  excretion  of  glands  may  be  augmented  or  dimin- 
ished. Muscles  may  be  affected  with  spasms  or  may  be  unable  to  con- 
tract. The  eyes  and  ears  may  be  affected  with  imaginary  sights  and 
sounds. 

PASSIVE    CONGESTION. 

Passive  congestion  is  caused  by  interference  with  the  return  of  the 
current  of  blood  from  a  paii. 

Old  age  and  debility  weaken  the  tissues  and  the  force  of  the  circu- 
lation, especially  in  the  veins,  and  retard  the  movement  of  the  blood. 
We  then  see  horses  of  this  class  with  stocked  legs,  swelling  of  the 
slieath  of  the  penis  or  of  the  milk  glands,  and  of  the  under  surface  of 
the  belly.  We  find  them  also  with  effusions  of  the  liquid  parts  of  the 
blood  into  the  lymph  spaces  of  the  posterior  extremities  and  organs 
of  the  pelvic  cavity. 

Tumors  or  other  mechanical  obstructions,  by  pressing  (m  the  veins, 
retard  the  flow  of  blood  and  cause  it  to  back  \\\)  m  distal  i):nts  of  the 
body  causing  passive  congestion. 

The  alterations  of  pas.sive  congestion,  as  in  active  congestion,  con- 
sist of  an  increased  quantity  of  blood  in  the  vessels  and  an  exudation 


32  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

of  its  fluid  into  the  tissues  surrounding  them,  but  in  passive  conges- 
tion we  have  a  dark,  thick  blood  which  has  lost  its  oxygen,  instead  of 
the  rich,  combustible  blood  rich  in  oxygen  which  is  found  in  active 
congestion. 

The  termination  of  congestion  is  by  resolution  or  inflammation.  In 
the  first  case,  the  choked-up  blood  vessels  find  an  outlet  for  the  exces- 
sive quantity  of  blood  and  are  relieved ;  the  transuded  serum  or  fluid 
of  the  blood  is  reabsorbed,  and  the  part  returns  almost  to  its  normal 
condition,  with,  however,  a  tendency  to  weakness  predisposing  to 
future  trouble  of  the  same  kind.  In  the  other  case  further  altera- 
tions take  place,  and  we  have  inflammation. 

INFLAMMATION. 

(Plates  I  and  II.) 

Inflammation  is  a  hypernutrition  of  a  tissue.  It  is  described  by 
Dr.  Agnew,  the  surgeon,  as  "  a  double-edged  sword,  cutting  either 
way  for  good  or  for  evil."  The  increased  nutrition  may  be  moderate 
and  cause  a  growth  of  new  tissue,  a  simple  increase  of  quantity  at 
first;  or  it  may  produce  a  new  growth  differing  in  quality;  or  it  may 
be  so  great  that,  like  luxuriant,  overgrown  weeds,  the  elements  die 
from  their  very  haste  of  growth,  and  we  have  immediate  destruction 
of  the  part.  According  to  the  rapidity  and  intensity  of  the  process 
of  structural  changes  which  takes  place  in  an  inflamed  tissue,  inflam- 
mation is  described  as  acute  or  chronic,  with  a  vast  number  of  inter- 
mediate forms.  When  the  phenomena  are  marked  it  is  termed 
sthenic ;  when  less  distinct,  as  the  result  of  a  broken-down  and  feeble 
constitution  in  the  animal,  it  is  called  asthenic.  Certain  inflamma- 
tions are  specific,  as  in  strangles,  the  horsepox,  glanders,  etc.,  where  a 
characteristic  or  specific  cause  or  condition  is  added  to  the  origin, 
character  of  phenomena,  or  alterations  which  result  from  an  ordinary 
inflammation.  An  inflammation  may  be  circumscribed  or  limited, 
as  in  the  abscess  on  the  neck  caused  by  the  pressure  of  a  collar,  in 
pneumonia,  in  glanders,  in  the  small  tumors  of  a  splint  or  a  jack;  or 
it  may  be  diffuse,  as  in  severe  fistulas  of  the  withers,  in  an  extensive 
lung  fever,  in  the  legs  in  a  case  of  grease,  or  in  the  spavins  which 
affect  horses  with  poorly  nourished  bones.  The  causes  of  inflamma- 
tion are  practically  the  same  as  those  of  congestion,  which  is  the 
initial  step  of  all  inflammation. 

The  temperament  of  a  horse  predisposes  the  animal  to  inflamma- 
tion of  certain  organs.  A  full-blooded  animal,  whose  veins  show  on 
the  surface  of  the  body,  and  which  has  a  strong,  bounding  heart 
pumping  large  quantities  of  blood  into  the  vascular  organs  like  the 
lungs,  the  intestines,  and  the  laminae  of  the  feet,  is  more  liable  to  have 
pneumonia,  congestive  colics,  and  founder,  than  lymphatic,  cold- 
blooded animals  which  have  pleurisies,  inflammation  of  the  bones, 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horr- 


M..i,..-«  ..I'.  '     \i;l-->« 


I'I..VII-.     I. 


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.'-'  Inntiniftl  fiiit/  /»/■  l/i>-  hill 


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U.  S.  Dept.  cf  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


Fi^A.rrhz    II. 


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nith  n-l  iriii/   w/ii/r  r/ir/tusc/r.f;  0,/'.  ''■ihifirioiis  riir\r  (U>r"  .  r,i'ii/jij/iiri-    '/  i/ , 
/Jnr/:-l,f,ri{ffrf/  /urrr   fihn' ;  f  r,  r„itnfrtivc   ti.^siie   n-ith    roii/irrfiyr   //.■.:■.//' 
vnr/HtsUes  (iiirl  trii.,r,r\tcs  s,rtiO-ri'i    .'.y/iinsrly   t/trniir/h     if. 


-/fi/7////ii</  f/i,sin/rry  or  l/ir  /'run,  I'll)  ,/i,,inetrrs,  n-ff/fCfc/  ■";•.  n ,  hj'i /iii/, 
/il/,-i/  nit/i  r,  t!  ,in,/  n/ii/r  •■„r/>i/.T/,\-,-;  fji,-  r;/l  i/i  f/ir  rr/ifrf  ii/iif  'h.  •.■iiil 
'X.n.iir,.,  ,,ti./,./  Ijir  f.iu'L-;-  r.,-,  r,tf,i/l,ir\  ,//.•.•  frri,i,;f  wH/i  n,/  utitl  wliit,  r,-, 
7>risrl,:-\  iiiimln-r  ff'thr  w/ii/r  tnnr/i  f/fcnt/S't/ .■  t/.if  Coii/n'Ciixi-  tissur-  /irfu,,- 
vr/tnh  aiifl  r/,/,i7/,iry  />//,//  uvV//  iiiii/rii/i,/  litiiiirvtrs ,  r  r Cr>nit'-c/tvf  /.■<.<ii, 
i\-i7/i  Irss  infi/frnfinri  ;  f;  l/nrl;  -fn'i  i/tr,  li  /i-rti^  /^/i/f  :  //,  Xi///i/rr  ,,,//.•//,- /-/ 
m   ../n'l/Z/s  i/iirrri.-i'f/ 


IXFI.AM  MA  11  ON 


FUNDAMENTAL   PRINCIPLES   OF    DISEASE.  33 

spavins,  ringbones,  inrtanunation  of  the  glaiuls  of  the  less  vascular 
skin  of  the  extremities,  greasy  heels,  thrush,  etc. 

Young  horses  have  inflammation  of  the  membranes  lining  the  air 
passages  and  digestive  tract,  while  older  animals  aie  more  subject  to 
troubles  in  the  closed  serous  sacs  and  in  the  bones. 

The  "work  to  which  a  horse  is  put  (saddle  or  harness,  speed  or 
draft)  will  influence  the  predisposition  of  an  animal  to  inflammatory 
diseases.  As  in  congestion,  the  functional  actixity  of  a  part  is  an 
important  factor  in  localizing  this  form  of  disease.  Given  a  group 
of  horses  exposed  to  the  same  draft  of  cold  air  or  other  exciting 
cause  of  inflammation,  the  one  which  has  just  been  eating  will  be  at- 
tacked with  an  inflammation  of  the  bowels;  the  one  that  has  just 
l)eon  working  so  as  to  increase  its  respiration  will  have  an  inflamma- 
tion of  the  throat,  bronchi,  or  lungs;  the  one  that  has  just  been  using 
its  feet  excessively  will  have  a  founder  or  inflammation  of  the  laminaj 
of  the  feet. 

The  direct  cause  of  inflammation  is  usually  an  irritant  of  some 
form.  This  may  be  a  pathogenic  organism — a  disease  germ — or  it 
may  be  mechanical  or  chemical,  external  or  internal.  Cuts,  bruises, 
injuries  of  any  kind,  parasites,  acids,  blisters,  heat,  cold,  secretions, 
such  as  an  excess  of  tears  over  the  cheek  or  urine  on  the  legs,  all 
causi'  inflammation  by  direct  injury  to  the  part.  Strains  or  wrenches 
of  joints,  ligaments,  and  tendons  cause  trouble  by  laceration,  of  the 
tissue. 

Inflammations  of  the  internal  organs  arc  caused  b}'^  irritants  as 
above,  and  by  sudden  cooling  of  the  surface  of  the  animal,  which 
drives  the  blood  to  that  organ  which  at  the  moment  is  most  actively 
supplied  with  blood.  This  is  called  repercussion.  A  horse  which 
has  been  worked  at  speed  and  is  breathing  rapidly  is  liable  to  have 
pneumonia  if  suddenly  chilled,  while  an  animal  which  has  just  been 
fed  is  more  liable  to  have  a  congestive  colic  if  exposed  to  the  same 
infliience,  the  blood  in  this  case  being  driven  from  the  exterior  to  the 
intestines,  while  in  the  former  it  was  driven  to  the  lungs. 

Si/mpfomJi. — The  symptoms  of  inflammation  are,  as  in  congestion, 
change  of  color,  due  to  an  increased  supply  of  blood ;  swelling,  from 
the  same  cause,  with  the  addition  of  an  effusion  into  the  surrounding 
tissues;  heat,  owing  to  the  increased  combusti(m  in  the  part;  pain, 
due  to  pressure  on  the  nerves,  and  altered  function.  This  latter  may 
be  augmented  or  diminished,  or  first  one  and  then  the  other.  In 
addition  to  the  local  symptoms,  inflammation  always  produces  more 
or  less  constitutional  disturbance  or  fever.  A  splint  or  small  spavin 
will  cause  so  little  fever  that  it  is  not  appreciable,  while  a  severe 
spavin,  an  inflamed  joint,  or  a  pneumonia  may  give  rise  to  a  marked 
fever. 

36444°— IG 3 


34-  DISEASES   OF   THE    HOESE. 

The  alterations  in  an  inflamed  tissue  are  first  tkose  of  congestion, 
distention  of  the  blood  vessels,  and  exudation  of  the  fluid  of  the  blood 
into  the  surrounding  fibers,  with,  however,  a  more  nearly  complete 
stagnation  of  the  blood;  fibrin,  or  lymph,  a  plastic  substance,  is 
thrown  out  as  well,  and  the  cells,  which  we  have  seen  to  be  living 
organisms  in  themselves,  no  longer  carried  in  the  current  of  the 
blood,  migrate  from  the  vessels  and,  finding  proper  nutriment,  pro- 
liferate or  multiply  with  greater  or  lesser  rapidit}'.  The  cells  which 
lie  dormant  in  the  meshes  of  the  surrounding  fibers  are  awakened 
into  activity  by  the  nutritious  lymph  which  surrounds  them,  and 
they  also  multiply. 

Whether  the  cell  in  an  inflamed  part  is  the  white  ameboid  cell  of 
the  blood  or  the  fixed  connective  tissue  embedded  in  the  fibers,  it 
multiplies  in  the  same  way.  The  nucleus  in  the  center  is  divided  into 
two,  and  then  each  again  into  two,  ad  infinitum.  If  the  process  is 
slow,  each  new  cell  may  assimilate  nourishment  and  become,  like  its 
ancestor,  an  aid  in  the  formation  of  new  tissues;  if,  however,  the 
changing  takes  place  rapidly,  the  brood  of  yoimg  cells  have  not  time 
to  grow  or  use  up  the  surrounding  nourishment,  and,  but  half  devel- 
oped, they  die,  and  we  then  have  destruction  of  tissue,  and  pus  or 
matter  is  formed,  a  material  made  up  of  the  imperfect  dead  elements 
and  the  broken-down  tissue.  Between  the  two  there  is  an  interme- 
diate form,  where  we  have  imperfectly  formed  tissues,  as  in  "  proud 
flesh,"  large,  soft  splints;  fungous  growths,  greasy  heels,  and  thrush. 

Whether  the  inflamed  tissue  is  one  like  the  skin,  lungs,  or  intes- 
tines, very  loose  in  their  texture,  or  a  tendon  or  bone,  dense  in  struc- 
ture, and  comparatively  poor  in  blood  vessels,  the  principle  of  the 
process  is  the  same.  The  effects,  however,  and  the  appearance  may 
be  widely  different.  After  a  cut  on  the  face  or  an  exudation  into  the 
lungs,  the  loose  tissues  and  multiple  vessels  allow  the  proliferating 
cells  to  obtain  rich  nourishment;  absorption  can  take  place  readily, 
and  the  part  regains  its  normal  condition  entirely,  while  a  bruise  at 
the  heel  or  at  the  withers  finds  a  dense,  inextensible  tissue  where  the 
multiplying  elements  and  exuded  fluids  choke  up  all  communication, 
and  the  parts  die  (necrose)  from  want  of  blood  and  cause  a  serious 
quittor,  or  fistula. 

This  effect  of  structure  of  a  part  on  the  same  process  shows  the 
importance  of  a  perfect  knowledge  in  the  study  of  a  local  trouble,  and 
the  indispensable  part  which  such  knowledge  plays  in  judging  of  the 
gravity  of  an  inflammatory  disease,  and  in  formulating  a  prognosis  or 
opinion  of  the  final  termination  of  it.  It  is  this  which  allows  the  vet- 
erinarian, through  his  knowledge  of  the  intimate  structure  of  a  part 
and  the  relations  of  its  elements,  to  judge  of  the  severity  of  a  disease, 
and  to  prescribe  different  modes  of  treatment  in  two  animals  for  trou- 


FUNDAMENTAL   PRINCIPLES   OF    DISEASE.  35 

bles  which,  to  the  less  oxpeiieiicod  observe!',  appear  to  l)e  nlisohitely 
identical. 

Tei-minathn  of  mfannn-ation. — Like  congestion,  inflammation  may 
terminate  by  resohition.  In  tiiis  case  tlie  exuded  lymph  undei-goes 
chemical  change,  and  the  products  are  absorbed  and  carried  oil"  by 
the  blood  vessels  and  lymphatics,  to  be  thrown  out  of  the  body  by  the 
kidneys,  liver,  the  glands  of  the  skin,  and  the  other  excretory  organs. 
The  cells,  which  have  wandered  into  the  neighboring  tissues  from  the 
blood  vessels,  gradually  disappear  or  become  transformed  into  fixed 
cells.  Those  which  are  the  result  of  the  tissue  cells,  wakened  into 
active  life,  follow  the  same  course.  The  vessels  themselves  contract. 
and,  having  resumed  their  normal  caliber,  the  part  apparently  reas- 
sumes  its  normal  condition;  but  it  is  always  weakened,  and  a  new 
inflammation  is  more  liable  to  reappear  in  a  previously  inflamed  pai-t 
than  in  a  sound  one.  The  alternate  termination  is  necrosis,  or  morti- 
fication. If  the  necrosis,  or  death  of  a  jiart,  is  gradual,  by  small 
stages,  each  cell  losing  its  vitality  after  the  other  in  more  or  less 
rapid  succession,  it  takes  the  name  of  ulceration.  If  it  occurs  in  a 
considerable  part  at  once,  it  is  called  gangrene.  If  this  death  of  the 
tissues  occurs  deep  in  the  organism,  and  the  destroyed  elements  and 
proliferated  and  dead  cells  are  inclosed  in  a  cavity,  the  result  of  the 
process  is  called  an  abscess.  AVlien  it  occurs  on  a  surface,  it  is  an 
ulcer,  and  an  abscess  by  breaking  on  the  exterior  becomes  then  also 
an  ulcer.  Proliferating  and  dying  cells,  and  the  fluid  which  exudes 
from  an  ulcerating  surface  and  the  debris  of  broken-down  tissue  is 
known  as  pus,  and  the  process  by  which  this  is  formed  is  known  as 
suppuration.  A  mass  of  dead  tissue  in  a  soft  part  is  termed  a  slough, 
while  the  same  in  bone  is  called  a  sequestrum.  Such  changes  are 
especially  liable  to  occur  when  the  part  becomes  infected  with  micro- 
organisms that  have  the  property  of  destroying  tissue  and  thus  caus- 
ing the  production  of  pus.  These  are  known  as  ])yogenic  micro- 
organisms. There  are  also  bacilli  that  are  capable  of  multiplying  in 
tissues  and  so  irritating  them  as  to  cause  them  to  die  (necrose)  with- 
out forming  pus, 

Treatnunt  of  infamnuttion. — The  study  of  the  causes  and  patho- 
logical alterations  of  inflammation  has  shown  the  process  to  be  one 
of  hypemutrition.  attended  by  excessive  blood  supply,  so  this  study 
will  indicate  the  primary  factor  to  be  employed  in  the  treatment 
of  it.  Any  agent  which  will  reduce  the  blood  supply  and  prevent 
the  excessive  nutrition  of  the  elements  of  the  jxirt  will  serve  as  a 
remedy.  The  means  employed  may  be  used  locally  to  the  part,  or 
they  may  be  constitutional  remedies,  which  act  indirectly. 

Loral  treatmeiyt. — Removal  of  the  cause  will  frequently  allow  the 
part  to  heal  at  once.  Among  causes  of  inflammation  may  be  men- 
tioned a  stone  in  the  frog,  causing  a  traumatic  thrush;  a  badly  fitting 


36  DISEASES  OF   THE   HORSE. 

harness  or  saddle,  causing  ulcers  of  the  skin;  decomposing  manure 
and  urine  in  a  stable,  which,  by  their  vapors,  irritate  the  air  tubes 
and  lungs  and  cause  a  cough. 

JNlotion  stimulates  the  action  of  the  blood,  and  thus  feeds  an  in- 
flamed tissue.  This  is  alike  applicable  to  a  diseased  point  irritated 
by  movement  to  an  inflamed  pair  of  lungs  surcharged  with  blood 
by  the  use  demanded  of  them  in  a  working  animal,  or  to  an  inflamed 
eye  exposed  to  light,  or  an  inflamed  stomach  and  intestines  still 
further  fatigued  by  feed.  Eest,  absolute  quiet,  a  dark  stable,  and 
small  quantities  of  easily  digested  feed  will  often  cure  serious  in- 
flammatory troubles  without  further  treatment. 

The  application  of  ice  bags  or  cold  water  by  bandages,  douching 
with  a  hose,  or  irrigation  with  dripping  water,  contracts  the  blood 
vessels,  acts  as  a  sedative  to  the  nerves,  and  lessens  the  vitality  of 
a  part;  it  consequently  prevents  the  tissue  change  which  inflamma- 
tion produces. 

Either  dry  or  moist  heat  acts  as  a  derivative.  It  quickens  the 
circulation  and  renders  the  chemical  changes  more  active  in  the  sur- 
rounding parts;  it  softens  the  tissues  and  attracts  the  current  of 
blood  from  the  inflamed  organ ;  it  also  promotes  the  absorption  of  the 
effusion  and  hastens  the  elimination  of  the  waste  products  in  the  part. 
Heat  may  be  applied  by  hand  rubbing  or  active  friction  and  the  ap- 
plication of  warm  coverings  (bandages)  or  by  cloths  wrung  out  of 
warm  water ;  or  steaming  with  warm,  moist  vapor,  medicated  or  not, 
will  answer  the  same  purpose.  The  latter  is  especially  applicable  to 
inflammatory  troubles  in  the  air  passages. 

Local  bleeding  frequently  affords  immediate  relief  by  carrying 
off  the  excessive  blood  and  draining  the  effusion  which  has  already 
occurred.  It  affords  direct  mechanical  relief,  and,  by  a  stimulation 
of  the  part,  promotes  the  chemical  changes  necessary  for  bringing 
the  diseased  tissues  to  a  healthy  condition.  Local  blood-letting  can 
be  done  by  scarifying,  or  making  small  punctures  into  the  inflamed 
part,  as  in  the  eyelid  of  an  inflamed  eye,  or  into  the  sheath  of  the 
penis,  or  into  the  skin  of  the  latter  organ  when  congested,  or  the 
leg  when  acutely  swelled. 

Counterirritants  are  used  for  deep  inflammations.  They  act  by 
bringing  the  blood  to  the  surface  and  consequently  lessening  tlie 
blood  pressure  within.  The  derivation  of  the  blood  to  the  exterior 
diminishes  the  amount  in  the  internal  organs  and  is  often  very  rapid 
in  its  action  in  relieving  a  congested  lung  or  liver.  The  most  com- 
mon counterirritant  is  mustard  flour.  It  is  applied  as  a  soft  paste 
mixed  with  warm  water  to  the  under  surface  of  the  belly  and  to  the 
sides,  where  the  skin  is  comparatively  soft  and  vascular.  Colds  in 
the  throat  or  inflammations  at  any  point  demand  the  treatment  ap- 
plied in  the  same  manner  to  the  belly  and  sides  and  not  to  the  throat 


FUNDAMENTAL  PRINCIPLES   OF   DISEASE.  37 

or  on  the  legs,  as  so  often  used.  Blisters,  iodin,  and  many  other 
irritants  are  used  in  a  siniihir  way. 

Constitutlomd  treatmtnt  in  inflammation  is  desiirned  to  reduce  the 
current  of  blood,  which  is  the  fuel  for  the  intlamuuition  in  the  dis- 
eased ]>5irt,  to  quiet  the  patient,  and  to  combat  the  fever  or  general 
effects  of  the  trouble  in  the  system,  and  to  favor  the  neutralization  or 
elimination  of  the  products  of  the  inflammation. 

Reduction  of  blood  is  obtained  in  various  ways.  The  diminution 
of  the  quantity  of  the  blood  lessens  the  amount  of  pressure  on  the 
vessels,  and,  as  a  se(iuel,  the  volume  of  it  which  is  carried  to  the  point 
of  inflammation;  it  diminishes  the  bodj^  temperature  or  fever;  it 
numbs  the  nervous  system,  which  plays  an  important  part  as  a  con- 
ductor of  irritation  in  diseases. 

Blood-letting  is  the  most  rapid  means,  and  frequently  acts  like  a 
charm  in  relieving  a  commencing  inflanmiatory  trouble.  One  must 
remember,  however,  that  the  strength  of  the  body  and  repair  depend 
on  the  blood;  hence  blood-letting  should  be  practiced  only  in  full- 
blooded,  well-nourished  animals  and  in  the  early  stages  of  the 
disease. 

Cathartics  act  by  drawing  off  a  large  quantity  of  fluid  from  the 
blood  through  the  intestines,  and  have  the  advantage  o\^v  the  last 
remedy  of  removing  only  the  watery  and  not  the  formed  elements 
from  the  circulation.  The  blood  cells  remain,  leaving  the  blood  as 
rich  as  it  was  before.  Again,  the  glands  of  the  intestines  are  stimu- 
lated to  excrete  much  waste  matter  and  other  deleterious  material 
which  may  be  acting  as  a  poison  in  the  blood. 

Diuretics  operate  through  the  kidneys  in  the  same  way. 

Diaphoretics  aid  depletion  of  the  blood  by  pouring  water  in  the 
form  of  sweat  from  the  surface  of  the  skin  and  stimulating  the  dis- 
charge of  waste  material  out  of  its  glands,  which  has  the  same  effect 
on  the  blood  jM-essure. 

Antipyretics  are  remedies  to  reduce  the  temperature.  This  may  be 
accomplished  by  depressing  the  center  in  the  brain  that  controls  heat 
production.  Some  coal-tar  products  are  very  effective  in  this  way. 
but  they  have  the  disadvanlage  of  depressing  the  heart,  which  should 
always  be  kept  as  strong  as  possible.  If  they  are  used  it  must  be  with 
knowledge  of  this  fact,  and  it  is  well  to  give  heart  tonics  or  stimu- 
lants with  them.  The  teuiperature  of  the  i)ody  may  Ix)  lowered  by 
cold  packs  or  by  showering  with  cold  water.  This  is  a  most  useful 
procedure  in  many  diseases. 

Depressants  aie  drugs  which  act  on  the  heart.  They  slow  or 
weaken  the  action  of  this  organ  and  reduce  the  quantity  and  force 
of  the  current  of  the  blood  which  is  carried  to  the  point  of  local 
disease:  they  lessen  the  vitality  of  the  animal,  and  for  this  reason 
are  now  used  much  less  than  formerly. 


38  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

Anodynes  quiet  the  nervous  system.  Pain  in  the  "horse,  as  in  the 
man,  is  one  of  the  important  factors  in  the  production  of  fever,  and 
the  dulling  of  the  former  often  prevents,  or  at  least  reduces,  the 
latter.  Anodynes  produce  sleep,  so  as  to  rest  the  patient  and  allow 
recuperation  for  the  succeeding  struggle  of  the  vitality  of  the  animal 
against  the  exhausting  drain  of  the  disease. 

The  diet  of  an  animal  suffering  from  acute  inflammation  is  a  factor 
of  the  greatest  importance.  An  overloaded  circulation  can  be  starved 
to  a  reduced  quantity  and  to  a  less  rich  quality  of  blood  by  reducing 
the  quantity  of  feed  given  to  the  patient.  Feeds  of  easy  digestion  do 
not  tire  the  alread}'  fatigued  organs  of  an  animal  with  a  torpid  diges- 
tive system.  Xourisliment  will  be  taken  by  a  suffering  brute  in  the 
form  of  slops  and  cooling  drinks  when  it  would  be  totally  refused  if 
offered  in  its  ordinary  form,  as  hard  oats  or  dry  hay,  requiring  the 
labor  of  grinding  between  the  teeth  and  swallowing  by  the  weakened 
muscles  of  the  jaws  and  throat. 

Tonics  and  stimulants  are  remedies  which  are  used  to  meet  special 
indications,  as  in  the  case  of  a  feeble  heart,  and  which  enter  into  the 
after  treatment  of  inflammatory  troubles  as  well  as  into  the  acute 
stages  of  them.  They  brace  up  weakened  and  torpid  glands;  they 
stimulate  the  secretion  of  the  necessary  fluids  of  the  body,  and  hasten 
the  excretion  of  the  waste  material  produced  by  the  inflammatory 
process ;  they  regulate  the  action  of  a  weakened  heart ;  they  promote 
healthy  vitality  of  diseased  parts,  and  aid  the  chemical  changes 
needed  for  returning  the  altered  tissues  to  their  normal  condition. 

FEVERS. 

Fever  is  a  general  condition  of  the  animal  body  in  which  there  is  an 
elevation  of  the  animal  body  temperature,  which  ma}^  be  only  a  de- 
gree or  two  or  may  be  10°  F.  The  elevation  of  the  body  temperature, 
which  represents  tissue  change  or  combustion,  is  accompanied  with 
an  acceleration  of  the  heart's  action,  a  quickening  of  the  respiration, 
and  an  aberration  in  the  functional  activity  of  the  various  organs  of 
the  body.  These  organs  may  be  stimulated  to  the  performance  of 
excessive  work,  or  they  may  be  incapacitated  from  carrying  out  their 
allotted  tasks,  or,  in  the  course  of  a  fever,  the  two  conditions  may 
both  exist,  the  one  succeeding  the  other.  Fever  as  a  disease  is  usually 
preceded  by  chills  as  an  essential  symptom. 

Fevers  are  divided  into  essential  fevers  and  symptomatic  fevers. 
In  sj^mptomatic  fever  some  local  disease,  usually  of  an  inflammatory 
character,  develops  first,  and  the  constitutional  febrile  phenomena  are 
the  result  of  the  primary  point  of  combustion  irritating  the  whole 
body,  either  through  the  nervous  system  or  directly  by  means  of  the 
waste  material  which  is  carried  into  the  circulation  and  through  the 


FUNDAMENTAL   PRINCIPLES   OF   DISEASE.  39 

blood  vessels,  and  is  distributed  to  distal  partes.  Essential  fevers  are 
those  in  which  there  is  from  the  outset  a  general  disturbance  of  the 
whole  economy.  This  may  consist  of  an  eUMuentary  alteration  in  the 
blood  or  a  general  change  in  the  constitution  of  the  tissues.  Fevers 
of  the  latter  class  are  usually  due  to  some  infecting  agent  and  belong, 
therefore,  to  the  class  of  infectious  diseases. 

Essential  fevers  are  subdivided  into  ephemeral  fevers,  which  last 
but  a  shoii,  time  and  terminate  by  critical  pheftomena;  intermittent 
fevers,  in  which  there  are  alterations  of  exacerbations  of  the  febrile 
symptoms  and  remissions,  in  which  the  boily  returns  to  its  normal 
condition  or  sometimes  to  a  depressed  condition,  in  which  the  func- 
tions of  life  are  but  badly  j^erformed;  and  continued  fevers,  which 
include  contagious  diseases,  such  as  glanders,  influenza,  etc.,  the  septiu 
diseases,  such  as  pyemia,  septicemia,  etc.,  and  the  eruptive  fevers, 
such  as  variola,  etc. 

AVhether  the  cause  of  the  fever  has  been  an  injury  to  the  tissaies, 
such  as  a  severe  bruise,  a  broken  bone,  an  inflamed  lung,  or  excessive 
work,  which  has  surcharged  the  blood  with  the  waste  products  of  the 
combustion  of  the  tissues,  which  were  destroyed  to  produce  force,  or 
the  toxins  of  influenza  in  the  blood,  or  the  presence  of  irritating  ma- 
terial, either  in  the  form  of  living  organisms  or  of  their  products, 
as  in  glanders  or  tuberculosis — the  general  train  of  symptoms  are 
much  the  same,  varying  as  the  amount  of  the  irritant  differs  in 
(juantity,  or  when  some  special  quality  in  them  has  a  specific  action 
on  one  or  another  tissue. 

There  is  in  fever  at  first  a  relaxation  of  the  small  blood  vessels, 
which  may  have  been  preceded  b}'  a  contraction  of  the  same  if  there 
was  a  chill,  and  as  a  consequence  there  is  an  acceleration  of  the  cur- 
rent of  the  blood.  There  is,  then,  an  elevation  of  the  peripheral 
temperature,  followed  by  a  lowering  of  tension  in  the  arteries  and 
an  acceleration  in  the  movement  of  the  heart.  These  conditions  may 
be  produced  by  a  primary  irritation  of  the  nerve  centers  of  the  brain 
from  the  effects  of  heat,  as  is  seen  in  thermic  fever,  or  sunstroke,  or 
by  the  entrance  into  the  blood  stream  of  disease-producing  organisms 
or  their  chemical  products,  as  in  anthrax,  rinderpest,  influenza,  etc. 

There  are  times  when  it  is  difficult  to  distinguish  between  the  exist- 
ence of  fever  as  a  disease  and  a  temporary  feverish  condition  which 
is  the  result  of  excessive  work.  Like  the  condition  of  congestion  of 
the  lungs,  which  is  normal  up  to  a  certain  degree  in  the  lungs  of  a 
race  horse  after  a  severe  race,  ant  I  morbid  when  it  produces  more  than 
temporai-y  phenomena  or  when  it  causes  distinct  lesions,  the  tem- 
perature may  rise  from  physiological  causes  as  nuich  as  four  degrees, 
so  fever,  or,  as  it  is  better  termed,  a  feverish  condition,  may  follow 
any  work  or  other  employment  of  eneigy  in  which  excessive  tissue 


40  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

change  has  taken  place;  but  if  the  consequences  are  ephemeral,  and 
no  recognizable  lesion  is  apparent,  it  is  not  considered  morbid.  This 
condition,  however,  may  predispose  to  severe  organic  disturbance 
and  local  inflammations  which  will  cause  disease,  as  an  animal  in  this 
condition  is  liable  to  take  cold  and  develop  lung  fever  or  a  severe 
enteritis,  if  chilled  or  otherwise  exposed. 

Fever  in  all  anunals  is  characterized  by  the  same  general  phe- 
nomena, but  we  find  the  intensity  of  the  symptoms  modified  by  the 
species  of  animals  affected,  by  the  races  which  subdivide  the  species, 
by  the  families  which  form  groups  of  the  races,  and  by  certain  condi- 
tions in  individuals  themselves.  For  example,  a  pricked  foot  in  a 
Thoroughbred  may  cause  intense  fever,  while  the  same  injury  in  the 
foot  of  a  Clydesdale  may  scarcely  cause  a  visible  general  symptom. 
In  the  horse,  fever  produces  the  following  symptoms : 

The  normal  body  temperature,  which  varies  from  99°  to  100°  F., 
is  elevated  from  1°  to  9°.  A  temperature  of  102°  or  103°  F.  is  mod- 
erate fever,  104°  to  105°  F.  is  high,  and  106°  F.  and  over  is  excessive. 
The  temperature  is  accurately  measured  by  means  of  a  clinical  ther- 
mometer inserted  in  the  rectum. 

This  elevation  of  temperature  can  readily  be  felt  by  the  hand 
placed  in  the  mouth  of  the  animal,  or  in  the  rectum,  and  in  the  cleft 
betw^een  the  hind  legs.  It  is  usually  appreciable  at  any  point  over 
the  surface  of  the  body  and  in  the  expired  air  emitted  from  the  nos- 
trils. The  ears  and  cannons  are  often  as  hot  as  the  rest  of  the  body, 
but  are  sometimes  cold,  which  denotes  a  debility  in  the  circulation  and 
irregular  distribution  of  the  blood.  The  pulse,  which  in  a  healthy 
horse  is  felt  beating  about  42  to  48  times  in  the  minute,  is  increased 
to  60,  70,  90,  or  even  100.  The  respirations  are  increased  from  14  or 
16  to  24,  30,  36,  or  even  more.  With  the  commencement  of  a  fever 
the  horse  usually  has  diminished  appetite,  or  it  may  have  total  loss 
of  appetite  if  the  fever  is  excessive.  There  is,  however,  a  vast  differ- 
ence among  horses  in  this  regard.  With  the  same  degree  of  eleva- 
tion of  temperature  one  horse  may  lose  its  appetite  entirely,  while 
another,  usually  of  the  more  common  sort,  will  eat  at  hay  throughout 
the  course  of  the  fever,  and  will  even  continue  to  eat  oats  or  other 
grains.  Thirst  is  usually  increased,  but  the  animal  desires  only  a 
small  quantity  of  water  at  a  time,  and  in  most  cases  of  fever  a  bucket 
of  water  should  be  kept  standing  before  the  patient,  which  may 
be  allowed  to  drink  ad  libitum.  The  skin  becomes  dry  and  the  hairs 
stand  on  end.  Sweating  is  almost  unknown  in  the  early  stage  of 
fevers,  but  frequently  occurs  later  in  their  course,  when  an  out- 
break of  warm  sweat  is  often  a  most  favorable  symptom.  The  mucous 
membranes,  which  are  most  easily  examined  in  the  conjunctivae  of 
the  eyes  and  inside  of  the  mouth,  change  color  if  the  fever  is  an 


FUNDAMENTAL  PRINCIPLES   OF   DISEASE,  41 

acute  one:  without  alteiatiou  of  blood  the  mucous  inenibriines  become 
of  a  rosy  or  tleep-red  color  at  the  outset;  if  the  fever  is  attended  with 
distinct  alteration  of  the  blood,  as  in  influenza,  and  at  the  end  of  two 
cr  three  days  in  severe  cases  of  pneuuionia  or  other  extensive  inflam- 
matory troubles  the  mucous  membranes  are  tinged  Avith  yellow,  whicli 
may  even  become  a  deep  ocher  in  color,  the  result  of  the  decomposi- 
tion of  the  blood  corpuscles  and  the  freeing  of  their  coloring  matter, 
■which  acts  as  a  stain.  At  the  outset  of  a  fever  the  various  glands 
are  checked  in  their  secretions,  the  salivary  glands  fail  to  secrete  the 
saliva,  and  we  find  the  surface  of  the  tongue  and  inside  of  the  cheeks 
dry  and  covered  with  a  brownish,  bad-suielling  deposit.  The  excre- 
tion from  the  liver  and  intestinal  glands  is  diminished  and  produces 
an  inactivity  of  the  digestive  organs  which  causes  a  consti]iation. 
If  this  is  not  remedied  at  an  early  period,  the  undigested  nuiterial 
acts  as  an  irritant,  and  later  we  may  have  it  followed  by  an  inflamma- 
tory process,  producing  a  severe  diarrhea. 

The  excretion  from  the  kidneys  is  sometimes  at  first  entirely  sup- 
pressed. It  is  always  considerably  diminished,  and  what  urine  is 
passed  is  dark  in  color,  undergoes  ammoniacal  change  rapidly,  and 
deposits  quantities  of  salts.  At  a  later  period  the  diminished  excre- 
tion may  be  replaced  by  an  excessive  excretion,  which  aids  in  carrying 
off  waste  products  and  usually  indicates  an  amelioration  of  the  fever. 

While  the  ears,  cannons,  and  hoofs  of  a  horse  suffering  from  fever 
are  usually  found  hot,  they  may  frequently  alternate  from  hot  to  cold, 
or  be  much  cooler  than  they  normally  are.  This  latter  condition 
usually  indicates  great  weakness  on  the  part  of  the  circulatory  system. 

It  is  of  the  greatest  importance,  as  an  aid  in  diagnosing  the  gravity 
of  an  attack  of  fever  and  as  an  indication  in  the  selection  of  its  mode 
of  treatment,  to  recognize  the  exact  cause  of  a  febrile  condition  in  the 
horse.  In  certain  cases,  in  very  nervous  animals,  in  which  fever  is 
the  result  of  nerve  influence,  a  simple  anodyne,  or  even  only  quiet 
with  continued  care  and  nursing,  will  sometimes  be  sufficient  to  dimin- 
ish it.  When  fever  is  the  result  of  local  injury,  the  cure  of  the  cause 
produces  a  cessation  in  the  constitutional  symptouis.  "\Mien  it  is 
the  result  of  a  pneumonia  or  other  severe  parenchymatous  inflam- 
mation, it  usually  lasts  for  a  definite  time,  and  subsides  with  the 
jBrst  improvement  of  the  local  trouble,  but  in  these  cases  we  constantly 
have  exacerbations  of  fever  due  to  secondary  inflammatory  processes, 
such  as  the  formation  of  small  abscesses,  the  development  of  second- 
ary bronchitis,  or  the  deaih  of  a  limited  quantity  of  tissue  (gangrene). 

In  specific  cases,  such  as  influenza,  strangles,  and  sepficemia.  there 
is  a  definite  poison  in  the  blood-vessel  system  and  carried  to  the 
heart  and  to  the  nervous  system,  which  produces  a  peculiar  irritation, 
usually  lasting  for  a  s])ecific  period,  during  wliich  the  temperature 
can  be  but  slightly  diminished  by  any  remedy. 


42  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

In  cases  attended  with  complications,  the  diagnosis  at  times  be- 
comes still  more  difficult,  as  at  the  end  of  a  case  of  influenza  which 
becomes  complicated  with  pneumonia.  The  high  temperature  of  the 
simple  inflammatory  disease  may  be  grafted  on  that  of  the  specific 
trouble,  and  the  determination  of  the  cause  of  the  feyer,  as  between 
the  two,  is  therefore  frequently  a  difficult  matter  but  an  important 
one,  as  upon  it  depends  the  mode  of  treatment. 

Any  animal  suffering  from  feyer,  whateyer  the  cause,  is  much 
more  susceptible  to  attacks  of  local  inflammation,  which  become  com- 
plications of  the  original  disease,  than  are  animals  in  soimd  health. 
In  feyer  we  haye  the  tissues  and  the  walls  of  the  blood  yessels  weak- 
ened, we  haye  an  increased  current  of  more  or  less  altered  blood 
flowing  through  the  yessels  and  stagnating  in  the  capillaries,  which 
need  but  an  exciting  cause  to  transform  the  passiye  congestion  of 
feyer  into  an  actiye  congestion  and  acute  inflammation.  These  con- 
ditions become  still  more  distinct  when  the  feyer  is  accompanied  with 
a  decided  deterioration  in  the  blood  itself,  as  is  seen  in  influenza, 
septicemia,  and  at  the  termination  of  seyere  pneumonias. 

Feyer,  with  its  symptoms  of  increased  temperature,  acceleration  of 
the  pulse,  acceleration  of  respiration,  dry  skin,  diminished  secre- 
tions, etc.,  must  be  considered  as  an  indication  of  organic  disturb- 
ance. This  organic  disturbance  may  be  the  result  of  local  inflamma- 
tion or  other  irritants  acting  through  the  neryes  on  nerye  centers, 
alterations  of  the  blood,  in  which  a  poison  is  carried  to  the  nerye  cen- 
ters, or  direct  irritants  to  the  nerye  centers  themselyes,  as  in  cases  of 
heat  stroke,  injury  to  the  brain,  etc. 

The  treatment  of  feyer  depends  upon  its  cause.  One  of  the  impor- 
tant factors  in  treatment  is  absolute  quiet.  This  may  be  obtained 
b}^  placing  a  sick  horse  in  a  box  stall,  away  from  other  animals  and 
extraneous  noises  and  sheltered  from  excessiye  light  and  drafts  of 
air.  Anodynes,  belladonna,  hyoscyamus,  and  opium  act  as  antipy- 
retics simply  by  quieting  the  neryous  system.  As  an  irritant  exists 
in  the  blood  in  most  cases  of  feyer,  any  remedy  which  will  fayor  the 
excretion  of  foreign  elements  from  it  will  diminish  this  cause.  We 
therefore  use  diaphoretics  to  stimulate  the  sweat  and  excretions 
from  the  skin:  diuretics  to  fayor  the  elimination  of  matter  by  the 
kidneys:  cholagogues  and  laxatiyes  to  increase  the  action  of  the  liyer 
and  intestines,  and  to  drain  from  these  important  organs  all  the 
waste  material  which  is  aiding  to  choke  up  and  congest  their  rich 
plexuses  of  blood  yessels.  The  heart  becomes  stimulated  to  increased 
action  at  the  outset  of  a  feyer.  but  this  does  not  indicate  increased 
strength ;  on  the  contrary,  it  indicates  the  action  of  an  irritant  to  the 
heart  that  will  soon  weaken  it.  It  is,  therefore,  irrational  further  to 
depress  the  heart  by  the  use  of  such  drugs  as  aconite.  It  is  better  to 
strenathen  it  and  to  fayor  the  elimination  of  the  substance  that  is 


FUNDAMENTAL   PRINCIPLES   OF    DISEASE.  43 

irritating  it.  The  increased  bk)od  pressure  tliroiip^hotit  the  body  may 
be  diminished  by  lessening:  the  quantity  of  bhmd.  This  is  ol)tained 
in  some  cases  witli  advantagfe  when  the  disease  is  but  startin<j:  and 
the  animal  is  plethoric  by  direct  abstraction  of  blood,  as  in  bleed- 
ing: from  the  jugular  or  other  veins:  or  by  derivatives,  such  as  mus- 
tard, turpentine,  or  blisters  applied  to  the  skin:  or  by  setons,  >vhich 
draw  to  the  surface  the  fluid  of  the  blood,  thereby  lessening  its  vol- 
ume without  having  the  disadvantage  of  impoverishing  the  ele- 
ments of  the  blood  found  in  bleeding.  In  many  cases  antipyretics 
given  by  the  mouth  and  cold  applied  to  the  skin  are  most  useful. 

When  the  irritation  which  is  the  cause  of  fever  is  a  specific  one, 
either  in  the  form  of  bacteria  (living  organisms),  as  in  glanders, 
tuberculosis,  influenza,  septicemia,  etc.,  or  in  the  form  of  a  foreign 
element,  as  in  rheumatism,  gout,  hemaglobinuria,  and  other  so-called 
diseases  of  nutrition,  we  employ  remedies  which  have  been  found  to 
have  a  direct  specific  action  on  them.  Among  the  specific  remedies 
for  various  diseases  are  counted  quinin,  carbolic  acid,  salicylic  acid, 
antipyrene.  mercury,  iodin,  the  empyreumatic  oils,  tars,  resins,  aro- 
matics,  sulphur,  and  a  host  of  other  drugs,  some  of  which  are  of 
known  effect  and  others  of  which  are  theoretical  in  action.  Certain 
remedies,  like  simple  aromatic  teas,  vegetable  acids,  such  as  vinegar, 
lemon  juice,  etc.,  alkalines  in  the  form  of  salts,  sweet  spirits  of  niter, 
etc..  which  are  houseliold  remedies,  are  always  useful,  because  they 
act  on  the  excreting  organs  and  ameliorate  the  effects  of  fever.  Other 
remedies,  which  arc  to  be  used  to  influence  the  cause  of  fever,  must 
be  selected  with  judgment  and  from  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the 
nature  of  the  disjcuse. 


METHODS  OF  ADMINISTERING  MEDICINES. 

By  Ch.  B.  Michener.  V,  S. 
[Revised  by  Leonard  Tearson,  l\.  S.,  V.  M.  D.] 

^fedicinc  may  enter  the  body  tlirongli  any  of  tlie  folio-wing:  desig- 
nated channels:  First,  by  the  mouth;  second,  by  the  air  passages; 
third,  by  the  skin;  fourth,  by  the  tissue  beneath  the  skin  (hypo- 
dermic methods)  ;  fifth,  by  the  rectum:  sixth,  by  the  genito-urinary 
passages;  and,  seventh,  by  the  blood  (intravenous  injections). 

By  the  mouth. — Medicines  can  be  given  by  the  mouth  in  the 
form  of  solids,  as  powders  or  pills;  liquids,  and  pastes,  or  electuaries. 

Powders. — Solids  administered  as  powders  should  be  as  finely  pul- 
verized as  possible,  in  order  to  obtain  rapid  solution  and  absorption. 
Their  action  is  in  this  way  facilitated  and  intensified.  Powders  must 
be  free  from  any  irritant  or  caustic  action  upon  the  mouth.  Those 
that  are  without  any  disagreeable  taste  or  smell  are  readily  eaten 
Avith  the  feed  or  taken  in  the  drinking  water.  When  placed  with  the 
feed  they  should  first  be  dissolved  or  suspended  in  water  and  thus 
sprinkled  on  the  feed.  If  mixed  di'y  the  horse  will  often  leave  the 
medicine  in  the  bottom  of  his  manger.  Xonirritant  powders  may  be 
given  in  capsules,  as  balls  are  given. 

Pills,  or  "  &rt77,9,"  when  properly  made,  are  cylindrical  in  shape,  2 
inches  in  length  and  about  three-fourths  of  an  inch  in  diameter. 
Thej'^  should  be  fresh,  but  if  necessary  to  keep  them  some  time  they 
should  be  made  up  with  glycerin,  or  some  such  agent,  to  prevent 
their  becoming  too  hard.  Very  old.  hard  balls  are  sometimes  passed 
whole  with  the  manure  without  being  acted  upon  at  all.  Paper  is 
sometimes  wrapped  around  balls  when  given,  if  they  are  so  sticky  as 
to  adhere  to  the  fingers  or  the  balling  gun.  Paper  used  for  this  pur- 
l)ose  should  be  thin  but  firm,  as  the  tougher  tissue  papers.  Balls  are 
preferred  to  drenches  when  the  medicine  is  extremely  disagreeable  or 
nauseating;  when  the  dose  is  not  too  large ;  when  the  horse  is  difficult 
to  drench;  or  when  the  medicine  is  intended  to  act  slowly.  Certain 
medicines  can  not  or  should  not  be  made  into  balls,  as  medicines 
requiring  to  be  given  in  large  doses,  oils,  caustic  substances,  unless  in 
small  dose  and  diluted  and  thoroughh^  mixed  with  the  vehicle,  deli- 
quescent, or  efflorescent  salts.  Substances  suitable  for  balls  can  be 
made  uj)  by  the  addition  of  honey,  sirup,  soap,  etc.,  when  required 
for  immediate  use.  Gelatin  capsules  of  different  sizes  are  now  obtain- 
able and  are  a  convenient  means  of  giAing  medicines  in  ball  form. 
44 


METHODS   OF    ADMINISTERING    MEDICINES.  45 

TMien  balls  are  to  be  given  we  shouM  observe  the  followin<r  direc- 
tions: In  shape  they  should  be  cylindrical,  of  the  size  ab«ne  men- 
tioned, and  soft  enough  to  be  easily  compressed  by  the  fingers.  If 
made  round  or  egg-shaped,  if  too  long  or  too  hard,  they  are  liable  to 
become  &xed  in  the  gullet  and  cause  choking.  Balls  may  be  given 
with  the  "balling  gun"  (obtainable  at  any  veterinary  instrument 
makers)  or  by  the  hand.  If  given  by  the  hand  a  mouth  speculum  or 
gag  may  be  used  to  prevent  the  animal  from  biting  the  hand  or  crush- 
insT  the  ball.  Always  loosen  the  horse  before  attempting  to  give  a 
ball;  if  tied  he  may  break  his  halter  and  injure  himself  or  the  one 
giving  the  ball.  With  a  little  practice  it  is  much  easier  to  give  a  ball 
without  the  mouth  gag.  as  the  horse  always  fights  more  or  less  against 
having  his  mouth  forced  open.  The  tongue  must  be  firmly  gras^ped 
with  the  left  hand  and  gently  pulled  forward:  the  ball,  slightly 
moistened,  is  then  to  be  placed  with  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  the 
right  hand  as  far  back  into  the  mouth  as  possible:  as  the  tongue  is 
loosened  it  is  drawn  back  into  the  mouth  and  carries  the  ball  back- 
ward with  it.  The  mouth  should  be  kept  closed  for  a  minute  or  two. 
"We  should  always  have  a  pail  of  water  at  hand  to  offer  the  horse 
after  balling.  This  precaution  will  often  prevent  him  from  cough- 
ing out  the  ball  or  its  becoming  lodged  in  the  gullet. 

Pa»te9  or  electuaries  are  medicines  mixed  with  licorice-root  pow- 
der, ground  flaxseed,  molasses,  or  sirup  to  the  consistency  of  honey, 
or  a  "soft  solid.''  They  are  intended,  chiefly,  to  act  locally  upon  the 
mouth  and  throat.  They  are  given  by  being  spread  upon  the  tongue, 
gums,  or  teeth  with  a  wooden  paddle  or  strong,  long-handled  spoon. 

Liqmds. — It  is,  very  often,  impossible  to  get  balls  properly  made, 
or  to  induce  owners  or  attendants  to  attempt  to  give  them,  and  for 
these  reasons  medicines  by  the  mouth  are  mostly  given  in  the  form 
of  liquids.  Liquids  may  be  given  as  drenches  when  the  dose  is  large, 
or  they  may,  when  but  a  small  quantity  is  administered,  be  injected 
into  the  mouth  with  a  hard-rubber  syringe  or  be  poured  upon  the 
tongue  from  a  small  vial. 

^Mien  medicine  is  to  be  given  as  a  drench  we  must  be  careful  to  use 
water  or  oil  enough  to  dissolve  or  dilute  it  thoroughly :  more  than  this 
makes  the  drench  bulky  and  is  unnecessary.  Insoluble  medicines,  if 
not  irritant  or  corrosive,  may  be  given  simply  suspended  in  water, 
the  bottle  to  be  well  shaken  immediately  before  giving  the  drench. 
The  bottle  used  for  drenching  purpo>es  should  be  clean,  strong,  and 
smooth  about  its  neck:  it  should  be  without  shoulders,  tapering,  and 
of  a  size  to  suit  the  amount  to  be  given.  A  horn  or  tin  bottle  may  be 
better,  becatise  it  is  not  so  easily  broken  by  the  teeth.  If  the  dose  is 
a  small  one  the  horse's  head  may  be  held  up  by  the  left  hand,  while 
the  medicine  is  poured  into  the  mouth  by  the  right.  The  left  thumb 
is  to  be  placed  in  the  angle  of  the  lower  jaw.  and  the  fingers  spread 


46  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

out  in  such  manner  as  to  support  the  lower  lip.  Should  the  dose 
be  large,  the  horse  ugly,  or  the  attendant  unable  to  support  the  head 
as  directed  above,  the  head  is  then  to  be  held  up  by  running  the  tines 
of  a  long-handled  wooden  fork  under  the  noseband  of  the  halter  or 
the  halter  strap  or  a  rope  may  be  fastened  to  the  noseband  and 
thrown  over  a  limb,  beam,  or  through  a  pulley  suspended  from  the 
ceiling.  Another  way  of  supporting  the  head  is  to  place  a  loop  in  the 
end  of  a  rope,  and  introduce  this  loop  into  the  mouth  just  behind  the 
upper  front  teeth  or  tusks  of  the  ujDper  jaw,  the  free  end  to  be  run 
through  a  pulley,  as  before  described,  and  held  by  an  assistant.  It 
is  never  to  be  fastened,  as  the  horse  might  in  that  case  do  himself 
serious  injury.  The  head  is  to  be  elevated  just  enough  to  prevent  the 
horse  from  throwing  the  liquid  out  of  his  mouth.  The  line  of  the 
face  should  be  horizontal,  or  only  the  least  bit  higher.  If  the  head 
is  drawn  too  high  the  animal  can  not  swallow  with  ease  or  even  with 
safety.  (If  this  is  doubted,  just  fill  your  mouth  with  water,  throw 
back  the  head  as  far  as  possible,  and  then  trj^  to  swallow.)  The  per- 
son giving  the  drench  should  stand  on  some  object  in  order  to  reach 
the  horse's  mouth — on  a  level,  or  a  little  above  it.  The  bottle  or  horn 
is  then  to  be  introduced  at  the  side  of  the  mouth,  in  front  of  the 
molar  teeth,  in  an  upward  direction.  This  will  cause  the  horse  to 
open  his  mouth,  when  the  base  of  the  bottle  is  to  be  elevated,  and 
about  4  ounces  of  the  liquid  allowed  to  escape  on  the  tongue  as  far 
back  as  possible,  care  being  taken  not  to  get  the  neck  of  the  bottle 
between  the  back  teeth.  The  bottle  is  to  be  immediately  removed, 
and  if  the  horse  does  not  swallow  this  can  be  encouraged  by  rubbing 
the  fingers  or  neck  of  the  bottle  against  the  roof  of  the  mouth,  occa- 
sionally removing  them.  As  soon  as  this  is  swallowed  repeat  the 
operation  until  he  has  taken  all  the  drench.  If  coughing  occurs,  or 
if,  by  any  mishap,  the  bottle  should  be  crushed  in  the  mouth,  lower 
the  head  immediately. 

Do  not  rub,  pinch,  or  pound  the  throat  nor  draw  out  the  tongue 
when  giving  a  drench.  These  processes  in  no  way  aid  the  horse  to 
swallow  and  oftener  do  harm  than  good.  In  drenching,  swallowing 
may  be  hastened  by  pouring  into  the  nose  of  the  horse,  while  the  head 
is  high,  a  few  teaspoonfuls  of  clean  water,  but  drenches  must  never  he 
given  through  the  nose.  Large  quantities  of  medicine  given  by  pour- 
ing into  the  nose  are  liable  to  strangle  the  animal,  or,  if  the  medicine 
is  irritating,  it  sets  up  an  inflammation  of  the  nose,  fauces,  windpipe, 
and  sometimes  the  lungs. 

By  the  air  passages. — Medicines  are  administered  to  the  lungs  and 
upper  air  passages  by  insufflation,  inhalation,  injection,  and  nasal 
douche. 

InySufjiation  consists  in  blowing  an  impalpable  powder  directly  into 
the  nose.    It  is  but  rarely  resorted  to. 


METHODS   OF    ADMINISTERING    MEDICINES.  47 

Inhalaiion. — Gaseous  and  volatile  medicines  are  given  by  inhala- 
tion, as  is  also  medicated  steam  or  vapor.  Of  the  gases  used  there 
may  be  mentioned,  as  the  chief  ones,  sulphurous  acid  gas  and,  occa- 
sionally, chlorin.  The  animal  or  animals  are  to  be  placed  in  a  tight 
room,  where  these  gases  are  generated  until  the  atmosphere  is  suffi- 
ciently impregnated  Avith  them.  Volatile  medicines — as  the  an- 
esthetics (ether,  chloroform,  etc.) — ai"e  to  be  given  by  the  attending 
surgeon  onlv.  Medicated  rapoi-s  are  to  be  inhaled  by  placing  a 
bucket  containing  hot  water,  vinegar  and  water,  scalded  hay  or 
bran,  to  which  carbolic  acid,  iodin,  compound  tincture  of  benzoin, 
or  other  medicines  have  been  added,  in  the  bottom  of  a  long  grain 
bag.  The  horse's  nose  is  to  be  inserted  into  the  top  of  the  bag,  and 
he  thus  inhales  the  ''medicated  steam."  Care  must  be  taken  not  to 
have  it  hot  enough  to  scald  the  animal.  The  vapor  from  scalding 
bran  or  hay  is  often  thus  inhaled  to  favor  discharges  in  sore  throat 
or  '•  distemper."' 

Injections  are  made  into  the  trachea  by  means  of  a  hypodermic 
syringe.  This  method  of  medication  is  used  for  the  purpose  of  treat- 
ing local  diseases  of  the  trachea  and  upper  bronchial  tubes.  It  has 
also  been  used  as  a  mode  of  administering  remedies  for  their  constitu- 
tional effect,  but  is  now  rarely  used  for  this  purpose. 

The  n^asal  douche  is  employed  by  the  veterinarian  in  treating  some 
local  diseases  of  the  nasal  chambei'S.  Special  appliances  and  profes- 
sional knowledge  are  necessary  when  using  lifjuid  medicines  by  this 
method.  It  is  not  often  resorted  to,  even  by  veterinary  surgeons, 
since,  as  a  rule,  the  hoi*se  objects  very  strongly  to  this  mode  of 
medication. 

By  the  skin. — Medicines  are  often  administered  to  our  hair- 
covered  animals  by  the  skin,  yet  care  must  be  taken  in  applying 
some  medicines — as  tobacco  water,  carbolic-acid  solutions,  strong 
creolin  solutions,  mercurial  ointment,  etc. — over  the  entire  body,  as 
l^oisoning  and  death  follow  in  some  instances  from  absorption 
thiough  the  skin.  For  the  same  reasons  care  must  also  be  exercised 
and  poisonous  medicines  not  applied  over  very  large  raw  or  abraded 
surfaces.  With  domestic  animals  medicines  are  only  to  be  applied 
by  the  skin  to  allay  local  pain  or  cure  local  disease. 

By  the  TTssi  e  reneatii  the  skin  (hypodermatic  method). — 
Medicines  are  frequently  given  by  the  hypodermic  syringe  under  the 
skin.  It  is  not  safe  for  any  but  medical  or  veterinary  practitioners 
to  use  this  form  of  medication,  since  the  medicines  thus  given  are 
])owerful  poisons.  There  are  many  precautions  to  be  observed,  and 
a  knowledge  of  anatomy  is  indispensable.  One  of  the  chief  precau- 
tions has  to  do  with  the  sterilization  of  the  syringe.  If  it  is  not  sterile 
an  abscess  may  be  produced. 

By  the  RECTr:si. — Medicines  may  be  given  by  the  rectum  when 
thev  can  not  l)e  iiiven  bv  the  mouth,  or  when  thev  are  not  retained  in 


48  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

the  stomach ;  when  we  want  a  local  action  on  the  last  ^t ;  when  it  i 
desired  to  destroy  the  small  worms  infesting  the  large  bowels  or  tt 
stimulate  the  peristaltic  motion  of  the  intestines  and  cause  evacual 
tion.     Medicines  are  in  such  cases  given  in  the  form  of  suppositories  oi 
as  liquid  injections  (enemas.)     Foods  may  also  be  given  in  this  way 

Suppositories  are  conical  bodies  made  up  of  oil  of  theobroma  and 
opium  (or  whatever  medicine  is  indicated  in  special  cases),  and  are 
introduced  into  the  rectum  or  vagina  to  allay  irritation  and  pain  of 
these  parts.    They  are  not  much  used  in  treating  horses. 

Enemas^  when  given  for  absorption,  should  be  small  in  quantity, 
neutral  or  slightly  acid  in  reaction,  and  of  a  temperature  of  from  90° 
to  100°  F.  These,  like  feeds  given  by  the  rectum,  should  be  intro- 
duced only  after  the  last  bowel  has  been  emptied  by  the  hand  or  by 
copious  injections  of  tepid  water.  Enemas,  or  clysters,  if  to  aid  the 
action  of  physics,  should  be  in  quantities  sufficient  to  distend  the 
bowel  and  cause  the  animal  to  eject  them.  Simple  w^ater,  salt  and 
water,  or  soap  and  water,  in  quantities  of  a  gallon  or  more,  may  be 
given  every  half  hour.  It  is  best  that  the  horse  retain  them  for  some 
little  time,  as  the  liquid  serves  to  moisten  the  dung  and  favors  a  pas- 
sage. Stimulating  enemas,  as  glycerin,  should  be  administered  after 
those  already  mentioned  have  emptied  the  last  bowel,  with  the  pur- 
pose of  still  further  increasing  the  natural  motion  of  the  intestines 
and  aiding  the  purging  medicine. 

Liquids  may  be  thrown  into  the  rectum  by  the  means  of  a  large 
syringe  or  a  pump.  A  very  good  "  irrigator  "  can  be  bought  of  any 
tinsmith  at  a  trifling  cost,  and  should  be  constantly  at  hand  on  every 
stock  farm.  It  consists  of  a  funnel  about  C  inches  deep  and  7  inches 
in  diameter,  which  is  to  be  furnished  with  a  prolongation  to  which  a 
piece  of  rubber  hose,  such  as  small  garden  hose,  4  feet  long  may  be 
attached.  The  hose,  well  oiled,  is  to  be  inserted  gently  into  the  rec- 
tum about  2  feet.  The  liquid  to  be  injected  may  then  be  poured  in 
the  funnel  and  the  pressure  of  the  atmosphere  will  force  it  into  the 
bowels.  This  appliance  is  better  than  the  more  complicated  and 
expensive  ones. 

Ordinaiy  cold  water  or  even  ice-cold  water  is  highly  recommended 
by  many  as  a  rectal  injection  for  horses  overcome  by  the  excessive 
heat  of  summer,  and  may  be  given  by  this  simple  pipe. 

By  the  gexito-tjrinaey  passages. — This  method  of  medication 
is  especially  useful  in  treating  local  diseases  of  the  genito-urinary 
organs.  It  finds  it  chief  application  in  the  injection  and  cleansing 
of  the  uterus  and  vagina.  For  this  purpose  a  large  syringe  or  the 
irrigator  described  above  may  be  used. 

By  the  blood. — Injections  directly  into  veins  are  to  be  practiced 
by  medical  or  veterinary  practitioners  only,  as  are  probably  some 
other  means  of  giving  medicines — intratracheal  injections,  etc. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture.  Diseases  of  the  He 


Plate  III. 


m 


o^s^Q-32^iiSi^:ii 


a  D 


moi^ocvo   —  rsinVio 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS. 

By   CH.    B.    MlCHENKK,    V.    S. 
lE^-vlPed  by  John  R.  MoLler,  V.  M.  D] 

It  is  not  an  eas}'  task  to  write  "  a  plain  account  of  the  common 
diseases,  with  directions  for  preventive  measures,  hygienic  care,  and 
the  simpler  forms  of  medical  treatment,"  of  the  digestive  organs  of 
the  horse.  Being  limited  as  to  space,  the  endeavor  has  been  made  to 
give  simply  an  outline — to  state  the  most  important  facts — leaving 
many  gaps,  and  continually  checking  the  disposition  to  write  any- 
thing like  a  full  description  as  to  cause,  prevention,  and  modes  of 
treatment  of  diseases. 

WATER. 

It  is  generally  held,  at  least  in  practice,  that  any  water  tnat  stock 
can  be  induced  to  drink  is  sufficiently  pure  for  their  use.  This  prac- 
tice occaaons  losses  that  would  startle  us  if  statistics  were  at  hand. 
Water  that  is  impure  from  the  presence  of  decomposing  organic  mat- 
ter, such  as  is  found  in  wells  and  ponds  in  ch»se  proximity  to  manure 
heaps  and  cesspools,  is  frequently  the  cause  of  diarrhea,  dysentery, 
and  many  other  diseases  of  stock,  while  water  that  is  impregnated 
with  different  pois<^»ns  and  contaminated  in  very  many  instances  with 
specific  media  of  contagion  produces  death. 

Considering  first  the  quantity  of  water  required  by  the  horse,  it 
may  be  stated  that  when  our  animals  have  access  to  water  continually 
they  never  drink  to  excess.  Were  the  horse  subjected  to  ship  voyages 
or  any  other  circumstances  where  he  must  depend  upon  his  attendant 
for  the  supply  of  water,  it  may  be  roughly  stated  that  he  requires 
a  daily  average  of  alx>ut  8  gallons  of  water.  This  varies  somewhat 
upon  the  character  of  his  feed:  if  upon  green  feed,  less  water  will 
be  needed  than  when  fed  upon  dry  hay  and  grain. 

The  time  of  giving  water  should  be  carefully  studied.     At  rest,  the 

horse  should  receive  it  at  least  three  times  a  day;  when  at  work. 

more  fre<juently.     Tlie  rule  should  \x'  to  give  it  in  small  quantities  and 

often.     There  is  a  pr)pular  fallacy  that  if  a  horse  is  warm  he  should 

not  be  allowed  to  drink,  many  asserting  that  the  first  swallow  of 

water  "founders"  the  animal  or  produces  colic.     This  is  erroneous, 

Xo  matter  how  warm  a  horse  may  be.  it  is  always  entirely  safe  to 

allow  him  from  six  to  ten  swallows  of  water.     If  this  is  given  cmi 

49 
30444°— 16 i 


50  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

going  into  the  stable,  he  should  have  at  once  a  pound  or  two  of  hay 
and  allowed  to  rest  about  an  hour  before  feeding.  If  water  is  now 
offered  him  it  will  in  many  cases  be  refused,  or  at  least  he  will  drink 
but  sparingly.  The  danger,  then,  is  not  in  the  "  first  swallow  "  of 
water,  but  is  due  to  the  excessive  quantity  that  the  animal  will  take 
when  warm  if  he  is  not  restrained. 

Ice-cold  water  should  never  be  given  to  horses.  It  may  not  be 
necessary  to  add  hot  water,  but  we  should  be  careful  in  placing  water 
troughs  about  our  barns  to  have  them  in  such  position  that  the 
sun  may  shine  upon  the  water  during  the  winter  mornings.  Water, 
even  though  it  is  thus  cold,  seldom  produces  serious  trouble  if  the 
horse  has  not  been  deprived  for  a  too  great  length  of  time. 

In  reference  to  the  purity  of  water,  Smith,  in  his  "  Veterinary  Hy- 
giene," classes  spring  w^ater,  deep-well  water,  and  upland  surface 
water  as  wholesome ;  stored  rain  water  and  surface  water  from  culti- 
vated land  as  suspicious;  river  water  to  which  sewage  gains  access 
and  shallow-well  water  as  dangerous.  The  water  that  is  used  so 
largely  for  drinking  purposes  for  stock  throughout  some  States  can 
not  but  be  impure.  I  refer  to  those  sections  w^here  there  is  an  imper- 
vious clay  subsoil.  It  is  the  custom  to  scoop,  or  hollow  out,  a  large 
basin  in  the  pastures.  During  rains  these  basins  become  filled  with 
water.  The  clay  subsoil,  being  almost  impervious,  acts  as  a  jug,  and 
there  is  no  escape  for  the  water  except  by  evaporation.  Such  water 
is  stagnant,  but  would  be  kept  comparatively  fresh  by  subsequent 
rains  were  it  not  for  the  fact  that  much  organic  matter  is  carried 
into  it  by  surface  drainage  during  each  succeeding  storm.  This  or- 
ganic matter  soon  undergoes  decomposition,  and,  as  the  result,  we 
find  diseases  of  different  kinds  much  more  prevalent  where  this  water 
is  drunk  than  where  the  water  supply  is  wholesome.  Again,  it  must 
not  be  lost  sight  of  that  stagnant  surface  water  is  much  more  cer- 
tainly contaminated  than  is  running  water  by  one  diseased  animal 
of  the  herd,  thus  endangering  the  remainder. 

The  chief  impurities  of  water  may  be  classified  as  organic  and 
inorganic.  The  organic  impurities  are  either  animal  or  vegetable 
substances.  The  salts  of  the  metals  are  the  inorganic  impurities. 
Lime  causes  hardness  of  water,  and  occasion  will  be  taken  to  speak  of 
this  when  describing  intestinal  concretions.  Salts  of  lead,  iron,  and 
copper  are  also  frequently  found  in  water;  they  also  will  be  re- 
ferred to. 

About  the  only  examination  of  water  that  can  be  made  by  the 
average  stock  raiser  is  to  observe  its  taste,  color,  smell,  and  clearness. 
Pure  water  is  clear  and  is  without  taste  or  smell. 

Chemical  and  microscopic  examination  will  frequently  be  neces- 
sary in  order  to  detect  the  presence  of  certain  poisons,  bacteria,  etc., 
and  can,  of  course,  be  conducted  by  experts  only. 


DISEASES  OF   THE   DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  51 

FEEDS  AND  FEEDING. 

In  this  place  one  can  not  attempt  anything  like  a  comprehensive 
discussion  of  the  subject  of  feeds  and  feeding,  and  I  must  content  my- 
self with  merely  giving  a  few  facts  as  to  the  different  kinds  of  feed, 
preparation,  digestil)ility,  proper  time  of  feeding,  <juality,  and  quan- 
tity. Improper  feeding  and  watering  will  doubtless  account  for  more 
than  one-half  the  digestive  disorders  met  with  in  the  horse,  and  hence 
the  reader  can  not  fail  to  see  how  very  important  it  is  to  have  some 
proper  ideas  concerning  these  subjects. 

KINDS    OF   FEED. 

In  this  country  horses  are  fed  chiefly  upon  hay,  grass,  corn  fodder, 
roots,  oats,  corn,  wheat,  and  rye.  Many  think  that  they  could  be  fed 
on  nothing  else.  Stewart,  in  '*  The  Stable  Book,"  gives  the  following 
extract  from  Loudon's  Encyclopedia  of  Agriculture,  which  is  of 
interest  at  this  point: 

111  fcioine  sterile  countries  they  [liurses]  are  forced  to  subsist  on  dried  fish,  and 
even  on  vegetable  mold;  in  Arabia,  on  milk,  flesh  bulls,  eggs,  broth.  In  Indi;i 
horses  are  variously  fed.  The  native  grasses  are  judged  very  nutritious.  Few, 
lierhaps  no,  oats  are  grown ;  barley  is  rare,  and  not  commonly  given  to  horses. 
In  Bengal  a  vetch,  sometliing  like  the  tare,  is  used.  On  the  western  side  of 
India  a  sort  of  pigeon  pea.  called  gram  (Ciccr  arictimcm),  forms  the  ordinary 
food,  with  grass  while  in  season,  and  hay  all  the  year  round.  Indian  corn  or 
rice  is  .seldom  given.  In  the  West  Indies  maize,  guinea  corn,  sugar-corn  tops, 
and  sometimes  molasses  are  given.  In  the  Mahratta  country  salt,  pepper,  and 
other  spices  are  made  into  balls,  with  flour  and  butter,  and  these  are  supposed 
to  produce  animation  and  to  fine  the  coat.  Broth  made  from  sheep's  hea<i  is 
sometimes  given.  In  France,  Spain,  and  Italy,  besides  the  grasses,  the  leaves 
of  limes,  vines,  the  tops  of  acacia,  and  the  seeds  of  the  carob  tree  are  given  to 
horses. 

We  can  not,  however,  leave  aside  entirely  here  a  consideration  of 
the  digestibility  of  feeds;  and  by  this  we  mean  the  readiness  with 
which  they  undergo  those  changes  in  the  digestive  canal  that  fit 
them  for  absorption  ami  deposition  as  integral  parts  of  the  animal 
economy. 

The  age  and  health  of  the  animal  will,  of  course,  modify  the  diges- 
tibility of  feeds,  as  will  also  the  manner  and  time  of  harvesting,  pre- 
serving, and  preparing. 

In  the  hoi^se  digestion  takes  place  principally  in  the  intestines,  and 
here,  as  in  all  other  animals  and  with  all  feeds,  it  is  foimd  that,  a 
certain  part  only  of  the  provender  is  digested;  another  portion  is 
undigested.  This  proportion  of  digested  and  undigested  feed  must 
claim  passing  notice  at  least,  for  if  the  horse  receives  too  much  feed, 
or  bulky  feed  containing  much  indigestible  wa.ste,  a  large  portion  of 
it  must  pass  out  unused,  entailing  not  only  the  loss  of  this  unused 
feed,  but  also  calling  for  an  unnecessary  expenditure  of  vital  force  on 


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64  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

An  essential  point  in  making  hay  is  that  when  the  crop  is  cut  it 
should  remain  in  the  field  as  short  a  time  as  possible.  If  left  too 
long  in  the  sun  it  loses  color,  flavor,  and  dries  or  wastes.  Smith 
asserts  that  one  hour  more  than  is  necessary  in  the  sun  causes  a  loss 
of  15  to  20  per  cent  in  the  feeding  value  of  hay.  It  is  impossible  to 
state  any  fixed  time  that  hay  must  have  to  cure,  this  depending,  of 
course,  upon  the  weather,  thickness  of  the  crop,  and  many  other  cir- 
cumstances; but  it  is  well  known  that  in  order  to  preserve  the  color 
and  aroma  of  hay  it  should  be  turned  or  tedded  frequently  and 
cured  as  quickly  as  possible.  On  the  other  hand,  hay  spoils  in  the 
mow  if  harvested  too  green  or  when  not  sufficiently  dried.  Mow- 
burnt  hay  produces  disorder  of  the  kidneys  and  bowels  and  causes  the 
horse  to  fall  off  in  condition. 

The  average  horse  on  grain  should  be  allowed  from  10  to  12  pounds 
of  good  hay  a  day.  It  is  a  mistake  of  many  to  think  that  horses  at 
light  work  can  be  kept  entirely  on  hay.  Such  horses  soon  become 
pot-bellied,  fall  off  in  flesh,  and  do  not  thrive.  The  same  is  true  of 
colts:  unless  the  latter  are  fed  with  some  grain  they  grow  up  to  be 
long,  lean,  gawky  creatures,  and  never  make  so  good  horses  as  those 
accustomed  to  grain  with,  or  in  addition  to,  their  hay. 

Straw. — The  straws  are  not  extensively  fed  in  this  country,  and 
when  used  at  all  they  should  be  cut  and  mixed  with  hay  and  ground 
or  crushed  grain.  Wheat,  rye.  and  oat  straw  are  the  ones  most 
used;  of  these,  oat  straw  is  most  easily  digested  and  contains  the 
most  nourishment.  Pea  and  bean  straw  are  occasionally  fed  to 
horses,  the  pea  being  preferable,  according  to  most  writers. 

Chaff. — Wheat  and  rye  chaff  should  never  be  used  as  a  feed  for 
horses.  The  beards  frequently  become  lodged  in  the  mouth  or  throat 
and  are  productive  of  more  or  less  serious  trouble.  In  the  stomach 
and  intestines  they  often  serve  as  the  nucleus  of  the  "  soft  concre- 
tions,'' which  are  to  be  described  when  treating  of  obstructions  of  the 
digestive  tract. 

Oat  chaff,  if  fed  in  small  quantities  and  mixed  with  cut  hay  or 
corn  fodder,  is  very  much  relished  by  horses.  It  is  not  to  be  given  in 
large  quantities,  as  I  have  repeatedly  witnessed  a  troublesome  and 
sometimes  fatal  diarrhea  following  the  practice  of  allowing  horses 
or  cattle  free  access  to  a  pile  of  oat  chaff. 

Grains. — Oats  take  precedence  of  all  grains  as  a  feed  for  horses, 
as  the  ingredients  necessar}'  for  the  complete  nutrition  of  the  bodj'' 
exist  in  them  in  the  best  proportions.  Oats  are,  besides,  more  easily 
digested  and  a  larger  proportion  absorbed  and  converted  into  the 
various  tissues  of  the  body.  Care  must  be  taken  in  selecting  oats. 
According  to  Stewart,  the  best  oats  are  one  year  old,  plump,  short, 
hard,  clean,  bright,  and  sweet.     New  oats  are  indigestible.     Kiln- 


DISEASES   OF    THE   DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  55 

dried  oats  are  to  be  refused,  as  a  rule,  for  even  though  originally 
good  this  drying  process  injures  them.  Oats  that  have  sprouted  or 
fermented  are  injurious  and  should  never  be  fed.  Oats  are  to  be 
given  either  whole  or  crushed — whole  in  the  majority  of  instances; 
crushed  to  old  horses  and  those  having  defective  teeth.  Horses  that 
bolt  their  feed  are  also  best  fed  upon  crushed  oats  and  out  of  a 
manger  large  enough  to  permit  of  spreading  the  grain  in  a  thin 
layer. 

In  addition  to  the  allowance  of  hay  above  mentioned,  the  average 
horse  requires  about  12  quarts  of  good  oats  daily.  The  best  oats  are 
those  cut  about  one  week  before  they  are  fully  ripe.  Not  only  is  the 
gwiin  richer  in  nutritive  materials  at  this  time,  but  there  is  also  less 
waste  from  "scattering"  than  if  left  to  become  dead  ripe.  Moldy 
oats,  like  hay  and  straw,  not  only  produce  serious  digestive  disorders 
but  have  been  the  undoubted  cause  of  outbreaks  of  that  dread  disease 
in  horses,  already  referred  to,  characterized  by  inability  to  eat  or 
drink,  sudden  paralysis,  and  death. 

Wheat  and  rte. — These  grains  are  not  to  be  used  for  horses  except 
in  small  quantities,  bruised  or  crushed,  and  fed  mixed  with  other 
grains  or  hay.  If  fed  alone,  in  any  considerable  quantities,  they  are 
almost  certain  to  produce  digestive  disorders,  laminitis  (founder), 
and  similar  troubles.  They  should  never  constitute  more  than  one- 
fourth  the  grain  allowance,  and  should  always  be  ground  or  crushed. 

Bran. — The  bran  of  wheat  is  the  one  most  used,  and  its  value  as  a 
feeding  stuff  is  variously  estimated.  It  is  not  to  be  depended  upon  if 
given  alone,  but  may  be  fed  with  other  grains.  It  serves  to  keep  the 
bowels  open.  Sour  bran  is  not  to  be  given,  for  it  disorders  the 
stomach  and  intestines  and  may  even  produce  serious  results. 

Maize  (corn). — This  grain  is  not  suitable  as  an  exclusive  feed  for 
young  horses,  as  it  is  deficient  in  salts.  It  is  fed  whole  or  ground. 
Corn  on  the  cob  is  connnonly  used  for  horses  affected  with  "  lampas." 
If  the  corn  is  old  and  is  to  be  fed  in  this  manner  it  should  be  soaked 
in  pure,  clean  water  for  10  or  12  hours.  Corn  is  better  given  ground, 
and  fed  in  (puiutities  of  from  1  to  2  quarts  at  a  meal,  mixed  with 
crushed  oats  or  wheat  bran.  Great  care  should  be  taken  in  giving 
corn  to  a  horse  that  is  not  accustomed  to  its  use.  It  must  be  com- 
menced in  small  quantities  and  very  gradually  increased.  I  know 
of  no  grain  more  liable  to  produce  what  is  called  acute  indigestion 
than  corn  if  these  directions  are  not  observed. 

LiNsKED. — Ground  linseed  is  ocrasionally  fed  with  other  feeds  to 
keep  the  bowels  open  and  to  improve  the  condition  of  the  skin.  It  is 
of  particular  service  during  convalescence,  when  the  bowels  aie  slug- 
gish in  their  action.  Linseed  tea  is  very  often  given  in  irritable  or 
inflamed  conditions  of  the  digestive  oigans. 


56  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

Potatoes. — These  are  used  as  an  article  of  feed  for  the  horse  in 
many  sections.  If  fed  raw  and  in.  large  quantities  they  often  produce 
indigestion.  Their  digestibility  is  increased  by  steaming  or  boiling. 
They  possess,  in  common  with  other  roots,  slight  laxative  properties. 

Beets. — These  are  not  much  used  as  feed  for  horses. 

Carrots. — These  make  a  most  excellent  feed,  particularly  during 
sickness.  They  improve  the  appetite  and  slightly  increase  the  action 
of  the  bowels  and  kidneys.  They  possess  also  certain  alterative  prop- 
erties, making  the  coat  smooth  and  glossy.  Some  veterinary  writers 
assert  that  chronic  cough  is  cured  by  giving  carrots  for  some  time. 
The  roots  may  be  considered,  then,  as  an  adjunct  to  the  regular 
regimen,  and  if  fed  in  small  quantities  are  highly  beneficial. 

Grasses. — Grass  is  the  natural  food  of  horses.  It  is  composed  of 
a  great  variety  of  plants,  differing  widely  as  to  the  amount  of  nour- 
ishment contained,  some  being  almost  entirely  without  value  and 
only  eaten  when  nothing  else  is  obtainable,  while  others  are  posi- 
tively injurious,  or  even  poisonous.  None  of  the  grasses  are  suffi- 
cient to  keep  the  horse  in  condition  for  work.  Horses  thus  fed  are 
"  soft,"  sweat  easily,  purge,  and  soon  tire  on  the  road  or  when  at 
hard  work.  Grass  is  indispensable  to  growing  stock,  and  there  is 
little  or  no  doubt  that  it  acts  as  an  alterative  when  given  to  horses 
accustomed  to  grain  and  hay.  It  must  be  given  to  such  horses  in 
small  quantities  at  first.  The  stomach  and  intestines  undergo  rest, 
and  recuperate  if  the  horse  is  turned  to  grass  for  a  time  each  year. 
It  is  also  certain  that  during  febrile  diseases  grass  acts  almost  as  a 
medicine,  lessening  the  fever  and  favoring  recovery.  Wounds  heal 
more  rapidly  than  when  the  horse  is  on  grain,  and  some  chronic  dis- 
orders (chronic  cough,  for  instance)  disappear  entirely  when  at  grass. 
In  my  experience,  grass  does  more  good  when  the  horse  crops  it  him- 
self. This  may  be  due  to  the  sense  of  freedom  he  enjoys  at  pasture, 
to  the  rest  to  his  feet  and  limbs,  and  for  many  other  similar  reasons. 
When  cut  for  him  it  should  be  fed  fresh  or  when  but  slightly  wilted. 

Silage. — Regarding  silage  as  a  feed  for  horses,  Rommel  in  Farm- 
ers' Bulletin  578  writes  as  follows : 

Silage  has  not  been  generally  fed  to  horses,  partly  on  account  of  a  certain 
amount  of  danger  which  attends  its  use  for  this  purpose,  but  still  more,  per- 
haps, on  account  of  prejudice.  In  many  cases  horses  have  been  killed  by 
eating  moldy  silage,  and  the  careless  person  who  fed  it  at  once  blamed  the 
silage  itself,  rather  than  his  own  carelessness  and  the  mold  which  really  was 
the  cause  of  the  trouble.  Horses  are  peculiarly  susceptible  to  the  effects  of 
molds,  and  under  certain  conditions  certain  molds  grow  on  silage  which  are 
deadly  poisons  to  both  horses  and  mules.  Molds  must  have  air  to  grow,  and 
therefore  silage  which  is  packed  air-tight  and  fed  out  rapidly  will  not  become 
moldy.  If  the  feeder  watches  the  silage  carefully  as  the  weather  warms  up 
he  can  soon  detect  the  presence  of  mold.  When  mold  appears,  feeding  to 
horses  or  mules  should  stop  immediately. 


DISEASES   OF    THE   DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  57 

It  is  also  unsafe  to  feed  horses  frozen  silape  on  account  of  the  dantrer  of 
colic.     *     *     * 

To  summarize,  silajre  is  safe  to  feed  to  horses  and  mules  only  wIumi  it  is 
made  from  fairly  mature  corn,  properly  stored  in  the  silo.  When  it  is  prop- 
erly stored  and  is  not  allowed  to  mold,  no  feed  exceeds  it  as  a  cheap  winter 
ration.  It  is  most  valuahle  for  horses  and  nudes  which  are  not  at  heavy 
work,  such  as  brood  mares  and  work  horses  during  the  slack  season.  With 
plenty  of  prain  on  the  cornstallvs,  horses  will  keep  in  }jo<»d  condition  on  a 
ration  of  20  pounds  of  silase  and  1(»  jiounds  of  hay  for  each  1,(X)0  pounds  of 
live  weight. 

PREPARATION    OF    FEEDS. 

Feed  is  prepared  for  any  of  the  followin*;  reasons:  To  render  it 
more  easily  eaten;  to  make  it  more  digestible;  to  economize  in 
amount;  to  give  it  some  new  property;  and  to  preserve  it.  We  have 
already  spoken  of  the  preparation  of  drying,  and  need  not  revert  to 
this  again,  as  it  only  serves  to  preserve  the  different  feeds.  Drying 
does,  however,  change  some  of  the  properties  of  feed,  i.  e.,  removes 
the  laxative  tendency  of  most  of  them. 

The  different  grains  are  more  easily  eaten  when  ground,  crushed, 
or  even  boiled.  Rye  or  wheat  should  never  be  given  whole,  and  even 
of  corn  it  is  found  that  there  is  less  waste  when  ground,  and,  in 
common  with  all  other  grains,  it  is  more  easily  digested  than  when 
fed  whole. 

Hay  and  fodder  are  economized  when  cut  in  short  pieces.  Not 
only  will  the  horse  eat  the  necessary  quantity  in  a  shorter  time,  but  it 
will  be  found  that  there  is  less  waste,  and  the  mastication  of  the 
grains  (whole  or  crushed)  fed  with  them  is  insured. 

Reference  has  already  been  made  to  those  horses  that  bolt  their 
feed,  and  we  need  only  remark  here  that  the  consecjuences  of  such 
ravenous  eating  may  be  prevented  if  the  grains  are  fed  with  cut  hay, 
straw,  or  fodder.  Long  or  uncut  hay  should  also  be  fed,  e\  en  though 
a  certain  quantity  of  hay  or  straw  is  cut  and  fed  mixed  with  grain. 

One  objection  to  feeding  cut  hay  mixed  with  grotuid  or  crushed 
grains,  and  wetted,  must  not  be  overlooked  during  the  hot  months. 
Such  feed  is  liable  to  undergo  fermentation  if  not  fed  directly  after 
it  is  mixed;  even  the  mixing  trough,  unless  frequently  scalded  and 
cleaned,  becomes  sour  and  enough  of  its  scrai)ings  are  given  with  the 
feed  to  produce  flatulent  (wind)  colic.  A  small  (juantitN'  of  salt 
should  always  be  mixed  with  such  feed.  Bad  hay  should  never  be 
out  simjily  because  it  insures  a  greater  consumption  of  it ;  bad  feeds 
are  dear  at  any  price,  and  shoidd  never  be  fed. 

The  advantage  of  boiling  roots  has  been  mentioned.  Not  only 
does  this  render  them  less  liable  to  ]iroduce  digestive  disorders,  but  it 
also  makes  them  clean.  Boiling  or  steaming  grains  is  to  be  recom- 
mended when  the  teeth  are  poor,  or  when  the  digestive  organs  are 
weak. 


58  DISEASES   OF   THE   HOESE. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  TEETH. 

Dentition. — This  covers  the  period  during  which  the  young  horse 
is  cutting  his  teeth — from  birth  to  the  age  of  5  years.  With  the 
horse  more  difficulty  is  experienced  in  cutting  the  second  or  per- 
manent teeth  than  with  the  first  or  milk  teeth.  There  is  a  tendency 
among  farmers  and  many  veterinarians  to  pay  too  little  attention  to 
the  teeth  of  young  horses.  Percivall  relates  an  instance  illustrative 
of  this  that  is  best  told  in  his  own  words : 

I  was  requested  to  give  my  opinion  concerning  a  horse,  then,  in  his  fifth  year, 
who  had  fed  so  sparingly  for  tlie  hast  fortniglit,  and  so  rapidly  declined  in  con- 
dition in  consequence,  that  his  owner,  a  veterinary  surgeon,  was  under  no  light 
apprehensions  about  his  life.  He  had  himself  examined  his  mouth  without 
having  discovered  any  defect  or  disease,  though  another  veterinary  surgeon 
was  of  opinion  that  the  difficulty  or  inability  manifested  in  mastication,  and 
the  consequent  cudding,  arose  from  preternatural  bluntness  of  the  surfaces  of 
the  molar  teeth,  which  were,  in  consequence,  filed,  but  without  beneficial  result. 
It  was  after  this  that  I  saw  the  horse,  and  I  confess  I  was,  at  my  first  examina- 
tion, quite  as  much  at  a  loss  to  offer  any  satisfactory  interpretation  as  others 
had  been.  While  meditating,  however,  after  my  inspection,  on  the  apparently 
extraordinary  nature  of  the  case,  it  struck  me  that  I  had  not  seen  the  tusks.  I 
went  back  into  the  stable  and  discovered  two  little  tumors,  red  and  hard,  in  the 
situation  of  the  inferior  tusks,  which,  when  pressed,  gave  the  animal  insuffer- 
able pain.  I  instantly  took  out  my  pocketknife  and  made  crucial  incisions 
through  them  both,  down  to  the  coming  teeth,  from  which  moment  the  horse 
recovered  his  appetite  and,  by  degrees,  his  wonted  condition. 

The  mouths  of  young  horses  should  be  examined  from  time  to  time 
to  see  whether  one  or  more  of  the  milk  teeth  are  not  remaining  too 
long,  causing  the  second  teeth  to  grow  in  crooked,  in  which  case  the 
first  teeth  should  be  removed  with  the  forceps. 

Irregularities  of  teeth. — There  is  a  fashion  of  late  years,  espe- 
cially in  large  cities,  to  have  horses'  teeth  regularly  "  floated,"  or 
"  rasped,"  by  "  veterinary  dentists."  In  some  instances  this  is  very 
beneficial,  while  in  most  cases  it  is  entirely  unnecessary.  From  the 
character  of  the  feed,  the  rubbing,  or  grinding,  surface  of  the  horse's 
teeth  should  be  rough.  Still,  we  must  remember  that  the  upper  jaw 
is  somewhat  wider  than  the  lower,  and  that,  from  the  fact  of  the  teeth 
not  being  perfectly  apposed,  a  sharp  ridge  is  left  unworn  on  the 
inside  of  the  lower  molars  and  on  the  outside  of  the  upper,  which  may 
excoriate  the  tongue  or  cheeks  to  a  considerable  extent.  This  condi- 
tion may  readily  be  felt  by  the  hand,  and  these  sharp  ridges  when 
found  should  be  rasped  down  by  a  guarded  rasp.  In  some  instances 
the  first  or  last  molar  tooth  is  unnaturally  long,  owing  to  the  fact 
that  its  fellow  in  the  opposite  jaw  has  been  lost  or  does  not  close  per- 
fectly against  it.    Should  it  be  the  last  molar  that  is  thus  elongated, 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


Plate  i. 


Age  of  Horses  as  Indicated  by  Teeth. 


Longitudinal  section  of  left  central  lower  incisor 
and  cross  sections  of  same  tooth  showing  table  surfaces 
as  they  app«ir  at  the  ages  of  3,  5,  7.  9.  15,  20  and  25 
years.  C.  Cement;  D,  Dentine;  E,  Enamel;  /,  Infundi- 
bulum;  K.  Cup;  P.  Pulp  Cavity;  5,  Star. 


DISEASES   or    THE    DICKSTIVK    ORGANS.  59 

it  will  reiiuiie  the  aiil  of  the  veteiinui y  siiigeoii,  who  hus  the  neces- 
sary forceps  or  chisel  for  cutting  it.  The  front  molar  may  be  rasped 
clown,  if  much  patience  is  taken.  In  decay  of  the  teeth  it  is  iiuite 
common  to  find  the  tooth  corresponding  to  the  decayed  one  on  the 
opposite  jaw  ver}'  much  elongated,  sometimes  to  suck  an  extent  that 
the  mouth  can  not  be  perfectly  closed.  Such  teeth  must  also  be 
.shortened  by  the  tooth  forceps,  chisel,  tooth  saw,  or  rasp.  In  all 
instances  in  which  horses  "quid"  their  feed,  if  they  are  slobbering, 
or  evince  pain  in  mastication,  shown  by  holding  the  head  to  one  side 
while  chewing,  the  teeth  should  be  carefully  examined.  Horses  whose 
teeth  have  unduly  sharp  edges  are  liable  to  drive  badly;  they  pull 
to  one  side,  do  not  bear  on  the  bit,  or  bear  on  t<x)  hard  and  "  big,"  toss 
the  head,  and  start  suddenly  when  a  tender  spot  is  touched.  If,  as 
is  mostly  the  case,  all  the  symptoms  are  referable  to  sharp  corners  or 
l»rojections,  these  must  be  removed  by  the  rasp.  If  decayed  teeth 
r.re  found,  or  other  serious  difficulty  detected,  or  if  the  cause  of  the 
annoying  symptoms  is  not  discovered,  an  expert  should  be  called. 

Toothaeh'. — This  is  rare  in  the  horse  and  is  mostly  witnessed  when 
there  is  decay  of  a  tooth  or  inflammation  about  its  root.  Toothache 
is  to  be  discovered  in  the  horse  by  the  pain  expressed  by  him  while 
feeding  or  drinking  cold  water.  I  have  seen  horses,  affected  with 
toothache,  that  would  suddenly  stop  chewing,  throw  the  head  to  one 
side,  and  slightly  open  the  mouth.  They  behave  as  though  some 
sharp  body  had  punctured  the  mouth.  If  upon  examination  no 
foreign  body  is  found,  we  must  then  carefully  examine  each  tooth. 
If  this  can  not  ije  done  with  the  hand  in  the  mouth,  we  can,  in  most 
instances,  discover  the  aching  tooth  by  pressing  each  tooth  from 
without.  By  tapping  the  teeth  in  succession  with  a  hard  ol)ject,  such 
as  a  small  hammer,  the  one  that  is  tender  nuiy  be  identified.  The 
horee  will  flinch  when  the  sore  tooth  is  pressed  or  tapped  upon.  In 
most  cases  there  is  nothing  to  be  done  but  extract  the  decaved  tootli. 
and  this,  of  course,  is  to  1)0  attempted  by  the  veterinarian  onlv. 

Deformity. — There  is  a  deformity,  known  as  parrot-niouth,  that 
interferes  with  prehension,  mastication,  and,  indirectly,  with  diges- 
tion. The  upper  incisors  project  in  front  of  and  l)eyond  the  lower 
ones.  The  teeth  of  both  jaws  become  unusually  long,  as  they  are  not 
worn  down  by  friction.  Such  horses  experience  much  difficultv  in 
grazing.  Little  can  be  done  except  to  examint'  the  teeth  occasionally, 
and  if  those  of  the  lower  jaw  become  so  long  that  they  bruise  the 
"bars"  of  the  ujiper  jaw.  they  must  be  shorten<'(l  by  the  rasp  or  saw. 
Horses  with  this  deformity  shoidd  never  be  left  entirely  at  pasture. 

The  method  of  determining  the  age  of  a  horsi*  by  the  teeth  is  illus- 
trated in  Plate  IV. 


60  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  MOUTH. 

LAMPAS. 

Lampas  is  the  name  given  to  a  swelling  of  the  mucous  membrane 
covering  the  hard  palate  and  projecting  in  a  more  or  less  prominent 
ridge  immediately  behind  the  upper  incisors.  The  hard  palate  is 
composed  of  spongy  tissue  that  fills  with  blood  when  the  horse  is 
feeding,  which  causes  the  ridges  to  become  prominent,  and  they  then 
help  to  keep  feed  from  dropping  from  the  mouth.  This  swelling  is 
entirely  natural  and  occurs  in  every  healthy  horse.  Where  there  is 
some  irritation  in  the  mouth,  as  in  stomatitis  or  during  teething,  the 
prominence  of  the  hard  palate  may  persist,  owing  to  the  increased 
blood  supply.  In  such  cases  the  cause  of  the  irritation  should  be 
sought  for  and  removed.  By  way  of  direct  treatment,  slight  scari- 
fication is  the  most  that  will  be  required.  Burning  the  lampas  is 
barbarous  and  injurious,  and  it  should  never  be  tolerated. 

It  is  a  quite  common  opinion  among  owners  of  horses  and  stable- 
men that  lampas  is  a  disease  that  very  frequently  exists.  In  fact 
whenever  a  horse  fails  to  eat,  and  if  he  does  not  exhibit  very  marked 
symptoms  of  a  severe  illness,  they  say  at  once  "he  has  the  lampas." 
It  is  almost  impossible  to  convince  them  to  the  contrary;  yet  it  is 
not  the  case.  It  may  be  put  down,  then,  as  an  affliction  of  the  stable- 
man's imagination  rather  than  of  the  horse's  mouth. 

STOMATITIS. 

Stomatitis  is  an  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  lining  the 
mouth  and  is  produced  by  irritating  medicines,  feeds,  or  other  sub- 
stances. The  symptoms  are  swelling  of  the  mouth,  which  is  also  hot 
and  painful  to  the  touch ;  there  is  a  copious  discharge  of  saliva ;  the 
mucous  membrane  is  reddened,  and  in  some  cases  vesicles  or  ulcers 
in  the  mouth  are  observed.  The  treatment  is  simple,  soft  feed  alone 
often  being  all  that  is  necessary.  A  bucket  of  fresh,  cold  water 
should  be  kept  constantly  in  the  manger  so  that  the  horse  may  drink 
or  rinse  his  mouth  at  will.  In  some  instances,  it  may  be  advisable 
to  use  a  wash  of  chlorate  of  potash,  borax,  or  alum,  about  one-half 
ounce  to  a  pint  of  water.  Hay,  straw,  or  oats  should  not  be  fed 
unless  steamed  or  boiled.  A  form  of  contagious  stomatitis,  charac- 
terized by  the  formation  within  the  mouth  of  small  vesicles,  or  blis- 
ters, sometimes  occurs.  In  this  disease  the  horse  should  be  isolated 
from  other  horses,  and  his  stall,  especially  the  feed  box,  and  his  bit 
should  be  disinfected. 

GLOSSITIS    (INFLAMMATION   OF   THE   TONGUE). 

Glossitis,  or  inflammation  of  the  tongue,  is  very  similar  to  stoma- 
titis, and  mostly  exists  with  it  and  is  due  to  the  same  causes.  Injuries 
to  the  tongue  may  produce  this  simple  inflammation  of  its  covering 


DISEASES   OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  61 

membrane,  or,  if  severe,  ina^'  produce  lesions  much  more  extensive, 
such  as  lacerations,  abscesses,  etc.  These  latter  ^vould  require  sur- 
gical treatment,  but  for  the  sim{)ler  forms  of  infiannnatiou  of  the 
tongue  the  treatment  reconnueiKlod  for  stomatitis  siiould  be  followed. 

SALIVATION    (PTYALISM). 

Ptyalism,  or  salivation,  consists  in  an  abnormal  and  excessive  se- 
cretion of  saliva.  This  is  often  seen  as  a  symptom  of  irregular  teeth ; 
inflammation  of  the  mouth  or  tongue,  or  of  the  use  of  such  medicines 
as  lobelia,  mercury,  and  nuiuy  others.  Some  feeds,  such  as  clo\er, 
and  particularly  second  crop,  produce  it;  foreign  bodies,  such  as 
nails,  Nvheat  chaff,  and  corncobs  becoming  lodged  in  the  mouth,  also 
are  causes.  If  the  cause  is  removed  no  further  attention  is  necessary, 
as  a  rule.  Astringent  washes  may  be  applied  to  the  mouth  as  a 
gargle  or  by  means  of  a  sponge. 

PHARYNGITIS. 

Pharyngitis  is  an  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  lining 
of  the  pharynx  or  throat.  It  rarely  exists  unless  accompanied  -with 
stomatitis  or  laryngitis,  especially  the  latter.  In  those  rare  instances 
in  which  the  inflammation  is  mostly  confined  to  the  pharynx  are 
noticed  febrile  symptoms — difficulty  of  swallowing  either  liquids  or 
solids;  there  is  but  little  cough  except  when  trying  to  swallow;  there 
is  no  soreness  on  pressure  over  larynx  (head  of  the  windpipe).  In- 
creased flow  of  saliva,  difficulty  of  swallowing  liquids  in  particular, 
and  cough  only  when  attempting  to  swallow,  are  the  symptoms  best 
marked  in  pharyngitis.  In  some  cases  the  throat  becomes  gangrenous 
and  the  disease  ends  in  death.  For  treatment  a  wet  sheet  should  be 
wrapped  around  the  throat  and  covered  with  rubber  sheeting  and  a 
warm  blanket.  This  should  be  changed  three  times  daily;  or  the 
region  of  the  throat  may  be  i-ubbod  with  mercurial  ointment  twice 
daily  until  the  skin  becomes  irritated,  but  no  longer;  chlorate  of 
potash  may  be  given  in  2-dram  doses  four  times  daily,  mixed  with 
flaxseed  meal  or  licorice-root  jiowder  and  honey,  as  an  electuary. 
Soft  feeds  should  be  given,  and  fresh  water  should  be  constantly 
before  the  horse. 

PARALYSIS    OF   THE    PHARYNX. 

Paralysis  of  the  pharynx,  or,  as  it  is  conmionly  called,  "jiaralysis 
of  the  throat,"  is  a  rare  but  very  serious  disease.  The  symptoms  are 
as  follows:  The  horse  will  constantly  try  to  eat  or  drink,  but  will  be 
unable  to  do  .so;  if  Avater  is  offered  him  from  a  pail  he  will  ap- 
parently drink  with  avidity,  but  the  cjuantity  of  water  in  the  pail 
will  remain  about  the  same;  ho  will  continue  by  the  hour  to  try  to 
drink;  if  he  can  get  any  fluid  into  the  bark  part  of  the  mouth  it  will 
come  out  at  once  through  the  nose.     Feeds  also  return  through  the 


62  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE, 

nose,  or  are  dropped  from  the  mouth,  quidded.  An  examination 
of  the  mouth  by  inserting  the  hand  fails  to  find  any  obstruction  or 
any  abnormal  condition.  These  cases  go  on  from  bad  to  worse;  the 
horse  constantly  and  rapidly  loses  in  condition,  becomes  very  much 
emaciated,  the  eyes  are  hollow  and  lusterless,  and  death  occurs  from 
inanition. 

Treatment  is  very  unsatisfactory.  A  severe  blister  should  be  ap- 
plied behind  and  under  the  jaw;  the  mouth  is  to  be  frequently 
swabbed  out  with  alum  or  chlorate  of  potash,  1  ounce  to  a  pint  of 
water,  by  means  of  a  sponge  fastened  to  the  end  of  a  stick.  Strych- 
nia may  be  given  in  1-grain  doses  two  or  three  times  a  day. 

This  disease  may  be  mistaken  at  times  for  foreign  bodies  in  the 
mouth  or  for  the  so-called  cerebrospinal  meningitis.  It  is  to  be  dis- 
tinguished from  the  former,  upon  a  careful  examination  of  the 
mouth,  by  the  absence  of  any  offending  body  and  by  the  flabby  feel 
of  the  mouth,  and  from  the  latter  by  the  animal  appearing  in  perfect 
health  in  every  particular  except  this  inability  to  eat  or  drink. 

ABSCESSES. 

Abscesses  sometimes  form  back  of  the  pharynx  and  give  rise  to 
symptoms  resembling  those  of  laryngitis  or  distemper.  Interference 
with  breathing  that  is  of  recent  origin  and  progression,  without  any 
observable  swelling  or  soreness  about  the  throat,  will  make  one  sus- 
]3ect  the  formation  of  an  abscess  in  this  location.  But  little  can  be 
done  in  the  way  of  treatment,  save  to  hurry  the  ripening  of  the 
abscess  and  its  discharge  by  steaming  with  hops,  hay,  or  similar  sub- 
stances and  by  poulticing  the  throat.  The  operation  for  opening  an 
abscess  in  this  region  necessitates  an  intimate  laiowledge  of  the 
complex  anatomy  of  the  throat  region. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  ESOPHAGUS  OR  GULLET. 

It  is  rare  to  find  diseases  of  this  organ,  except  as  a  result  of  the 
introduction  of  foreign  bodies  too  large  to  pass  or  to  the  administer- 
ing of  irritating  medicines.  In  the  administration  of  irritant  or 
caustic  medicines  great  care  should  be  taken  that  they  be  thoroughly 
diluted.  If  this  is  not  done,  erosions  and  ulcerations  of  the  throat 
ensue,  and  this  again  is  prone  to  be  followed  by  constriction  (nar- 
rowing) of  the  gullet. 

CHOKING. 

The  mechanical  trouble  of  choking  is  quite  common.  It  may 
occur  when  the  animal  is  suddenly  startled  while  eating  apples  or 
roots,  and  we  should  be  careful  never  to  approach  suddenly  or  put 
a  dog  after  horses  or  cows  that  are  feeding  upon  such  substances. 
If  left  alone  these  animals  very  rarely  attempt  to  swallow  the  object 
until  it  is  sufRcientlv  masticated. 


DISEASES  OF   THE  DIGESTIVE   ORGANS.  63 

Choking  also  arises  Iroiii  I'otHling  oats  in  a  deei),  narrow  nian«:;c'r  to 
such  horses  as  eat  very  greedily  or  bolt  their  feed.  '\\Tieat  chaff  is 
also  a  fre<iuent  cause  of  choke.  This  accidcMit  may  result  from  the 
attempts  to  force  eggs  down  without  breaking  or  from  giving  balls 
that  are  too  large  or  not  of  the  proper  shape. 

Whatever  object  causes  the  choking,  it  may  lodge  in  the  uiii)ep 
part  of  the  esophagus,  at  its  middle  portion,  or  close  to  the  stomach, 
giving  rise  to  the  designations  of  ])haryngeal,  cervical,  and  thoracic 
choke.  In  some  cases  wheie  the  original  obstiuction  is  low  we  find 
all  that  part  of  the  gullet  above  it  to  be  distended  with  feed. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  vary  somewhat  according  to  the  posi- 
tion of  the  IxmIv  causing  choke.  In  pharyngeal  choke  the  object  is 
lodgetl  in  the  ui)})er  portion  of  the  esoi)hagus.  The  horse  will  pre- 
sent symptoms  of  great  distress,  hurried  breathing,  frequent  cough, 
excessive  flow  of  saliva,  sweating,  trembling,  or  stamping  with  the 
fore  feet.  The  abdomen  rapidly  distends  with  gas.  The  diagnosis 
is  completed  by  manipulating  the  ujjper  pai-t  of  the  throat  from 
without  and  by  the  introduction  of  the  hand  into  the  back  part  of 
the  mouth,  finding  the  body  lodged  here.  In  cervical  choke  (where 
the  obstruction  is  situated  at  any  point  between  the  throatlatch  and 
the  shoulder)  the  protrusion  caused  by  the  object  can  be  seen  and  the 
object  can  be  felt.  The  symptoms  here  are  not  so  severe;  the  horse 
will  be  seen  occasionally  to  draw  himself  up,  arch  his  neck,  and 
make  retching  movements  as  though  he  wished  to  vomit.  The  ab- 
domen may  be  tympanitic.  Should  there  be  any  question  as  to  the 
trouble,  a  conclusion  may  be  reached  by  pouring  water  into  the  throat 
from  a  bottle.  If  the  obstruction  is  complete,  by  standing  on  the 
left  side  of  the  horse  and  watching  the  course  of  the  esophagus, 
you  can  see  the  gullet,  just  above  the  windpii)e,  become  distended 
with  each  bottle  of  water.  This  is  not  always  a  sure  test,  as  the 
obslruction  may  be  an  angular  body,  in  which  case  licpiids  would  pass 
it.  Solids  taken  would  show  in  these  cases;  solids  should  not,  how- 
ever, be  given,  as  they  serve  to  increase  the  trouble  by  rendering  the 
removal  of  the  body  more  difficult. 

In  thoracic  choke  the  symptoms  are  less  severe.  Feed  or  water 
may  be  ejected  through  the  nose  or  mouth  after  the  animal  has  taken 
a  few  swallows.  Theie  will  be  some  syiui)touis  of  distress,  fullness 
of  the  abdomen,  cough,  and  occasionally  retching  uio\ements.  Some- 
times a  choking  horse  is  heard  to  emit  groans.  The  facial  expression 
always  denotes  great  anxiety  and  the  eyes  are  blcMKlshot.  The 
diagnosis  is  complete  if,  upon  passing  the  probang  (a  flexible  tube 
made  for  this  purpose),  an  obstruction  is  encountered. 

l^rcatuu'ihf. — If  the  choke  is  at  the  beginning  of  the  gullet  (|)harvn- 
geiil)  an  etfoit  must  be  made  to  renioxc  the  obstacle  through  the 
mouth.     A    mouthgag.   or  speculum,   is  to  be  introduced   into  the 


64  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOKSE. 

mouth  to  protect  the  hand  and  arm  of  the  operator.  Then,  while  an 
assistant,  with  his  hands  gi^asped  tightly  hehind  the  object,. presses 
it  upward  and  forward  with  all  his  force,  the  operator  must  pass  his 
hand  into  the  mouth  until  he  can  seize  the  obstruction  and  draw  it 
outward.  This  mode  of  procedure  must  not  be  abandoned  with  the 
first  failure,  as  by  continued  efforts  we  may  get  the  obstacle  farther 
toward  the  mouth.  If  we  fail  with  the  hand,  forceps  may  be  intro- 
duced through  the  mouth  and  the  object  seized  when  it  is  just  beyond 
the  reach  of  the  fingers.  Should  our  efforts  entirely  fail,  we  must 
then  endeavor  to  force  the  obstruction  downward  by  means  of  the 
probang.  This  instrument,  which  is  of  such  signal  service  in  remov- 
ing choke  in  cattle,  is  decidedly  more  dangerous  to  use  for  the  horse, 
and  I  can  not  pass  this  point  without  a  word  of  caution  to  those  who 
have  been  known  to  introduce  into  the  horse's  throat  such  objects  as 
whipstalks,  shovel  handles,  etc.  These  are  always  dangerous,  and 
more  than  one  horse  has  been  killed  by  such  barbarous  treatment. 

In  cervical  as  well  as  in  thoracic  choke  we  must  first  of  all  endeavor 
to  soften  or  lubricate  the  obstruction  by  pouring  oil  or  mucilaginous 
drinks  down  the  gullet.  After  this  has  been  done  endeavor  to  move 
the  object  by  gentle  manipulations  with  the  hands.  If  choked  with 
oats  or  chaff  (and  these  are  the  objects  that  most  frequently  pro- 
duce choke  in  the  horse),  begin  by  gently  squeezing  the  lower  por- 
tion of  the  impacted  mass  and  endeavor  to  work  it  loose  a  little  at  a 
time.  This  is  greatly  favored  at  times  if  we  apply  hot  fomentations 
immediately  about  the  obstruction.  Persist  in  these  efforts  for  at 
least  an  hour  before  deciding  to  resort  to  other  and  more  dangerous 
modes  of  treatment.  If  unsuccessful,  however,  the  probang  may 
be  used.  In  the  absence  of  the  regular  instrument,  a  pieee  of  inch 
hose  6  feet  long  or  a  piece  of  new  three-quarter-inch  manila  rope 
well  wrapped  at  the  end  with  cotton  twine  and  thoroughly  gi-eased 
with  tallow  should  be  used.  The  mouth  is  to  be  kept  open  by  a  gag 
of  wood  or  iron  and  the  head  slightly  raised  and  extended.  The  pro- 
bang  is  then  to  be  carefully  guided  by  the  hand  into  the  upper  part  of 
the  gullet  and  gently  forced  downward  until  the  obstruction  is 
reached.  Pressure  must  then  be  gradual  and  firm.  At  first  too 
much  force  should  not  be  used,  or  the  esophagus  will  be  ruptured. 
Firm,  gentle  pressure  should  be  kept  up  until  the  object  is  felt  to 
move,  after  which  it  should  be  followed  rapidly  to  the  stomach. 
If  this  mode  of  treatment  is  unsuccessful,  a  veterinarian  or  a  physi- 
cian should  be  called,  who  can  remove  the  object  by  cutting  down 
upon  it.  This  should  scarcely  be  attempted  by  a  novice,  as  a  knowl- 
edge of  the  anatomy  of  the  parts  is  essential  to  avoid  cutting  the 
large  artery,  vein,  and  nerve  that  are  closely  related  to  the  esophagus 
in  its  cervical  portion. 


DISEASES   OF    THE   DIGESTIVE    0R(;ANS.  G5 

Tlioi'acic  choke  fan  be  treated  only  by  means  of  the  introdnetion 
of  oils  and  mncilaginon.s  drinks  and  the  careful  nse  of  the  piobang. 

STRICTURE   OF   THE   ESOPHAGUS. 

This  is  due  to  corrosive  medicines,  previous  chokiny;  ^acrwuipanied 
with  lacerations,  Avhich,  in  healing,  narrow  the  passa<^e),  or  pressuio 
on  the  gullet  by  tumors.  In  the  majority  of  cases  of  stricture,  dila- 
tation of  the  gullet  in  front  of  the  constricted  portion  soon  occuis. 
This  dilatation  is  the  result  of  the  frecjuent  accuuudation  of  solid  feed 
above  the  constriction.  Little  can  be  done  in  either  (;f  these  instances 
except  to  give  slojipy  or  li(]uid  feed. 

SACULAR    DILATATION    OF   THE    ESOPHAGUS. 

This  follows  choking,  and  is  due  to  stretching  or  rupture  of  the 
muscular  coat  of  the  gullet,  allowing  the  internal,  or  mucous,  coat 
to  protrude  through  the  hicerated  muscular  Avails.  Such  a  dilatation, 
or  pouch,  may  gradually  enlarge  from  the  fretiuent  imprisonment 
of  feed.  AVhen  liquids  are  taken,  the  solid  materials  are  partially 
washed  out  of  the  pouch. 

The  symi>toms  are  as  follows:  The  horse  is  able  to  swallow  a  few 
mouthfuls  without  apparent  difficulty;  then  he  will  stop  feeding, 
paw,  contract  the  muscles  of  his  neck,  and  eject  a  portion  of  the  feed 
through  his  nose  or  U)outh,  or  it  will  gradually  work  down  to  the 
stomach.  As  the  dilatation  thus  empties  itself  the  symptoms  grad- 
ually subside,  only  to  reappear  when  he  has  again  taken  solid  feed. 
Liquids  pass  without  any,  or  but  little,  inconvenience.  Should  this 
dilatation  exist  in  the  cervical  region,  surgical  interference  may 
sometimes  prove  effectual;  if  in  the  thoracic  portion,  iu)thing  can 
be  done,  and  the  patient  rapidly  passes  from  hand  to  hand  by  "  swap- 
ping," until,  at  no  distant  date,  the  contents  of  the  sac  become  too 
lirm  to  be  dislodged  as  heretofore,  and  the  animal  succumbs. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  STOMACH  AND  INTESTINES. 

As  a  ride  it  is  mo^t  diffiodt  to  distinguish  between  diseases  of  the 
stomach  and  of  the  intestines  of  the  horse.  The  reason  for  this  is 
that  the  stomach  is  I'elatively  small.  It  lies  away  from  the  abdom- 
inal wall,  and  so  pres.sure  from  without  can  not  be  biought  to  bear 
upon  it  to  reveal  sensitiveness  or  pain.  Nor  does  enlargement,  or 
ilistention.  of  the  stomach  pioduce  visible  alteration  in  the  form  of 
the  abdomen  of  the  horse.  Moreover,  it  is  a  rule  to  which  there  aie 
few  exceptions,  that  an  irritant  or  cause  of  disease  of  the  stomach 
acts  likewise  upon  the  intestines,  so  that  it  is  ciistomarv  to  find  theui 
similarly  deianged.     For  these  reasons  it  is  logical  to  discuss  together 


66  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

the  diseases  of  the  stomach  and  intestines  and  to  point  out  such 
localizations  in  one  organ  or  another  as  are  of  importance  in  recog- 
nizing and  treating  the  diseases  of  the  digestive  organs  of  the  horse. 
It  should  be  understood  that  gastritis  signifies  an  inflammation  of 
the  stomach  and  enteritis  an  inflammation  of  the  intestines.  The  two 
terms  may  be  used  together  to  signify  a  disease  of  the  stomach  and 
intestines,  as  gastroenteritis. 

COLIC. 

The  disease  of  the  horse  that  is  most  frequently  met  with  is  what 
is  termed  "colic,"  and  many  are  the  remedies  that  are  reputed  to  be 
"  sure  cures  "  for  this  disease.  Let  us  discover,  then,  what  the  word 
"  colic  "  means.  This  term  is  applied  loosely  to  almost  all  diseases  of 
the  organs  of  the  abdomen  that  are  accompanied  with  pain.  If  the 
horse  evinces  abdominal  pain,  he  probably  will  be  considered  as  suf- 
fering with  colic,  no  matter  whether  the  difficulty  is  a  cramp  of  the 
bowel,  an  internal  hernia,  overloading  of  the  stomach,  or  a  painful 
disease  of  the  bladder  or  liver.  Since  these  conditions  difl^er  so  much 
in  their  causation  and  their  nature,  it  is  manifestly  absurd  to  treat 
them  alike  and  to  expect  the  same  drugs  or  procedures  to  relieve  them 
all.  Therefore,  it  is  important  that,  so  far  as  possible,  the  various 
diseased  states  that  are  so  roughly  classed  together  as  colic  shall  be 
separated  and  individualized  in  order  that  appropriate  treatments 
may  be  prescribed.  With  this  object  in  view,  colics  will  be  consid- 
ered under  the  following  headings:  (1)  Engorgement  colic,  (2)  ob- 
struction colic,  (3)  flatulent  or  tympanitic  colic,  (4)  spasmodic 
colic.  Worm  colic  is  discussed  under  the  heading  "  Gastrointestinal 
parasites,"  page  90. 

The  general  symptoms  of  abdominal  pain,  and  therefore  of  colic, 
are  restlessness,  cessation  of  whatever  the  horse  is  about,  lying  down, 
looking  around  toward  the  flank,  kicking  with  the  hind  feet  upward 
and  forward  toward  the  belly,  jerky  switching  of  the  tail,  stretching 
as  though  to  urinate,  frequent  change  of  position,  and  groaning.  In 
the  more  intense  forms  the  horse  plunges  about,  throws  himself,  rolls, 
assumes  unnatural  positions,  as  sitting  on  the  haunches,  and  grunts 
loudly.  Usually  the  pain  is  not  constant,  and  during  the  intermis- 
sions the  horse  may  eat  and  appear  normal.  During  the  period  of 
pain  sweat  is  poured  out  freely.  Sometimes  the  horse  moves  con- 
stantly in  a  circle.  The  respirations  are  accelerated,  and  usually 
there  is  no  fever. 

Engorgement  colic. — This  form  of  colic  consists  in  an  overload- 
ing of  the  stomach  with  feed.  The  horse  may  have  been  overfed  or 
the  feed  may  have  collected  in  the  stomach  through  failure  of  this 
organ  to  digest  it  and  })ass  it  backward  into  the  intestines.  Even  a 
normal  quantity  of  feed  that  the  horse  is  unaccustomed  to  may  cause 


DISEASES   OF    TJIE   DIGESTIVE    OKGaNS.  67 

disease.  Henco  a  sudden  t'han«^e  of  feed  may  piodiK-e  rii^(»r<.^Mueiit 
colic.  Continued  full  rations  while  the  horse  is  resting  for  a  day  oi" 
two  or  working  too  soon  after  feeding  may  serve  as  a  cause.  New 
oats,  corn,  or  hay,  damaged  feed,  or  tluit  which  is  diflicult  of  diges- 
tion, such  as  barley  or  beans,  may  incite  engorgement  colic.  This 
disease  may  result  from  having  fed  the  horse  twice  by  error  or  from 
its  having  escaped  and  taken  an  unrestricted  meal  from  the  grain 
bin.  Ground  feeds  that  pack  together,  making  a  sort  of  dougli,  may 
cause  engorgement  colic  if  they  are  not  mixed  with  cut  hay.  Greedy 
caters  are  predisposed  to  this  disease. 

ASi/iiij>fonu^. — The  hoise  shows  the  general  signs  of  abdominal  pain, 
which  nuiy  be  long  continued  or  of  short  duration.  Ketching  or  vom- 
iting movements  are  made:  these  are  shown  by  la])ored  breathing, 
upturned  upper  lip.  contraction  of  the  flank,  active  motion  at  the 
throat,  and  drawing  in  of  the  nose  toward  the  breast,  causing  high 
arching  of  the  neck.  The  horse  may  assume  a  sitting  position  like  a 
dog.  At  times  the  pain  is  very  great  and  the  hor^e  makes  the  most 
violent  movements,  as  though  mad.  At  other  times  there  is  profound 
mental  depression,  the  horse  standing  in  a  sleepy,  or  dazed,  way, 
with  the  head  down,  the  eyes  closed,  and  leaning  his  head  against 
the  manger  or  wall.  There  is,  during  the  struggles,  profuse  perspira- 
tion. Following  retching,  gas  nuiy  escape  fiom  the  mouth,  and  this 
may  be  followed  by  a  sour  froth  and  st)me  stomach  contents.  The 
horse  can  not  vomit  except  when  the  stomach  is  violently  stretched, 
and,  if  the  accumulation  of  feed  or  gas  is  gicat  enough  to  stretch  the 
stomach  so  that  vomiting  is  possible,  it  may  be  great  enough  to  rup- 
ture that  organ.  So  it  happens  not  infrequently  that  a  horse  dies 
from  ruptured  stomach  after  vomiting.  After  the  stomach  ruptures, 
however,  vomiting  is  impossible.  The  death  rate  in  this  foini  of 
colic  is  high. 

Treatment. — The  bowels  should  l)c  stimulated  to  contraction  by  the 
use  of  clysters  of  large  quantities  of  water  and  of  glycerin.  Veteri- 
narians use  hypodermic  injections  of  eserin  or  arecolin  or  intra- 
venous injections  of  bariuui  chlorid,  but  they  must  be  euiployed  with 
great  caution.  It  is  not  profitable  to  gi\e  leuiedies  by  the  stomach, 
for  they  can  not  be  absorbed.  But  small  doses  of  morphin  (5  grains) 
or  of  the  fluid  extract  of  Indian  heuip  (li  drams)  may  be  phued  in 
the  mouth  and  are  absorbed  in  part,  at  least,  without  passing  to  the 
stomach.  These  drugs  lessen  pain  and  thus  help  to  overcome  the 
violent  movements  that  are  dangerous,  because  they  may  be  the  means 
of  causing  rupture  of  the  diai)hragni  or  stouuich.  If  facilities  are 
available,  relief  may  be  afforded  by  passing  an  esophageal  tube 
tJirough  which  some  of  the  gaseous  and  liquid  contents  of  the  stomach 
may  esca[)e. 


68  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

Rupture  of  the  stomach. — This  mostly  occurs  as  a  result  of  en- 
gorged or  tympanitic  stomach  (engorgement  colic)  and  from  the 
horse  violently  throwing  himself  when  so  affected.  It  may  result 
from  disease  of  the  coats  of  the  stomach,  gastritis,  stones  (calculi), 
tumors,  or  anything  that  closes  the  opening  of  the  stomach  into  the 
intestines,  and  very  violent  pulling  or  jumping  immediately  after  the 
animal  has  eaten  heartily  of  bulky  feed.  These  or  similar  causes  may 
lead  to  this  accident. 

The  symptoms  of  rupture  of  the  stomach  are  not  constant  or 
alwaj^s  reliable.  Always  make  inquiry  as  to  what  and  how^  much  the 
horse  has  been  fed  at  the  last  meal.  Vomiting  may  precede  rupture 
of  this  organ,  as  stated  above.  This  accident  appears  to  be  most 
liable  to  occur  in  heavy  draft  horses.  A  prominent  symptom  ob- 
served (though  it  may  also  occur  in  diaphragmatic  hernia)  is  when 
the  horse,  if  possible,  gets  the  front  feet  on  higher  ground  than  the 
hind  ones  or  sits  on  his  haunches,  like  a  dog.  This  position  affords 
relief  to  some  extent,  and  it  will  be  maintained  for  several  minutes; 
it  is  also  quickly  regained  when  the  horse  has  changed  it  for  some 
other.  Colicky  symptoms,  of  course,  are  present,  which  vary  much 
and  present  no  diagnostic  value.  As  the  case  progresses  the  horse 
Avill  often  stretch  forward  the  fore  legs,  lean  backward  and  down- 
ward until  the  belly  nearly  touches  the  ground,  and  then  rise  up 
again  with  a  groan,  after  which  the  fluid  from  his  nostrils  is  issued 
in  increased  quantity.  The  pulse  is  fast  and  weak,  breathing  hur- 
ried, body  bathed  in  a  clammy  sweat,  limbs  tremble  violently,  the 
horse  reels  or  staggers  from  side  to  side,  and  death  quickly  ends  the 
scene. 

In  the  absence  of  any  pathognomonic  symptom  we  must  consider 
the  history  of  the  case;  the  symptoms  of  colic  that  cease  suddenly 
and  are  succeeded  by  cold  sweats  and  tremors;  the  pulse  quick  and 
small  and  thready,  grov/ing  weak  and  more  frequent,  and  at  length 
running  down  and  becoming  altogether  imperceptible ;  looking  back 
at  the  flank  and  groaning;  sometimes  crouching  with  the  hind  quar- 
ters ;  with  or  without  eructation  and  vomiting. 

There  is  no  treatment  that  can  be  of  any  use  whatever.  Could  we 
be  sure  of  our  diagnosis  it  would  be  better  to  destroy  the  animal  at 
once.  Since,  however,  there  is  always  the  possibility  of  a  mistake  in 
diagonsis,  we  may  give  powdered  opium  in  1-dram  doses  every  two 
or  three  hours,  with  the  object  of  keeping  the  stomach  as  quiet  as 
possible. 

Obstruction  colic. — The  stomach  or  bowels  may  be  obstructed 
by  accumulations  of  partly  digested  feed  (fecal  matter),  by  foreign 
bodies,  by  displacements,  by  paralysis,  or  by  abnormal  growths. 

Impaction  of  the  large  intestines. — This  is  a  very  common  bowel 
trouble  and  one  which,  if  not  promptly  recognized  and  properly 


DISEASES  OF    THE   DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  (39 

treated,  results  in  death.  It  is  caused  l\v  overfeedinfr.  especially  of 
bulky  feed  eontaiuiu<;  an  excess  of  intligestihle  residue;  old.  dry,  hard 
hay,  or  stalks  when  largely  fed;  deficiency  of  secretions  of  the  intes- 
tinal trarts;  lack  of  water:  want  of  exercise,  medicines,  etc. 

Impaction  of  the  large  bowels  is  to  be  diagnosed  by  a  slight 
abdoniiiKil  pain,  which  may  disappear  for  a  day  or  two  to  reappear 
with  more  violence.  The  feces  are  passed  somewhat  more  fi'e<|uently, 
but  in  smaller  (juantities  and  drier;  the  ab(h)men  is  full,  but  not  dis- 
tended with  gas;  the  horse  at  first  is  noticed  to  paw  ami  soon  I'egins 
to  look  baek  at  his  sides.  Probably  one  of  the  most  characteristic 
fcyniptoms  is  the  position  assumed  when  down.  He  lies  Hat  on  his 
side,  head  an»l  legs  extended,  occasionally  raising  his  head  to  look 
toward  his  Hank;  he  remains  on  his  side  for  from  i\\e  to  fifteen 
minutes  at  a  time.  Evidently  this  position  is  the  one  giving  the  nu)st 
freedom  from  pain,  lie  rises  at  times,  walks  about  the  stall,  paws, 
looks  -it  his  sides,  backs  up  against  the  stall,  which  he  presses  with  his 
tail,  and  scon  lies  down  again,  assuming  his  favored  position.  The 
intestinal  sounds,  as  heard  by  applying  the  ear  to  the  flank,  are  dimin- 
ished, or  there  is  no  sound,  indicating  absence  of  motion  of  the  bowels. 
The  bowels  may  cease  entirely  to  move.  The  i)ressure  of  the  dis- 
tended intestine  upon  the  bladder  may  cause  the  horse  to  make  fre- 
ijuent  attemi)ts  to  urinate.  The  pulse  is  but  little  changed  at  first, 
being  full  and  sluggish;  later,  if  this  condition  is  not  overcome,  it 
becomes  rapid  and  feelde.  Horses  may  suffer  from  impaction  of  the 
Ijowels  for  a  week,  yet  eventually  recover,  and  cases  extending  two 
or  even  three  weeks  have  ended  favorably.  As  a  rule,  however,  they 
seldom  last  more  than  four  or  five  days,  many,  in  fact,  dying  sooner 
than  this. 

The  treatment  c<»nsists  of  efforts  to  produce  movement  of  the  bowels 
and  to  prevent  inflammation  of  the  same  from  arising.  A  large 
cathaitic  is  to  be  given  as  early  as  possible.  Either  of  the  f(»llow- 
ing  is  recommended:  Powdered  Barbados  aloes  1  ounce,  calomel  2 
dram.s,  and  powdered  nux  vomica  1  dram;  or  linseed  oil  1  ])int  and 
croton  oil  15  drops;  or  from  1  pint  to  1  (|uait  of  castor  oil  may  be 
given.  Some  favor  the  administration  of  Epsom  or  (llauber's  salt, 
1  pound,  with  one-quarter  pound  of  common  .salt,  claiming  that  this 
causes  the  horse  to  drink  largely  of  water,  thus  mechanically  soften- 
ing the  impacted  mass  and  favoring  its  expulsion.  Whichever  physic 
is  selected,  it  is  e.s.sential  that  a  full  dose  be  given.  This  is  nuich 
better  than  small  and  repeated  doses.  It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that 
horses  re<|uire  about  twenty-four  hours  in  which  to  respond  to  a 
physic,  and  under  no  circumstances  is  it  to  be  repeated  .sooner.  If 
aloes  has  been  given  and  has  failed  to  operate  at  the  proper  time, 
oil  or  s<»me  different  cathartic  should  then  be  administered.     Allow 


70  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

the  horse  all  the  water  he  will  drink.  Calomel  may  be  administered 
in  half -dram  doses,  the  powder  being  placed  on  the  tongue,  one  dose 
every  two  hours  until  four  doses  are  given. 

Enemas  of  glycerin,  2  to  4  ounces,  are  often  beneficial.  Rubbing 
or  kneading  of  the  abdominal  walls  and  the  application  of  stimulat- 
ing liniments  or  strong  mustard  water  also,  at  times,  favor  the  ex- 
pulsion of  this  mass.  Walking  exercise  must  occasionally  be  given. 
If  this  treatment  is  faithfully  carried  out  from  the  start  the  majority 
of  cases  will  terminate  favorably.  When  relief  is  not  obtained  in- 
flammation of  the  bowels  may  ensue  and  cause  death. 

Constipation,  or  costiveness. — This  is  often  witnessed  in  tiie  horse, 
and  particularly  in  the  foal.  Many  colts  die  every  year  from  failure 
on  the  part  of  the  attendant  to  note  the  condition  of  the  bowels  soon 
after  birth.  Whenever  the  foal  fails  to  pass  any  feces,  and  in  partic- 
ular if  it  presents  any  signs  of  colicky  pains — straining,  etc. — imme- 
diate attention  must  be  given  it.  As  a  rule,  it  will  be  necessary  only 
to  give  a  few  injections  of  soapy  water  in  the  rectum  and  to  introduce 
the  finger  through  the  anus  to  break  down  any  hardened  mass  of 
dung  found  there.  If  this  is  not  effective  a  purgative  must  be  given. 
Oils  are  the  best  for  these  young  animals,  and  preferably  castor  oil, 
giving  from  2  to  4  ounces.  The  foal  should  always  get  the  first  of 
the  mother's  milk,  which,  for  a  few  days,  possesses  decidedly  laxative 
properties.  If  a  mare,  while  suckling,  is  taking  laudanum,  morphin, 
atropia,  or  similar  medicines,  the  foal  during  this  time  should  be  fed 
by  hand  and  the  mare  milked  upon  the  ground.  Constipation  in 
adult  horses  is  often  the  result  of  long  feeding  on  dry,  innutritions 
feed,  deficiency  of  intestinal  secretions,  scanty  water  supply,  or  lack 
of  exercise.  If  the  case  is  not  complicated  with  colicky  symptoms  a 
change  to  light,  sloppy  diet,  linseed  gruel  or  tea,  with  plenty  of  exer- 
cise, is  all  that  is  required.  If  colic  exists  a  cathartic  is' needed.  In 
very  many  instances  the  constipated  condition  of  the  bowels  is  due 
to  lack  of  intestinal  secretions,  and  when  so  caused  may  be  treated 
by  giving  fluid  extract  of  belladonna  in  2-dram  doses  three  times  a 
day  and  handful  doses  of  Epsom  salt  daily  in  the  feed.  It  is  always 
best,  when  possible,  to  overcome  this  trouble  by  a  change  of  diet 
rather  than  by  the  use  of  medicines.  For  the  relief  of  constipation 
such  succulent  feeds  as  roots,  grass,  or  green  forage  are  recommended. 
Silage,  however,  should  be  fed  sparingly,  and  not  at  all  unless  it  is 
in  the  very  best  condition.     Moldy  silage  may  cause  fatal  disease. 

Foreign  bodies  {ealevll,  stones)  hi  the  stomach. — There  are  prob- 
ably but  few  symptoms  exhibited  by  the  horse  that  will  lead  one  to 
suspect  the  presence  of  gastric  calculi,  and  possibly  none  by  which  we 
can  mimistakably  assert  their  presence.  They  have  been  found  most 
frequently  in  millers'  horses  fed  sweepings  from  the  mills.     A  de- 


DISEASES  OF    THE   DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  71 

pra\e(l  and  c-apiici(»us  appetite  is  ct)uim()U  in  hor.ses  that  liave  a  stone 
foiiuin«iC  ill  tilt'  stomachs.  Tlierc  is  a  ilisposition  to  eat  the  wood- 
work of  tlie  stable,  eaitli,  antl,  in  fact,  ahnost  any  substance  within 
their  reaeh.  This  symptom  must  not,  howe\ei',  be  consideied  as 
j)atho^nomonic,  since  it  is  obser\ed  whi'n  calculi  are  not  present. 
Occasional  colics  may  lesult  from  these  "stomach  stones,"  and  when 
the  latter  hnlire  at  the  outlet  of  the  stomach  they  may  j^ive  rise  to 
symptoms  id"  en*;oi«;ed  stomach,  already  ilescribeil.  There  is.  of 
course,  no  treatment  that  will  prove  effective.  Remedies  to  move  the 
bowels,  to  relieve  pain,  and  to  cond)at  infhunmation  shoidd  be  ^iven. 

Intestinal  concntions  {calculi  or  f^tatus  in  the  intcfs fines). — These 
concretions  are  usually  found  in  the  lar^e  bowels,  though  they  are 
occasionally  seen  in  the  small  intestines.  They  are  of  various  sizes, 
Avei«ichin^  from  1  ounce  to  :.*.">  pounds;  they  may  be  sing:le  or  multiple, 
and  differ  in  composition  and  appearance,  some  being  soft  (com- 
posed mostly  of  animal  or  veijetable  matter),  while  others  are  porous, 
or  honeycombed  (consisting  of  animal  and  mineral  matter),  and 
others  are  entirely  hard  and  stonelike.  The  hair  balls,  so  common 
to  the  stomach  and  intestines  of  cattle,  are  very  rare  in  horses. 
Intestinal  calculi  form  around  some  foreign  body,  as  a  rule — a  nail 
or  piec€  of  wood — whose  shape  they  may  assume  to  a  certain  extent. 
Layei-s  are  arranged  concentrically  around  such  nucleus  until  the 
sizes  above  spoken  of  are  attained.  These  stones  are  also  often 
found  in  millers'  horses,  as  well  also  as  in  horses  in  limestone  dis- 
tricts, where  the  water  is  hard.  When  the  calculi  attain  a  sufficient 
size  and  become  lodged  oi-  blocked  in  some  part  of  the  intestines, 
they  cause  obstruction,  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  colicky  symp- 
toms, and  death.  There  are  no  certain  signs  or  symi)toms  that  re- 
veal them.  Kecurring  colics  of  the  type  of  impaction  colic,  but 
more  severe,  may  lead  one  to  sus{)ect  the  existence  of  this  condition. 
PLxamination  through  the  rectum  may  reveal  the  calculus. 

The  symjitoms  will  be  those  of  obstruction  of  the  bowels.  ITpon 
post-mortem  examinations  the.se  .stones  will  be  di.scoveivd  mostly  in 
the  large  bowels;  the  inte^itines  will  be  inflamed  or  gangrenous  about 
the  point  of  obstruction.  Sometimes  calculi  have  been  ex|)elled  by 
the  action  of  a  physic,  or  they  may  be  removed  by  the  hand  when 
found  to  occupy  the  rectum. 

As  in  concretions  of  the  stomach,  but  little  can  be  done  in  the  way 
of  treatment  more  than  to  ovei'come  spasm  (if  any  exi.st^s),  and  to 
give  physics  with  the  hope  of  dislodging  the  .stone  or  stones  and 
carrying  them  on  and  outward. 

I ntuMsiixciption,  or  irn'of/inofion. — This  is  the  slipping  of  a  portion 
of  the  intestine  into  another  portion  immediately  adjoining,  like  a 
partially  turned  glove  finger.  This  may  occur  at  any  part  of  the 
bowels,  but  is  most  frequent  in  the  small  guts.     The  invaginated  por- 


72  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

tion  may  be  slight — 2  or  3  inches  only — or  extensive,  measuring  as 
many  feet.  In  intussusception,  the  inturned  bowel  is  in  the  direction 
of  the  anus.  There  are  adhesions  of  the  intestines  at  this  point,  con- 
gestion, inflammation,  or  even  gangrene.  This  accident  is  most  liable 
to  occur  in  horses  that  are  suffering  from  spasm  of  the  boAvel,  or  in 
those  in  which  a  small  portion  of  the  gut  is  paralyzed.  The  natural 
wormlike  or  ringlike  contraction  of  the  gut  favors  the  passage  of 
the  contracted  or  paralyzed  portion  into  that  immediately  behind  it. 
It  may  occur  during  the  existence  of  almost  any  abdominal  trouble, 
as  diarrhea,  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  or  from  injuries,  exposure  to 
cold,  etc.  A  fall  or  leaping  may  give  the  initial  maldirection.  Foals 
are  most  likely  to  be  thus  afflicted. 

Unless  the  invaginated  portion  of  the  gut  becomes  strangulated, 
probably  no  symptoms  except  constipation  will  be  appreciable. 
Strangulation  of  the  bowel  may  take  place  suddenly,  and  the  horse 
die  within  24  hours,  or  it  may  occur  after  several  days — a  week 
even — and  death  then  follow.  There  are  no  symptoms  positively 
diagnostic.  Colicky  pains,  more  or  less  severe  and  continuous, 
are  observed,  and  at  first  there  may  be  diarrhea,  followed  by  con- 
stipation. Severe  straining  occurs  in  some  instances  of  intussuscep- 
tion, and  when  this  occurs  it  should  receive  due  credit.  As  death 
approaches,  the  horse  sweats  profusely,  sighs,  presents  an  anxious 
countenance,  the  legs  and  ears  become  cold,  and  there  is  often  free- 
dom from  pain  immediately  before  death.  In  some  rare  instances  he 
recovers,  even  though  the  invaginated  portion  of  the  gut  has  become 
strangulated.  In  this  case  the  imprisoned  portion  sloughs  away  so 
gradually  that  a  union  has  taken  place  between  the  intestines  at  the 
point  where  one  portion  has  slipped  into  that  behind  it.  The  piece 
sloughing  off  is  found  passed  with  the  manure.  Such  cases  are  ex- 
ceedingly rare.  Nonirritating  laxatives,  such  as  castor  oil,  sweet  oil, 
or  calomel  in  small  closes,  should  be  given.  Soft  feed  and  mucilagi- 
nous and  nourishing  drinks  should  be  given  during  these  attacks. 
E.  Mayhew  Michener  has  operated  successfully  on  a  foal  with  intus- 
susception by  opening  the  abdomen  and  releasing  the  imprisoned  gut. 

Volvulus,  gut  tie,  or  twisting  of  the  howels. — These  are  the  terms 
applied  to  the  bowels  when  twisted  or  knotted.  This  accident  is 
rather  a  common  one,  and  frequently  results  from  the  violent  manner 
in  which  a  horse  throws  himself  about  when  attacked  by  spasmodic 
colic.  The  symptoms  are  the  same  as  those  of  intussusception  and 
obstructions  of  the  bowels;  the  same  directions  as  to  treatment  are 
therefore  to  be  observed. 

Paralysis  of  the  intestine. — This  occurs  in  old,  debilitated  animals 
that  have  been  fed  on  coarse,  innutritions  fodder.  This  produces 
a  condition  of  dilatation  so  pronounced  as  to  make  it  impossible  for 
the  intestine  to  advance  its  contents,  and  so  obstruction  results.     The 


DISEASES   OF    THE   DIGESTIVE   ORGANS.  73 

symptoms  are  as  in  other  forms  of  ()l)struotion  colic.  The  history  of 
the  case  is  of  much  service  in  diag^nosing  the  trouble.  The  treatment 
consists  in  the  ailministration  of  laxatives.  One  may  give  1  (juart  of 
raw  linseed  oil  and  follow  it  the  next  day  with  1  pound  of  (Ilauber's 
!-alt  dissolved  in  a  (juart  of  warm  water.  Strychnia  may  be  given  in 
doses  of  1  grain  two  or  three  times  daily.  If  the  stagnant  nuiss  of 
feces  is  in  the  rectum,  it  must  be  removed  with  the  hand. 

Ahnornud  (/roirfhs,  such  as  tumors  or  fibrous  tissue,  producing 
contraction  or  stricture,  may  be  causes  of  obstruction.  The  colic 
caused  by  these  conditions  is  chronic.  The  attacks  occur  at  gradually 
shortening  intervals  and  become  progressively  more  severe.  lielief  is 
art'oidcd  by  the  use  of  pui'gatives  that  render  the  feces  soft  and  thin 
and  thus  enable  them  to  pass  the  obstruction,  but  in  time  the  con- 
tiacted  place  is  liable  to  close  so  far  that  passage  is  impossible  and 
the  horse  will  die. 

Flatulent  colic  (ty^ipanitic  colic,  wind  colic,  or  bloat). — 
Among  the  most  frequent  causes  of  this  form  of  colic  are  to  be  men- 
tioned sudden  changes  of  feed,  too  long  fasting  and  feed  then  given 
while  the  animal  is  exhausted,  new  hay  or  grain,  large  quantities  of 
feed  that  is  green  or  that  has  lain  in  the  manger  for  some  time  and 
become  sour,  indigestible  feed,  irregular  teeth,  crib  biting,  and,  in 
fact,  anything  that  produces  indigestion  may  produce  flatulent  colic. 

Si/mptoms. — The  symptoms  of  Avind  colic  are  not  so  suddenly 
(leveloped  nor  so  severe  as  those  of  cramp  colic.  At  first  the  horse 
is  noticed  to  be  dull,  paws  slightly,  and  may  or  may  not  lie  dotvn. 
The  pains  from  the  start  are  continuous.  The  belly  enlarges,  and 
by  striking  it  in  front  of  the  haunches  a  drumlike  sound  results. 
If  not  soon  relieved  the  above  symptoms  are  aggravated,  and  in 
addition  difficult  breathing,  bloodshot  eyes,  and  red  mucous  mem- 
branes, l(»iid  tumultuous  heai't  beat,  profuse  perspiration,  trembling 
of  front  legs,  sighing  respiration,  staggering  from  side  to  side  are 
noticed,  and.  finally,  plunging  foiward  dead.  The  diagnostic  symp- 
tom of  flatulent  colic  is  the  distention  of  the  bowels  with  gas, 
detected  by  the  bloated  appearance  and  resonance  on  percussion. 

Trmtment. — The  treatment  for  wind  colic  difl'ers  very  greatly 
from  that  of  cramp  colic.  Absorbents  are  of  some  .«;ervice,  and 
charcoal  may  be  given  in  any  quantity.  Relaxants  and  antispas- 
modics are  alsf)  beneficial  in  this  foim  of  colic.  Chloral  hydi'ate  not 
only  pos.sesses  these  cpialities,  but  it  also  is  an  antifermeut  and  a 
pain  reliever.  It  is,  then,  particularly  well  adapted  to  the  treatment 
of  wind  colic,  and  should  be  given  in  the  same-sized  doses  and  in 
the  mannei-  directed  foi-  spasmodic  colic.  Diluted  alcohol  oi*  whisky 
may  be  given,  or  arf)matic  spirits  of  ammonia  in  1-ounce  doses  at 
>hort  intervals. 


mSEAMKB  fff  THK  mumU%E.  ma&JLSfi,  75 


iHiiwfil  at  a  tone:  tlu»  i»  <lae  to  tbe  Uaiklcr  bcng  s» 
«q]«iecL    Thew  attcmpte  to  urinate  are  oilai  ng»r4td  h€ 
n  '    roobie  of  tiw  lrM<tfi>  «r  Uadikr.    Is  nfinr  lii^ 

a  e  toMnj  waya  in  wfcich  tfcefciae<  nm  i nfcg  pt««- 

ece  of  pain.  As  a  matter  of  fact.  <ti<^raii>»  a€  the  Mwhirg  cr  kidacTS 
otbc  horse  are  exceeding! j  rare. 

Co  recapitulate  the  ^mptomc^  of  ma'iiwfii'  ettSitz    The  Mstorj  «^ 

ti   case,  the  type  of  horse,  the  mniiirnnrab  of  the  atiatrir,  the  »- 

r-iased  intestinal  sounds,  the  intcrrals  of  eaae  (whkh  beeaaae  ml 

'■  it^  r  duration  as  the  case  progresses  >.  the  riolait  pain,  the  aaranl 

.i^^rature  and  pulse  dnrin^  the  interrak  of  eaae.  the  f  1 1  tfm  nt  afe- 
teipts  to  urinate,  etc^  dioold  be  kepc  in  mind,  and  there  is  thcB  hm 
iide  danger  of  confounding  this  with  other  foraft  of  cobc 

Weatment. — Since  the  pain  is  doe  to  s|iaau  or  cnanp  of  the  fooweis^ 
roiicines  that  overeune  spasn^i — antJaposaiodics — are  the 
caid.  Chloral  hydrate  may  be  used.  This  is  to  be  givcB  in  a 
oil  ounce  in  a  pint  of  water  as  a  drench.  As  this  drug  is  irxttjjii  %m 
til  throat  and  stomach,  it  has  to  be  weQ  dilated.  A 
?<id  remedy  is  sulphuric  ether  and  laBdannmu  of  each  ± 
h:f  pint  of  linseed  oil.  .Vnother  drench  may  be  composed  of  i 
ouces  each  of  sulphuric  ether  and  alcohol  in  S  oances  of  water.  If 
ndiing  else  is  at  hand  give  whisky,  one-half  pint  in  hot  witiw. 
J:naica  ginsrer  is  useful.  If  relief  is  not  obtained  in  one  how  fiom 
Av.  of  the  above  d(>>es.  tliey  may  then  be  ivpeated.  The  bodty  jhonlJ 
l>ewarmly  clothed  and  perspiration  induced.  Blankecs  dipped  in 
^€7  hot  water  to  Avhicli  a  small  quantity  of  turpentuw  has  Wen 
aded  should  l)e  placed  around  the  belly  and  ov>vered  with  drT 
blakets,  or  the  alxlomen  may  be  rublted  with  stimulating  hmmenifes 
ornustarvl  water.    The  ditficulty.  however,  of  ar  ->ot  Uanbrts 

an  keeping  thoni  in  place  forces  us  in  iiHtst  ii.>..,....>  to  disp^NKae 
wii  them.  If  the  cnimp  is  due  to  UTitants  in  ihe  b*.»wels^  a  o«re  is 
lujcomplete  until  a  cathartic  of  1  omuv  of  aloie^  or  1  j>iut  of  lnk?«w^i 
oils  given.  Injoitions  of  warm,  s^vipy  water  v>r  :>alt  and  water  into 
thdvctum  aid  the  cun\ 

.ectal  injei'tious,  clystei-s,  or  emnuas  as  a  rule  siuuiul  Iv  lukewarm^ 
all  fnuu  r>  to  r»  quarts  aiv  i\>  U»  given  at  a  time.  Vhev  aiay  be 
tvuatod  every  half  Iumu*  if  utw^-Jsjuy.  i«t\'^(  ^^aiv  is  tk»  tv  (abNH  »K*t 
(o  ijinv  the  itvtum  in  giving  s»h^\  lUJectaukiK  A  )al>l^t'  syrti^ee  or  a 
I'iic  ol  rubber  bo>v  I  or  ."»  ftvt  long,  with  a  funnel 

\>\\K  nllord.s  llic  Uvst  means  bv  which  tv»  gi\e  them 

syinp>  or  the  has*^  intrtubuHsl  into  the  iw^um  must  l»ebl«ui,  •, 

Miji  smooth;  it  is  ((>  U>  tlu>r\Miy;l\ly  oiUsl  and  iheu  v 

(hi^ugh  the  amis  in  a  sliglitlv  up\vai\l  dii^vtiou.     M^v 

bo  vtiidcil,  for  the  ixvtuui  mav  U*  buvi^tinl  auvi  5«emu4sv\ 

or  » on  ilontii  ivsult,    Kxoivise  will  aid  the  acti^m  ^^f  tb«»  K^x^-vls  m  wis 

iiiiiNiiuihir  »i>ll»Ky  tr\M»blos,  but  m^oiv  galloping  or  ti\>tlii\g  is  tv*  U> 


76  DISEASES  OF    THE   HORSE. 

avoided.  If  the  horse  can  have  a  loose  box  or  paddock,  it  is  the  best, 
as  he  will  then  take  what  exercise  he  wants.  If  the  patient  is  ex- 
tremely violent,  it  is  often  wise  to  restrain  him  by  leading:  him  with  a 
halter,  since  rupture  of  the  stomach  or  displacement  of  the  bowels 
may  result  and  complicate  the  trouble. 

INDIGESTION    OR    GASTROINTESTINAL    CATARRH. 

From  the  facts  that  they  merge  insensibly  into  each  other  and 
usually  occur  simultaneously,  there  is  ample  reason  for  considering 
these  conditions  together.  This  condition  may  be  acute — that  is,  of 
sudden  onset — or  it  may  be  chronic.  The  changes  of  structure  pro- 
duced by  this  disease  occur  in  the  mucous  membrane  lining  of  the 
stomach  and  intestines.  This  membrane  becomes  red  from  increased 
blood  supply  or  from  hemorrhage  into  it,  is  swollen,  and  is  covered 
by  a  coating  of  slimy  mucus.  In  some  especially  severe  cases  the  mem- 
brane is  destroyed  in  spots,  causing  the  appearance  of  ulcers  or  of 
erosions. 

The  causes  of  indigestion  are  numerous,  but  nearly  all  are  the 
result  of  errors  in  feeding. 

Some  horses  are  naturalh'^  endowed  with  weak  digestive  organs, 
and  such  are  predisposed  to  this  condition.  Anything  that  irritates 
the  stomach  or  intestines  may  cause  this  disease.  Feeds  that  the 
animal  is  unaccustomed  to,  sudden  changes  of  diet,  imperfectly  cured, 
unripe,  or  damaged  feeds  are  all  fruitful  causes,  and  so  are  worms. 
In  suckling  foals  this  condition  may  come  from  some  disease  of  the 
dam  that  renders  her  milk  indigestible,  or  from  overexertion  or  over- 
heating of  the  mare.  Another  prolific  cause  is  bad  teeth,  making 
mastication  imperfect,  and  thus  causing  the  horse  to  swallow  his  feed 
in  a  condition  unfit  for  the  action  of  the  digestive  juices.  "Working  a 
horse  too  soon  or  too  hard  after  feeding  may  cause  either  colic  or 
indigestion.  Any  condition  that  reduces  the  vitality,  such  as  disease, 
overwork,  poor  feed,  or  lack  of  care,  may  directly  bring  on  indiges- 
tion by  weakening  the  digestive  organs. 

Symptoms. — Indigestion  is  characterized  by  irregular  appetite; 
refusing  all  feed  at  times,  and  at  others  eating  ravenously;  the  appe- 
tite is  not  only  irregular,  but  is  often  depraved ;  there  is  a  disposition 
on  the  part  of  the  horse  to  eat  unusual  substances,  such  as  wood, 
soiled  bedding,  or  even  his  own  feces;  the  bowels  are  irregular  to-day, 
loose  and  bad  smelling,  to-morrow  bound ;  Avhole  grain  is  often  passed 
in  the  feces,  and  the  hay  passed  in  balls  or  impacted  masses,  under- 
going but  little  change:  the  horse  frequently  passes  considerable 
quantities  of  sour-smelling  wind.  The  animal  loses  flesh,  the  skin 
presents  a  hard,  dry  appearance  and  seems  very  tight  (hide-bound). 
If  the  stomach  is  verv  seriouslv  involved,  the  horse  may  yawn  by 


DISEASES   OF    THE    DIOESTIVE    ORGANS.  77 

stretcliin<r  the  head  fonvaid  and  upward  and  hy  tnrninf!:  the  upper 
lip  outward.  There  may  be  more  or  k'ss  colicky  pnin.  In  the  chronic 
cases  there  is  mental  depression;  the  horse  is  slu<>:«rish  and  dull.  'I'lio 
abdomen  gradually  becomes  small,  giving  a  "  tucked  up  "  appearance, 
or,  on  the  other  hand,  it  becomes  flaccid  and  pendulous. 

Tnatnunf. — (3ne  shouhl  commence  with  the  feed — its  (|ualitv, 
quantity,  and  time  of  feeding;  examine  the  water  supply.  ;uul  see, 
])esides.  that  it  is  given  before  feeding:  then  carefully  observe  the 
condition  of  the  mouth  and  teeth:  and.  continuing  the  observations 
as  best  we  may,  endeavor  to  find  the  seat  of  the  trouble.  If  the  teeth 
are  sharp  or  irregular  they  must  be  i-aspcd  down:  if  any  are  decayed 
they  must  be  extracted:  if  indigestion  is  due  to  ra\enous  eating  or 
bolting,  the  feed  mu>t  then  be  given  from  a  large  manger  where  the 
grain  can  be  spread  and  the  horse  thus  compelled  to  eat  slowly. 

Any  irritation,  such  as  worms,  undigested  feed,  etc..  that  is  oper- 
ating as  a  cause  is  to  be  removed  by  appropriate  treatment,  as  advised 
elsewhere.  If  there  is  a  tendency  to  distention  of  the  stomach  and 
bowels,  with  gas,  during  indigestion,  tlie  following  may  be  used: 
Baking  soda,  powdered  ginger,  and  powdered  gentian,  equal  parts. 
These  are  to  be  thoroughly  mixed  and  given  in  heaiVing  tablespoonful 
doses,  twice  a  day,  before  feeding.  This  powder  is  best  given  by 
dissolving  the  above-named  quantity  in  a  half  pint  of  water  and 
given  as  a  drench. 

As  a  digestive  tonic  the  following  is  good  :  Cilauber's  salt.  '2  pounds ; 
common  salt.  1  pound;  baking  soda,  one-half  pound.  Of  this  a 
heaping  tablespoonful  may  be  given  in  each  feed.  If  diarrhea  exists, 
the  treatment  advised  below  may  be  used. 

DIARRHEA. 

Diarrhea  is  due  to  indigestion  or  intestinal  catarrh  or  to  irritation 
of  the  bowels  from  eating  moldy  or  musty  feed,  drinking  stagnant 
Avater,  diseased  condition  of  the  teeth,  eating  irritating  substances,  to 
l)eing  kept  on  lov,\  marshy  j^astures,  and  to  exposure  during  cold 
nights,  or  in  low,  damp  stables.  Some  horses  are  i)redisposed  to  scour 
and  are  called  "'washy"  by  horsemen;  they  are  those  with  long 
bodies,  long  legs,  and  narrow,  flat  sides.  Horses  of  this  build  arc 
almost  sure  to  scour  if  fed  or  watered  immediately  before  being  \)\\t  to 
work.  Fast  or  road  work,  of  cour.se.  aggravates  this  trouble.  Diar- 
rhea may  exist  as  a  complication  of  other  diseases,  as  pneumonia  and 
influenza,  for  instance,  and  again  during  the  disea.ses  of  the  liver. 

The  symptoms  are  the  frequent  evacuations  of  licpiid  stools,  with  or 
without  i)ronounced  abdominal  pain,  loss  of  appetite,  emaciation.  vU\ 

Treatment  is  at  times  very  simjile.  but  re<|uircs  the  utmost  care  and 
judgment.  If  due  to  faulty  feed  or  water  it  is  sufficient  to  change 
these.     If  it  results  from  some  in-itant  in  the  intestines  this  is  best 


78  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

gotten  rid  of  by  the  administration  of  an  oleaginous  purge,  for  which 
nothing  is  better  than  castor  oil,  although  raw  linseed  oil  may  be  used 
if  the  case  is  not  severe.  The  diarrhea  often  disappears  with  the  ces- 
sation of  the  operation  of  the  medicine.  If,  however,  purging  con- 
tinues it  may  be  checked  by  giving  wheat  flour  in  water,  starch 
water,  white-oak  bark  tea,  chalk,  opium,  or  half-dram  doses  of  sul- 
phuric acid  in  one-half  pint  of  water  twice  or  thrice  daily.  Good 
results  follow  the  use  of  powdered  opium  2  drams  and  subnitrate  of 
bismuth  1  ounce,  repeated  three  times  a  day.  In  all  cases  it  should 
be  remembered  to  look  to  the  water  and  feed  the  horse  is  receiving. 
If  either  of  these  is  at  fault  it  is  at  once  to  be  discontinued.  We 
should  feed  sparingly  of  good,  easily  digested  feeds.  With  that 
peculiar  build  of  nervous  horses  that  scour  on  the  road  but  little  can 
be  done  as  a  rule.  They  should  be  watered  and  fed  as  long  as  possi- 
ble before  going  on  a  drive.  If  there  is  much  flatulency  accompany- 
ing diarrhea  baking  soda  or  other  alkaline  medicines  may  effect  a 
cure,  while  if  the  discharges  have  a  very  disagreeable  odor  it  may 
be  corrected  by  1  ounce  of  sulphite  of  soda  or  dram  doses  of  creolin  in 
water,  repeated  twice  a  day.  Be  slow  to  resort  to  either  the  vege- 
table or  mineral  astringents,  since  the  majority  of  cases  will  yield  to 
change  of  feed  and  water  or  the  administration  of  oils.  Afterwards 
feed  upon  wheat-flour  gruel  or  other  light  feeds.  The  body  should 
be  warmly  clothed. 

SuPEEPURGATioN. — This  is  the  designation  of  that  diarrhea,  or  flux 
from  the  bowels,  that,  at  times,  is  induced  by  and  follows  the  action 
of  a  physic.  It  is  accompanied  with  much  irritation  or  even  in- 
flammation of  the  bowels  and  is  always  of  a  serious  character.  Al- 
though in  rare  instances  it  follows  from  a  usual  dose  of  physic  and 
where  every  precaution  has  been  taken,  it  is  most  likely  to  result 
under  the  following  circumstances :  Too  large  a  dose  of  physic ;  giv- 
ing physics  to  horses  suffering  from  pneumonia,  influenza,  or  other 
debilitating  diseases:  riding  or  driving  a  horse  when  purging:  ex- 
posure or  drafts  of  cold  air;  or  giving  large  quantities  of  cold  water 
while  the  physic  is  operating.  There  is  always  danger  of  super- 
purgation  if  a  physic  is  given  to  a  horse  suffering  from  diseases  of 
the  respiratory  organs.  Small  and  often-repeated  physics  are  also  to 
be  avoided,  as  they  produce  debility  and  great  depression  of  the 
system  and  predispose  to  this  disorder.  '\^nien  a  physic  is  to  be 
given  one  should  rest  the  horse  and  give  him  sloppy  feed  until  the 
medicine  begins  to  operate:  clothe  the  body  with  a  warm  blanket; 
keep  out  of  drafts;  give  only  warm  water  in  small  quantities.  After 
a  horse  has  purged  from  twelve  to  twenty-four  hours  it  can  mostly 
be  stopped,  or  "  set."  as  horsemen  say,  by  feeding  on  dry  oats  and 
hay.  Should  the  purging  continue,  however,  it  is  best  treated  by 
giving  demulcent  drinks — linseed  tea  and  oatmeal  or  wheat-flour 


DISEASES   OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  79 

gruel.  After  this  th&  astringents  s[K)ken  of  I'nr  iliarrhea  may  lie 
given.  Besides  this  the  liorso  is  to  receive  brandy  in  doses  of  from 
2  to  4  ounces,  with  milk  antl  eggs,  foui-  or  ti\e  times  a  day. 

Laminitis  ("founder")  is  a  frequent  secjuel  of  superpurgation  and 
is  to  be  guaiik'd  against  by  removing  the  shoes  and  standing  the  horse 
on  moist  sawdust  or  some  siuiihir  bedding. 

DYSENTERY. 

This  disease,  sometimes  called  "bloody  flux,"  is  an  intestinal  disease 
attended  with  fever,  occasional  abdominal  pains,  and  fluid  di.s- 
charges  mingled  with  blood.  Discharges  in  dysentery  are  coffee 
colored  or  bloody,  li(iuid.  and  very  offensive  in  odor,  and  passed 
with  much  .straining.  It  is  rare  in  the  hoise,  but  is  sometime^s 
quite  prevalent  among  foals. 

Causes. — Probably  the  most  common  cause  is  keeping  young  horses 
in  particular  for  a  long  time  on  low,  wet,  marshy  pastures,  without 
other  feed  (a  diarrhea  of  long  standing  sometimes  terminates  in  dys- 
entery) ;  exposure  during  cold,  \\et  weather;  decomposed  feeds;  stag- 
nant water  that  contains  large  quantities  of  decomposing  vegetable 
matter;  low,  damp,  and  dark  stables,  particularly  if  crowded:  the 
existence  of  some  disease,  as  tuberculosis,  of  the  abdominal  form.  In 
suckling  foals  it  may  come  from  feeding  the  dam  on  irritant  feeds  or 
from  disease  of  the  udder.  In  other  foals  it  may  be  produced  by 
exposure  to  cold  and  damp,  to  iiritant  feed,  or  to  worms. 

Symptoms. — The  initial  symptom  is  a  chill,  which  probably  esca])es 
notice  in  the  majority  of  instances.  The  discharges  are  offensive  and 
for  the  most  part  liquid,  although  it  is  common  to  find  lumps  of  solid 
fecal  matter  floating  in  this  liquid  portion;  shreds  of  mucous  mem- 
])rane  and  blood  may  be  passed  or  the  evacuations  may  be  muco-puiii- 
lent;  there  is  much  straining,  and.  rarely,  symptoms  of  abdominal 
pain;  the  subje^'t  lies  down  a  great  deal;  the  pulse  is  quickened  jind 
the  teuiperature  elevated.  Thirst  is  a  j)rominent  .symptom.  In  the 
adult,  death  rarely  follows  under  two  to  three  wi'oK-^.  l»iit  in  fo.iK  the 
disease  mtiy  end  in  death  after  a  few  days. 

Treatnwnt. — This  is  most  unsatisfactory,  and  I  aui  inclined  to 
place  more  dependence  upon  the  care  and  feetl  than  any  metlication 
tliat  may  be  adopted.  First  of  all  the  horse  nuist  be  placed  in  a  dry, 
warm,  yet  well-ventilated  stable:  the  .skin  is  to  receive  attention  by 
fretjuent  rubbings  of  the  surface  of  the  body,  with  blaidvcts,  and 
bandages  to  the  legs.  The  water  must  be  pure  and  given  in  snuill 
quantities:  the  feed,  that  which  is  light  and  easily  digested.  Medici- 
nally, give  at  first  a  light  do.se  of  castor  oil,  about  one-half  junt,  to 
which  has  been  added  *2  ounces  of  laudanum.  The  vegetable  or  min- 
eral astringents  aie  al.so  to  be  given.  Starch  injecti«ms  containing 
laudanum  often  afford  great  relief.     The  strength  must  be  kept  up 


80  DISEASES   OF   THE   HOESE. 

by  milk  punches,  eggs,  beef  tea.  oatmeal  gruel,  etc.  In  spite  of  the 
best  care  and  treatment,  however,  dysentery  is  likely  to  prove  ratal. 
In  the  case  of  nurslings,  the  dam  should  be  placed  in  a  healthy  con- 
dition or,  failing  in  this,  milk  should  be  had  from  another  mare  or 
from  a  cow. 

GASTROENTERITIS^ 

This  condition  consists  in  an  inflammation  of  the  stomach  and 
intestines.  Instead  of  being  confined  to  the  mucous,  or  lining,  mem- 
brane, as  in  gastrointestinal  catarrh,  the  inflammatory  process  ex- 
tends deeper  and  may  even  involve  the  entire  thickness  of  the  wall  of 
the  organ. 

This  disease  may  be  caused  by  irritant  feed,  hot  drinks,  sudden 
chilling,  moldy  or  decayed  feeds,  foul  water,  parasites,  or  by  chemical 
poisons.  It  may  also  complicate  some  general  diseases,  especially 
infectious  diseases,  as  anthrax,  influenza,  rabies,  or  petechial  fever. 
Long-continued  obstruction  of  the  bowels  or  displacement  resulting 
in  death  are  preceded  by  enteritis. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  differ  somewhat  with  the  cause  and 
depend  also,  to  some  extent,  upon  the  chief  location  of  the  inflamma- 
tion. In  general  the  animal  stops  eating  or  eats  but  little:  it  shows 
colicky  pain;  fever  develops;  the  pulse  and  respiration  become  rapid; 
the  mucous  membrane  becomes  red;  the  mouth  is  hot  and  dry. 
Pressure  upon  the  abdomen  may  cause  pain.  Intestinal  sounds  can 
not  be  heard  at  tlie  flank.  There  is  constipation  in  the  earlier  stages 
that  is  followed  later  by  diarrhea.  The  extremities  become  cold. 
Sometimes  the  feces  are  coated  with  or  contain  shreds  of  fibrin, 
looking  like  scraps  of  dead  membrane,  and  they  have  an  evil,  putrid 
odor.  If  the  disease  is  caused  by  moldy  or  damaged  feed  there  may 
be  great  muscular  weakness,  with  partial  paralysis  of  the  throat,  as 
shown  by  inability  to  swallow.  If  chemical  poisons  are  the  cause, 
this  fact  may  be  shown  by  the  sudden  onset  of  the  disease,  the  his- 
tory of  the  administration  of  a  poison  or  the  entire  absence  of  known 
cause,  the  rapid  development  of  threatening  symptoms,  the  involve- 
ment of  a  series  of  animals  in  the  absence  of  a  contagious  disease, 
and  the  special  symptoms  and  alterations  known  to  be  produced  by 
certain  poisons.  To  make  this  chain  of  evidence  complete,  the  poison 
may  be  discovered  in  the  organs  of  the  horse  by  chemical  analysis. 
In  nearly  all  cases  of  gastroenteritis  there  is  nervous  depression. 

The  poisons  that  are  most  irritant  to  the  digestive  tract  are  arsenic, 
corrosive  sublimate,  sugar  of  lead,  sulphate  of  copper,  sulphate  or 
chlorid  of  zinc,  lye,  or  other  strong  alkalies,  mineral  acids,  and, 
among  the  vegetable  poisons,  tobacco,  lobelia,  and  water  hemlock. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  will  depend  upon  the  cause,  but  if  this 
can  not  be  detected,  certain  general  indications  may  be  observed.  In 
all  cases  feed  should  be  given  in  small  amounts  and  should  be  of  the 


DISEASES   OF    THE    DICESTIVK    ORCAXS.  81 

most  soothing  description,  as  oatmeal  gnicl.  flaxseed  tea,  hay  tea, 
fresh  grass,  or  rice  ^Yater.  The  skin  should  be  Nvell  rubbed  with 
alcohol  and  wisps  of  straw,  to  equalize  the  distribution  of  the  blood; 
the  legs,  after  being  rubbed  until  warm,  should  be  bandaged  in  raw 
cotton  or  with  woolen  bandages.  The  horse  should  be  warndy 
blanketed.  It  is  well  to  apply  to  the  abdomen  blankets  wrung  out 
of  hot  water  and  frequently  changed;  or  mustard  paste  may  bo 
rubbed  on  the  skin  of  the  belly.  Internally,  o})ium  is  of  service  to 
allay  pain,  check  secretion,  and  soothe  the  inflamed  membrane.  Tho 
dose  is  from  1  to  i2  drams,  given  every  three  of  four  hours.  If  there  is 
constipation,  the  opium  should  be  mixed  with  30  grains  of  calomel. 
Subnitrate  of  bismuth  may  be  given  with  the  opium  or  separately  in 
t2-dram  doses.  Stiuiulants,  such  as  alcohol,  aromatic  si)irits  of  am- 
monia, or  camphor  may  be  given  in  2-ounce  doses,  mixed  with  waun 
water  to  make  a  drench. 

If  putrid  feed  has  been  consumed,  creolin  may  be  administered  in 
doses  of  2  drams,  mixed  Avith  1  pint  of  warm  water  or  milk.  If  there 
is  obstinate  constipation  and  if  a  laxative  must  be  employed,  it  should 
be  sweet  or  castor  oil,  from  1  pint  to  1  quart. 

Antidotes  for  poisons. — For  the  various  poisons  the  remedies  are 
as  follows: 

Arsenic:  Oxyhydrate  of  iron  solution,  1  pint  to  1  quart;  or 
calcined  magnesia,  one-half  ounce  in  1  pint  of  water. 

Corrosive  sublimate  (bichlorid  of  mercury)  :  The  whites  of  a 
dozen  eggs,  or  2  ounces  of  flowers  of  sulphur. 

Sugar  of  lead:  Glaubers  salt,  1  pound  in  1  (|uart  of  warm  water; 
to  be  followed  with  iodid  of  potash,  3  drams  at  a  dose,  in  water, 
three  times  daily  for  five  days. 

Sulphate  of  copper:  Milk,  the  whites  of  eggs,  or  reduced  iron. 

Sulphate  or  chlorid  of  zinc:  Milk,  the  whites  of  eggs,  or  calcined 
magnesia. 

Lye  or  alkalies,  as  caustic  potash  or  soda  :  Vinegar,  dilute  sul- 
l)huric  i'.cid,  and  linseed  tea,  with  ojiium,  3  drams. 

^fineral  acids:  Chalk,  or  calcined  lUiignesia.  or  baking  soda;  later 
give  linseed  tea  and  opium. 

HEMORRHOIDS.    OR    PILES. 

These  are  rare,  comparatively,  in  horses.  Thej'  are  diagnosed  by 
the  appearance  of  bright-red  irregular  tumors  aft^r  defecation, 
which  may  remain  visible  at  all  times  or  be  seen  only  when  the  horse 
is  down  or  after  passing  his  manure.  They  are  mostly  due  to  con- 
stipation, irritation,  or  injuries,  or  follow  from  the  .severe  straining 
during  dysentery.  I  have  observed  them  to  follow  from  severe  labor 
pains  in  the  mare. 
30444°— IG C 


82  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

Treatment. — Attention  must  be  paid  to  the  condition  of  the  bowels; 
they  should  be  soft,  but  purging  is  to  be  avoided.  The  tumors 
should  be  washed  in  warm  water  and  thoroughly  cleansed,  after 
which  scarify  them  and  gently  but  firmly  squeeze  out  the  liquid  that 
will  be  seen  to  follow  the  shallow  incisions.  After  thus  squeezing 
these  tumors  and  before  replacing  through  the  anus,  bathe  the  parts 
with  some  anodyn  wash.  For  this  purpose  the  glycerite  of  tannin 
and  laudanum  in  equal  parts  is  good.  Mucilaginous  injections  into 
the  rectum  may  be  of  service  for  a  few  days. 

HERNIA,  OR  RUPTURE. 

There  are  several  kinds  or  hernias  that  require  notice,  not  all  of 
which,  however,  produce  serious  symptoms  or  results.  Abdominal 
hernias,  or  ruptures,  are  divided  into  reducible,  irreducible,  and 
strangulated,  according  to  condition;  and  into  inguinal,  scrotal,  ven- 
tral, umbilical,  and  diaphragmatic,  according  to  their  situation.  A 
hernia  is  reducible  when  the  displaced  organ  can  be  returned  to  its 
natural  location.  It  consists  of  a  soft  swelling,  without  heat,  pain, 
or  any  uneasiness,  generally  larger  on  full  feed,  and  decreases  in  size 
as  the  bowels  become  empty.  An  irreducible  hernia  is  one  that  can 
not  be  returned  into  the  abdomen,  and  yet  does  not  cause  any  pain 
or  uneasiness.  Strangulated  hernia  is  one  in  which  the  contents  of 
the  sac  are  greatly  distended,  or  when  from  pressure  upon  the  blood 
A'essels  of  the  imprisoned  portion  the  venous  circulation  is  checked  or 
stopped,  thereby  causing  congestion,  swelling,  inflammation,  and,  if 
not  relieved,  gangrene  of  the  part  and  death  of  the  animal.  Accord- 
ing to  the  time  or  mode  of  origin,  hernias  may  be  congenital  or 
acquired. 

Congenital  scrotal  hernia. — Not  a  few  foals  are  noticed  from 
birth  to  have  an  enlarged  scrotum,  which  gradually  increases  in  size 
until  about  the  sixth  month,  sometimes  longer.  Sometimes  the  scro- 
tum of  a  six-months-old  colt  is  as  large  as  that  of  an  adult  stallion, 
and  operative  treatment  is  considered.  This  is  unnecessary  in  the 
great  majority  of  cases,  as  the  enlargement  often  disappears  by  the 
time  the  colt  has  reached  his  second  year.  Any  interference,  medic- 
inal or  surgical,  is  worse  than  useless.  If  the  intestine  contained 
within  the  scrotum  should  at  any  time  become  strangulated,  it  must 
then  be  treated  the  same  as  in  an  adult  horse. 

Scrotal  hernia  is  caused  by  dilatation  of  the  sheath  of  the  testicle, 
combined  with  relaxation  of  the  fibrous  tissues  surrounding  the  in- 
guinal ring,  thus  allowing  the  intestine  to  descend  to  the  scrotum. 
At  first  this  is  intermittent,  appearing  during  work  and  returning 
when  the  horse  is  at  rest.     For  a  long  time  this  form  of  hernia  may 


DISEASES   OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    ORGAXS.  83 

not  cause  the  least  iiiieasiuess  or  distress.  Ti\  couisi'  of  time,  howe\ei-. 
the  imprisoned  gut  becomes  filled  ^^ith  feces,  its  return  into  the  id»- 
dominal  cavity  is  prevented,  and  it  l)ecomes  strangulateil.  While 
the  gut  is  thus  fillinjij  the  horse  often  appt'ais  dull,  is  disinelined  to 
move,  appetite  is  impaired,  and  there  is  rumhling  and  ohstruction  of 
the  bowels.  Colicky  symptoms  now  supervene.  Strangulation  and 
its  consequent  train  of  symi)toms  do  not  always  follow  in  sciotal 
hernia,  for  often  horses  have  this  ctmdition  for  years  without  sutler- 
ing  inconvenience. 

Inguinal  hernia  is  but  an  incomi)lete  scrotal  hernia,  and,  like  the 
latter,  may  exist  and  cause  no  signs  of  distress,  or,  again,  it  may 
become  strangulated  and  cause  death.  Inguinal  hernia  is  seen  mostly 
in  stallions,  next  in  geldings,  and  very  rarely  in  the  mare.  Bearing 
in  mind  that  scrotal  hernia  is  seen  only  in  entire  horses,  we  may 
proceed  to  detail  the  symptoms  of  strangulated,  inguinal,  and  scrotal 
hernia  at  the  same  time.  When,  during  the  existence  of  colicky 
sj'inptoms.  we  find  a  horse  kicking  with  his  hind  feet  while  standing 
or  lying  upon  his  back,  we  should  look  to  the  inguinal  region  and 
scrotum.  If  scrotal  hernia  exists,  the  scrotum  will  be  enlarged  and 
lobulated:  by  pressure  we  may  force  a  portion  of  the  contents  of  the 
gut  back  into  the  abdomen,  eliciting  a  gurgling  sound.  If  we  take 
a  gentle  but  firm  hold  upon  the  enlarged  scrotum  and  then  have  an 
assistant  cause  the  horse  to  cough,  the  swelling  will  be  felt  to  expand 
and  as  quickly  contract  again. 

The  history  of  these  cases  will  materially  aid  us,  as  the  owner  can 
often  assure  us  of  preceding  attacks  of  "colic."  more  or  less  severe, 
that  have  been  instantaneously  relieved  in  some  (to  him)  unaccount- 
able manner.  The  colicky  symptoms  of  these  hernias  are  not  diag- 
nostic, but.  probably,  more  clo.sely  resemble  tho.se  of  enteritis  than 
any  other  bowel  diseases.  In  many  cases  the  diagnosis  can  be  made 
only  by  a  veterinarian,  when  he  has  recourse  to  a  rectal  examination; 
the  bowels  can  heie  be  felt  entering  the  inteinal  abdominal  ring. 

Trcatnu  nf  of  hifnnnaJ  hernia. — If  the  reader  is  sure  of  the  exist- 
ence of  hernia,  he  should  secuie  the  hor.se  upon  its  back,  and.  with 
a  hand  in  the  rectum,  endeavor  to  catch  hold  of  the  wandering  bowel 
and  pull  it  gently  ba«k  into  the  cavity  of  the  abd()men.  l*re.ssure 
should  be  made  upon  the  scrotum  during  this  time.  If  this  fails,  a 
veterinarian  mu.st  be  called  to  reduce  the  heinia  by  means  of  incising 
the  inguinal  ring,  reida'.-ing  the  intestines.  ;«nd  to  castrate,  using 
clamps  and  performing  the  "covered  operation." 

Ventral  hernia. — In  this  form  of  hernia  the  protrusion  is  through 
some  accidental  opening  or  rupture  of  the  abdominal  wall.  It  may 
occur  at  any  part  of  the  belly  e.xcept  at  the  ujubilicus,  and  is  cau.sed 
by  kicks,  blows,  hooks,  severe   jumping  or   |)ulling.  etc.     Ventral 


84  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

hernia  is  most  common  in  pregnant  mares,  and  is  here  clue  to  the 
weight  of  the  fetns  or  to  some  degenerative  changes  taking  pLice  in 
the  abdominal  coats.  It  is  recognized  by  the  appearance  of  a  swell- 
ing, at  the  base  of  which  can  be  felt  the  opening  or  rent  in  the  ab- 
dominal tunics,  and  from  the  fact  that  the  swelling  containing  the 
intestines  can  be  made  to  disappear  when  the  animal  is  placed  in  a 
favorable  position. 

Treatment  of  ventral  hernia. — In  many  instances  there  is  no  occa- 
sion for  treatment,  and  again,  where  the  hernial  sac  is  extensive, 
treatment  is  of  no  avail.  If  the  hernia  is  small,  a  cure  may  be  at- 
tempted by  the  methods  to  be  described  in  treating  of  umbilical 
hernia.  If  one  is  fortunate  enough  to  be  present  when  the  hernia 
occurs,  and  particularly  if  it  is  not  too  large,  he  may,  by  the  proper 
application  of  a  pad  and  broad  bandage,  effect  a  perfect  cure. 

Umbilical,  hernia  is  the  passing  of  any  portion  of  the  bowel  or 
omentum  ("caul")  through  the  navel,  forming  a  "  tumor  ""  at  this 
point.  This  is  often  congenital  in  our  animals,  and  is  due  to  the  im- 
perfect closure  of  the  umbilicus  and  to  the  position  of  the  body. 
Many  cases  of  umbilical  hernia,  like  inguinal  and  scrotal  of  the  con- 
genital kind,  disappear  entirely  by  the  time  the  animal  reaches  its 
second  or  third  year.  Advancing  age  favors  cure  in  these  cases  from 
the  fact  that  the  omentum  (swinging  support  of  the  bowels)  is  pro- 
portionally shorter  in  adults  than  in  foals,  thus  lifting  the  intestines 
out  of  the  hernial  sac  and  allowing  the  opening  in  the  walls  to  close. 
Probably  one  of  the  most  frequent  causes  of  umbilical  hernia  in  foals 
is  the  practice  of  keeping  them  too  long  from  their  dams,  causing 
them  to  fret  and  worry,  and  to  neigh,  or  cry,  by  the  hour.  The  con- 
traction of  the  abdominal  muscles  and  pressure  of  the  intestines  dur- 
ing neighing  seem  to  open  the  umbilicus  and  induce  hernia.  Acci- 
dents may  cause  umbilical  hernia  in  adults  in  the  same  manner  as 
ventral  hernia  is  produced,  though  this  is  very  rare. 

Treatment  of  vmhilicol  hernia. — In  the  treatment  of  umbilical 
hernia  it  should  be  remembered  that  congenital  hernias  are  often 
removed  with  age,  but  probably  congenital  umhilical  hernias  less  fre- 
quently than  others.  Among  the  many  plans  of  treatment  are  to  be 
mentioned  the  application  of  a  pad  over  the  tumor,  the  pad  being 
held  in  place  by  a  broad,  tight  bandage  placed  around  the  animal's 
body.  The  chief  objection  to  this  is  the  difficulty  in  keeping  the  pad 
in  its  place.  Blisters  are  often  applied  over  the  swelling,  and,  as 
the  skin  hardens  and  contracts  by  the  formation  of  scabs,  an  artificial 
bandage  or  pressure  is  produced  that  at  times  is  successful.  Another 
treatment  that  has  gained  considerable  repute  of  late  years  consists 
in  first  clipping  off  the  hair  over  the  swelling.  Nitric  acid  is  then 
applied  with  a  small  brush,  using  only  enough  to  moisten  the  skin. 


DISEASES   OF    THE   DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  So 

This  sets  up  a  deep -sea  ted,  adhesive  innammation,  which,  in  very 
many  cases,  ch)ses  the  openin<r  in  the  navel.  Still  another  i)lan  is  to 
inject  a  solution  of  conunon  >i\\t  by  means  of  the  hypodermic  svrin^e 
nt  three  or  four  points  about  the  base  of  the  swdlinfr.  This  acts  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  precedinfr.  but  may  cause  serious  injiirv  if 
the  syringe  or  solution  is  not  sterile. 

Others,  again,  after  keeping  the  animal  fasting  foi-  a  few  hours, 
cast  and  secure  it  upon  its  back;  the  bowel  is  then  carefully  returned 
into  the  abdomen.  The  skin  over  the  opening  is  pinched  up  and  one 
or  two  skewers  are  run  through  the  skin  from  side  to  side  as  close  as 
possible  to  the  umbilical  opening.  These  skewers  are  kept  in  place 
by  passing  a  cord  around  the  skin  between  them  and  the  alulomen  and 
securely  tying  it.  Great  care  must  be  taken  not  to  draw  these  cords 
too  tight,  as  this  would  cause  a  speedy  slough  of  the  skin,  the  intes- 
tines would  extrude,  and  death  result.  If  properly  applied,  an  adhe- 
sion is  established  between  the  skin  and  the  umbilicus,  which  effectu- 
ally closes  the  orifice.  Special  clamps  are  provided  for  taking  up 
the  fold  of  the  skin  covering  the  hernial  sac  and  holding  it  until  the 
adhesion  is  formed. 

DiAriiRAo:MATi<"  iiKRMA. — Tliis  consists  of  the  passage  of  any  of 
the  abdominal  viscera  through  a  rent  in  the  diaphragm  (midriff') 
into  the  cavity  of  the  thorax.  It  is  a  rather  rare  accident,  and  one 
often  impossible  to  diagnose  duiing  life.  Colicky  symptoms,  ac- 
companied with  great  difiiculty  in  breathing,  and  the  peculiar  posi- 
tion so  often  assumed  (that  of  sitting  upon  the  haunches),  are  some- 
what characteristic  of  this  trouble,  though  these  symptoms,  as  we 
have  already  seen,  may  be  present  during  diseases  of  the  stomach  or 
anterior  portion  of  the  bowels.  Even  could  we  diagnose  with  cer- 
tainty this  form  of  hernia,  there  is  little  or  nothing  that  can  l)e  done. 
IxMiding  the  horse  up  a  very  steep  gangwa}'  or  causing  him  to  rear 
up  may  possibly  cause  the  hernial  portion  to  return  to  its  natural 
position.    This  is  not  enough,  however;  it  must  be  kept  there. 

PERITONITIS. 

Peritonitis  is  an  infhnnmation  of  the  serous  membrane  lining  the 
cavity  of  and  covering  the  viscera  contained  within  the  abdomen. 
It  is  very  rare  to  see  a  case  of  primaiy  peritonitis.  It  is,  however. 
somewhat  common  as. a  secondary  disease  from  extension  of  the  in- 
flammatoi-y  action  involving  oj-gans  covei'ed  by  the  peritoneum. 
Peritonitis  is  often  caused  l)y  injuries,  as  punctuiTd  wounds  of  the 
abdomen,  severe  blows  or  kicks,  or,  as  is  still  more  common,  follow- 
ing the  operation  of  castration.  It  follows  strangulated  hoiiiia, 
invagination,  or  rupture  of  the  stomach,  intestines,  liver,  or  womb. 


86  DISEASES   OF   THE    HORSE. 

Symptoms. — Peritonitis  is  mostly  preceded  by  a  chill ;  the  horse  is 
not  disposed  to  move,  and,  if  compelled  to  do  so,  moves  with  a  stiff  or 
sore  gait;  he  paws  with  the  front  feet  and  may  strike  at  his  belly 
with  the  hind  ones :  lies  down  very  carefully ;  as  the  pain  is  increased 
while  down,  he  maintains  the  standing  position  during  most  of  the 
time;  he  walks  uneasily  about  the  stall.  Constipation  is  usually 
present.  Pressure  on  the  belly  causes  acute  pain,  and  the  horse  will 
bite,  strike,  or  kick  if  so  disturbed;  the  abdomen  is  tucked  up:  the 
extremities  are  fine  and  cold.  The  temperature  is  higher  than  nor- 
mal, reaching  from  102°  to  104°  F.  The  pulse  in  peritonitis  is 
rather  characteristic;  it  is  quickened,  beating  from  TO  to  90  beats 
a  minute,  and  is  hard  and  wiry.  This  peculiarity  of  the  pulse 
occurs  in  inflammation  of  the  serous  membrane,  and  if  accompanied 
with  colicky  symptoms,  and,  in  particular,  if  following  any  in- 
juries, accidental  or  surgical,  of  the  peritoneum,  there  is  reason  to 
think  that  peritonitis  is  present.  Peritonitis  in  the  horse  is  mostly 
fatal  when  it  is  at  all  extensive.  If  death  does  not  occur  in  a  short 
time,  the  inflammation  assumes  a  chronic  form,  in  which  there  is  an 
extensive  efl^usion  of  water  in  the  cavity  of  the  belly,  constituting 
what  is  known  as  ascites,  and  which,  as  a  rule,  results  in  death. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  peritonitis  is  somewhat  like  that  of 
enteritis.  Opium  in  powder.  1  to  2  drams,  with  calomel,  one-half 
dram,  is  to  be  given  every  two,  three,  or  four  hours,  and  constitutes 
the  main  dependence  in  this  disease.  Extensive  counterirritants  over 
the  belly,  consisting  of  mustard  plasters,  applications  of  mercurial 
ointment,  turpentine  stupes,  or  even  mild  blisters,  are  recommended. 
Purgatives  must  never  be  given  during  this  complaint.  Should  we 
desire  to  move  the  bowels,  it  can  be  done  by  gentle  enemas,  though 
it  is  seldom  necessary  to  resort  even  to  this. 

ASCITES,  OR  DROPSY  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 

This  is  seen  as  a  result  of  subacute  or  chronic  peritonitis,  but 
may  be  due  to  diseases  of  the  liver,  kidneys,  heart,  or  lungs.  There 
w^ll  be  found,  on  opening  the  cavity  of  the  belly,  a  large  collection  of 
5'ellowish  or  reddish  liquid:  from  a  few  quarts  to  several  gallons  may 
be  present.  It  may  be  clear  in  color,  though  generally  it  is  yellowish 
or  of  a  red  tint,  and  contains  numerous  loose  flakes  of  coagulable 
lymph. 

Sympt&ms. — There  is  slight  tenderness  on  pressure:  awkward  gait 
of  the  hind  legs;  the  horse  is  dull,  and  may  ha^e  occasional  very 
slight  colicky  pains,  shown  by  looking  back  and  striking  at  the  belly 
with  the  hind  feet.  Oftener,  however,  these  colicky  symptoms  are 
absent.     Diarrhea  often  precedes  death,  but  during  the  progress  of 


DISEASES  OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    ORGANS.  87 

the  disease  the  bowels  are  alternately  constipated  and  loose.  On  [tev- 
cussino:  the  abdominal*  walls  we  find  that  dullness  exists  to  tlu'  saau' 
height  on  both  sides  of  the  belly;  by  suddenly  pushino^  or  striUinfj  the 
abdomen  we  can  hear  the  rushing  or  Hooding  of  water.  If  the  case 
is  an  advanced  one.  the  horse  is  potbellied  in  the  extreme,  and 
dropsical  swellings  are  seen  under  the  belly  and  upon  the  legs. 

Treatment  is.  as  a  rule,  unsatisfactory.  Saline  cathartics,  as  Kp- 
som  or  Glauber's  salt,  and  diui-etics,  ounce  doses  of  saltpeter,  may  be 
given.  If  a  veterinarian  is  at  hand  he  will  withdraw  the  accumula- 
tion of  water  by  tapping  and  then  endeavor  to  pi-event  its  recurrence 
(though  this  is  almost  sure  to  follow)  by  giving  thi-ee  times  a  day 
saltpeter  1  ounce  and  iodid  of  potash  1  dram,  and  by  the  applica- 
tion of  mustard  or  blisters  over  the  abdominal  walls.  Tonics,  min- 
eral and  vegetable,  are  also  indicated.  Probably  the  best  tonic  is  one 
consisting  of  powdeied  sul[)hate  of  iron,  gentian,  and  ginger  in  equal 
parts;  \\  heaping  tablespoonful  of  the  mixture  is  given  as  a  drench  or 
mixed  with  the  feed,  twic^  a  day.  Good  nutritious  feeds  and  gentle 
exercise  complete  the  treatment. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  LIVER. 

In  the  United  States  the  liver  of  the  horse  is  but  rarely  the  seat 
of  disease,  and  when  we  consider  how  frequently  the  liver  of  man  is 
affected  this  can  not  but  appear  strange.  The  absence  of  the  gall 
bladder  may  account  to  a  certain  extent  for  his  freedom  from  liver 
diseases,  as  overdistention  of  this  and  the  presence  in  it  of  calculi 
(stones)  in  man  is  a  fre(pient  source  of  trouble.  In  d(»mestic  animals, 
as  in  man.  hot  climates  tend  to  produce  diseases  of  the  liver,  just  as  in 
cold  climates  lung  diseases  prevail.  Not  only  are  disease-^  of  the  liver 
rare  in  horses  in  temperate  climates,  but  they  are  also  very  <)l)scure. 
and  in  many  cases  pass  totally  unobserved  until  after  death.  There 
are  .some  .sym})t<)ms.  however,  which,  when  i)re.sent,  should  make  us 
examine  the  liver  as  carefully  as  possible.  Thest'  are  jaundice 
(yellowness  of  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  mouth,  nose,  and  eyes) 
Dud  the  condition  of  the  dung,  it  being  light  in  color  ami  pa.sty  in 
appearance. 

HEPATITIS.   OR    INFLAMMATION    OF   THE    LIVER. 

This  di.sease  may  be  general  or  local,  and  may  assume  an  acute  or 
chi'onic  form. 

Syniptojiuf. — The  symptoms  of  acute  hepatitis  are:  Dullness;  the 
horse  is  suffering  from  s^)me  internal  j)ain,  but  not  of  a  severe  type: 
constipateel  ami  clay-colored  dung  balls;  .scanty  and  high-colored 
urine;  and  general  febrile  symptoms.     If  lying  down,  he  is  mostly 


88  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

found  on  the  left  side;  looks  occasionally  toward  the  right  side, 
■which,  upon  close  inspection,  may  be  found  to  be  slightly  enlarged 
ever  the  posterior  ribs,  where  pain  upon  pressure  is  also  evinced.  Ob- 
scure lameness  in  front,  of  the  right  leg  mostly,  may  be  a  symptom  of 
hepatitis.  The  horse,  toward  the  last,  reels  or  staggers  in  his  gait  and 
falls  backward  in  a  fainting  fit,  during  one  of  which  he  finally  suc- 
cumbs. Death  is  sometimes  due  to  rupture  of  the  enveloping  coat  of 
the  liver  or  of  some  of  its  blood  vessels. 

Causes. — Among  the  causes  that  lead  to  this  disease  we  must  men- 
tion first  the  stimulating  eilect  of  overfeeding,  particularly  during 
hot  weather.  Horses  that  are  well  fed  and  receive  but  little  exercise 
are  the  best  subjects  for  diseases  of  this  organ.  We  must  add  to 
these  causes  the  more  mechanical  ones,  as  injuries  on  the  right  side 
over  the  liver,  w^orms  in  the  liver,  gallstones  in  the  biliary  ducts,  for- 
eign bodies — as  needles  or  nails  that  have  been  swallowed  and  in  their 
wanderings  have  entered  the  liver — and,  lastly,  in  some  instances,  the 
extension  of  inflammation  from  neighboring  parts,  thus  involving 
this  organ.  Acute  hepatitis  may  terminate  in  chronic  inflammation, 
abscesses,  rupture  of  the  liver,  or  may  disappear,  leaving  behind  no 
trace  of  disease  whatever. 

Treatment. — This  should  consist,  at  first,  of  the  administration  of 
1  ounce  of  Barbados  aloes  or  other  physic.  General  blood-letting,  if 
had  recourse  to  early,  must  prove  of  much  benefit  in  acute  inflamma- 
tion of  the  liver.  The  vein  in  the  neck  (jugular)  must  be  opened, 
and  from  4  to  6  quarts  of  blood  may  be  drawn.  Saline  medicines,  as 
Glauber's  salt  or  the  artificial  Carlsbad  salt,  are  indicated.  These 
may  be  given  with  the  feed  in  tablespoonful  doses.  The  horse  is  to 
be  fed  sparingly  on  soft  feed,  bran  mashes  chiefly.  If  treatment 
proves  successful  and  recovery  takes  place,  see  to  it  that  the  horse 
afterwards  gets  regular  exercise  and  that  his  feed  is  not  of  a  too 
highly  nutritious  character  and  not  excessive. 

JAUNDICE,   ICTERUS,    OR   THE   YELLOWS. 

This  is  a  condition  caused  by  the  retention  and  absorption  of  bile 
into  the  blood.  It  was  formerly  considered  to  be  a  disease  of  itself, 
but  is  now  regarded  as  a  symptom  of  disorder  of  the  liver.  "  The 
yellows  "  is  observed  by  looking  at  the  eyes,  nose,  and  mouth,  when 
it  will  be  seen  that  these  parts  are  yellowish  instead  of  the  pale- 
pink  color  of  health.  In  white  or  light-colored  horses  the  skin  even 
may  show  this  yellow  tint.  The  urine  is  saffron  colored,  the  dung  is 
of  a  dirty-gray  color,  and  constipation  is  usually  present.  Jaundice 
may  be  present  as  a  symptom  of  almost  any  inflammatory  disease. 
We  know  that  when  an  animal  has  fever  the  secretions  are  checked, 
the  bile  may  be  retained  and  absorbed  throughout  the  system,  and 


DISEASES   OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    ORCANS.  89 

yellowness  of  the  imioons  membranes  follows.  Janiuliee  inay  also 
exist  dni-ing  the  presence  of  simple  constipation,  hepatitis,  biliary 
calculi,  abscesses,  hardening  of  the  liver,  etc. 

Treatment. — When  jaundice  exists  we  must  endeavor  to  rid  the 
system  of  the  excess  of  bile,  and  this  is  best  accomplished  by  giving 
purgatives  that  act  upon  the  liver.  Calomel,  2  drams,  with  aloes,  7 
drams,  yhould  be  given.  Glauber's  salt  in  handful  doses  once  or 
twice  a  day  for  a  week  is  also  effective.  May  apple,  rlnibarb,  castor 
oil,  and  other  cathartics  that  act  upon  the  first  or  small  bowels  may 
be  selected.  AVe  must  be  careful  to  see  that  the  bowels  are  kept  open 
by  avoiding  haid,  dry.  luilkv  feeds, 

RUPTURE    OF    THE    LIVER. 

This  is  known  to  occur  at  times  in  the  horse,  most  frequently  in 
old,  fat  horses  and  those  that  get  but  little  exercise.  Horses  that 
have  suffered  from  chronic  liver  disease  for  years  eventually  present 
symptoms  of  colic  and  die  quite  suddenly.  T'pon  post  mortem  ex- 
amination we  discover  that  the  liver  has  ruptured.  The  cicatrices, 
or  scars,  that  are  often  found  upon  the  liver  indicate  that  this  organ 
may  suffer  smnll  rupture  and  yet  the  horse  may  recover  from  it. 
This  can  not  be  the  re-ult,  however,  if  the  rent  or  tear  is  extensive, 
since  in  such  cases  death  must  quickly  follow  from  hemorrhage,  or, 
later,  from  peritonitis.  Enlarged  liver  is  particularly  liable  to  rup- 
ture. 

The  iuiinediate  causes  of  rupture  appear  to  be  excessive  muscular 
exertion,  as  leaping  a  fence,  a  fall,  a  blow  from  a  collision,  a  kick 
from  a  horse,  or  sudden  distention  of  the  abdomen  with  gas. 

The  symptoms  of  rui)tui-e  of  the  liver  will  depend  upon  the  extent 
of  the  laceration.  If  slight,  there  Avill  be  simply  the  symptoms  of 
abdominal  pain,  looking  back  to  the  sides,  lying  down,  etc.;  if  exteu- 
hivc,  the  horse  is  dull  and  dejected,  has  no  appetite,  breathing  be- 
comes short  and  catching,  he  sighs  or  sobs,  visible  mucous  membranes 
are  pale,,  extremities  cold,  pulse  fast,  small,  and  weak  or  running 
down.  Countenance  now  shows  much  distress,  he  sweats  profusely, 
totters  in  \\\^  gait,  jnops  his  legs  wide  ai)art,  reels,  staggers,  and  falls. 
He  may  get  up  again,  but  .soon  falls  dead.  The  rapid  running-down 
pulse,  paleness  of  the  eyes,  no.^^e,  and  mouth,  sighing,  .stertorous 
breathing,  tottering  gait,  etc.,  are  .symptoms  by  which  we  know  that 
the  animal  is  dying  from  internal  hemorrhage. 

Treatnunt. — But  little  can  be  done  in  the  way  of  triatnicnt.  Opium 
in  powder,  in  doses  of  "2  drams  every  two  or  three  hours,  may  be 
given,  with  the  idea  of  preventing  as  much  as  possible  all  movements 
of  internal  organs.     If  tlierc  is  rea.sf  n  to  su.spect  interna!  bleeding. 


90  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE, 

we  slioulS  give  large  and  frequent  doses  of  white-oak  bark  t«a,  dram 
doses  of  tannic  or  gallic  acid,  or  the  same  quantity  of  sugar  of  lead, 
ever}^  half  hour  or  hour.  Fluid  extract  of  ergot  or  tincture  of  the 
chlorid  of  iron,  in  ounce  doses,  may  be  selected.  Cold  water  dashed 
upon  the  right  side  or  injected  into  the  rectum  is  highly  spoken  of  as 
a  means  of  checking  the  hemorrhage. 

BILIARY   CALCULI,    OR    GALLSTONES. 

These  are  rarel}'  found  in  the  horse,  but  may  occupy  the  hepatic 
ducts,  giving  rise  to  jaundice  and  to  colicky  pains.  There  are  no 
absolutely  diagnostic  symptoms,  but  shoukl  one  find  a  horse  that 
suffers  from  repeated  attaclvs  of  colic,  accompanied  with  symptoms 
of  violent  pain,  and  that  during  or  following  these  attacks  the  animal 
is  jaundiced,  it  is  possible  that  gallstones  are  present.  There  is  little 
or  nothing  to  be  done  except  to  give  medicines  to  overcome  pain, 
trusting  that  these  concretions  may  pass  on  to  the  bowels,  where, 
from  their  small  size,  they  will  not  occasion  any  inconvenience. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  PANCREAS  AND  SPLEEN. 

Diseases  of  the  pancreas  and  spleen  are  so  rare,  or  their  symptoms 
so  little  understood,  that  it  is  impossible  to  write  anything  concei'iiing 
either  of  these  organs  and  their  simple  diseases  that  will  convey  to 
the  reader  information  of  practical  value. 

GASTROINTESTINAL  PARASITES. 

[By  Maurice  C.  Hall.  Ph.  D.,  D.  V.  M.] 

Horses  are  subject  to  infestation  bj'  a  number  of  species  of  worms, 
these  worms  being  especially  numerous  at  certain  pomts  in  the 
alimentary  canal. 

The  tapeworms  of  the  horse  are  relatively  unimportant  and  not 
very  common.  There  are  three  species,  the  smallest  about  two  inches 
long  and  the  largest  about  eight  inches  long.  These  two  occur  in 
the  small  intestine ;  a  form  intermediate  in  size  may  also  -be  found 
in  the  cecum  and  colon.  These  are  flat,  segmented  worms  with  the 
head  at  the  smaller  end. 

Flukes  occur  in  horses  elsewhere,  but  have  apparently  never  been 
reported  in  the  United  States. 

Roundworms,  or  nematodes,  constitute  the  most  important  gi"oup 
of  parasitic  worms  in  the  horse.  The  more  important  of  these  are 
as  follows: 

Roundworm  {Ascans  equoritm). — ^This  is  the  common  large,  yel- 
lowish roundworm  (PL  V,  fig.  5),  about  the  size  of  a  lead  pencil 
or  larger,  which  mav  be  found  in  horses  almost  anvwhere  in  the 


DISEASES  OF   THE   DIGESTIVE   ORGANS.  91 

United  States.  It  occurs  in  the  intestine  and  i)iobably  occasions 
little  damage  as  a  rule,  except  when  present  in  hirge  numbers,  in 
which  case  it  will  probably  be  found  in  the  droppings.  The  symp- 
toms occasioned  by  it  are  rather  obscure  and  are  such  as  might  aiise 
from  a  nuuiber  of  other  causes,  namely,  colicky  pains,  depraved  aj)- 
petite,  diarrhea  or  constipation,  and  general  unthrii'tiuess.  In  a 
general  way.  the  presence  of  parasites  may  be  susi>ected  when  an 
aniuial  shews  no  fever  but  is  unthrifty,  debilitated,  and  shows  dis- 
ordered bowel  moAements  in  cases  where  there  is  no  evident  ex})la na- 
tion in  the  way  of  feed,  care,  and  surroundings. 

Triiitnunt  for  the  removal  of  this  worm  consists  in  the  use  of 
anthelmintics  such  as  tartar  euietic,  tur[>entine,  and  carl)on  bisulphid. 
but  as  these  remedies  are  essentially  poisons  intended  to  kill  the 
Avorm.  and  as  their  use  by  persons  unused  to  determining  conditions 
unfavorable  for  their  use  is  dangerous  and  likely  to  result  in  the 
death  of  the  animal  or  in  pernuinent  injury  to  the  kidneys  or  other 
organs,  it  is  advisable  to  call  in  a  veterinai'ian  in  such  cases. 

PiNwoRM  {O.rt/ui'is  equi). — This  is  a  rather  large  worm  (PI.  \'. 
fig.  1),  somewhat  smaller  than  the  foregoing  and  readily  distin- 
guishable fiom  it  by  the  presence  of  a  long,  slender  tail.  It  also 
occurs  generally  throughout  the  United  States,  and  except  when 
present  in  large  numbers  probably  does  very  little  damage.  It  in- 
liabits  the  laige  intestine  and  hence  is  difficult  to  reach  with  medicines 
administered  by  the  mouth.  The  use  of  a  half  ounce  of  gentian 
on  the  feed  night  and  morning  for  a  week  has  been  recommended, 
but  the  use  of  rectal  enemas  will  give  moie  jirompt  and  iierhap>  more 
certain  residts.  These  enemas  may  be  made  up  with  one  or  two  table- 
spoonfids  of  salt  to  the  pint,  or  infusions  of  quassia  chips,  a  half 
pound  to  the  gallon  of  water,  and  injected  into  the  rectum  on<e  (u- 
twice  a  day. 

Stomach  worms  of  the  horse  {Hahronem^i  spp.). — These  worms 
(PI.  V,  fig.  4)  occur  in  nodules  in  the  mucous  lining  of  the  horse's 
stomach  and  are  credited  with  doing  more  or  less  damage.  Their 
pi*esence  is  not  likely  to  Ix*  diagnosed  in  the  present  state  of  our 
knowledge,  but  in  ca.se  their  presence  is  deteiinined  or  suspected  in 
connection  with  the  sunmier  .sores  noted  later,  tartar  emetic  is  recom- 
mended. At  least  one  of  these  worms  has  an  intermediate  stage  in 
the  ordinary  houseHy,  the  fly  becoming  infested  while  it  is  a  larva 
developing  in  horse  manure.  Obviously,  therefore,  any  measures 
looking  toward  the  eradication  of  the  fly  or  the  proper  disposal  of 
manure  will  aid  in  tiie  control  and  eradication  of  this  worm.  The 
T'^nited  States  Hureati  of  P^.ntomology  has  .shown  that  fly  maggots 
travel  downward  through  a  uianure  pile  as  it  comes  tiujc  for  the 
maggot  to  enter  the  ground  ami  pupate,  and  an  excellent  maggot 


92  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

trap,  consisting  of  an  exposed  manure  platform  raised  on  posts  which 
are  set  in  a  concrete  basin  extending  under  the  platform  and  filled 
"with  three  or  four  inches  of  water,  has  been  devised.  As  maggots 
work  down  they  come  to  the  platform  and  escape  through  the  spaces 
between  the  boards,  left  open  for  the  purpose,  to  the  water  in  the  con- 
crete basin,  wdiere  they  are  drowned.  In  this  way  the  exposed 
manure  pile  serves  to  attract  flies  with  a  deceptive  proffer  of  a  breed- 
ing place. 

Apparently  it  is  the  young  forms  of  these  stomach  worms  which 
develop  at  times  on  the  skin,  causing  a  cutaneous  habronemiasis 
known  as  summer  sores.    This  is  discussed  under  diseases  of  the  skin. 

Strong YLEs  {Strongylus  spp.  and  CyllcostoTnuin  spp.). — These 
worms  (PI.  Y,  figs.  2  and  3)  live  in  the  large  intestines  of  the  horse 
as  adult  worms  and  are  often  present  in  enormous  numbers.  Many 
of  them  are  very  small,  and  the  largest  are  less  than  two  inches  long. 
The  adult  worms  do  considerable  damage,  but  the  immature  or  larval 
worms  do  even  more. 

The  larva  of  Strongylus  vulgaris  enters  the  blood  vessels  of  the 
intestinal  wall  and  finally  attaches  in  the  great  mesenteric  artery, 
where  it  causes  aneurisms;  here  it  transforms  to  an  adult  without 
sexual  organs,  which  passes  to  the  walls  of  the  cecum  and  encysts, 
giving  rise  to  small  cysts  or  abscesses;  these  cysts  finally  discharge 
to  the  interior  of  the  cecum,  setting  the  worms,  now  mature,  at  lib- 
erty in  the  lumen  of  the  intestines. 

The  larvae  of  Strongylus  equinus  are  found  principally  in  the  liver, 
lungs,  and  pancreas. 

The  larvse  of  Strongylus  edentatus  may  be  met  with  almost  any- 
where, especially  under  the  serous  membranes,  the  pleura  and  peri- 
toneum. 

The  embryos  and  larvae  of  species  of  CyVicostomiun  are  found  in 
the  mucosa  of  the  large  intestine. 

Aneurisms  impede  the  circulation  of  the  blood,  and  may  give  rise 
to  intermittent  lameness.  The  aneurism  may  rupture,  since  it  con- 
stitutes a  weak  place  in  the  wall  of  the  blood  vessel,  and  the  horse 
die  of  the  resulting  hemorrhage.  Particles  of  blood  clots  in  the 
aneurisms  may  break  off  and  plug  a  blood  vessel  at  the  point  where 
they  lodge,  thereby  causing  the  death  of  the  part  from  which  the 
blood  is  shut  off  and  occasioning  a  type  of  colic  which  often  termi- 
nates fatally.  The  larvae  of  Cylicostomum  form  cysts  in  the  walls 
of  the  large  intestine,  and  when  these  open  they  give  rise  to  small 
sores ;  when  they  are  numerous  they  cause  a  thickening  and  harden- 
ing which  impair  the  proper  functioning  of  the  intestine.  Abscesses 
sometimes  perforate,  causing  death.  The  adult  worm  attacks  the 
intestinal   wall,   causing  bleeding  which   results   in   anemia.     The 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


O-lvuris  fifiii. 


^  V  1  I .  s  1  INAI.  Wojt  M  s. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  tlie  Horse. 


l^l^A.TR     V'l. 


,  !  «.)'[' S. 


DISEASES   OF   THE   DIGESTIVE   ORGANS.  93 

nnnicrous  small  sores  thus  caused  allow  bacteria  to  get  into  the  circu- 
lation, sometimes  resultin<j:  in  localized  abscesses  or  in  septic  arthritis 
or  joint  disease. 

The  disease  due  to  these  worms  is  quite  common.  The  worms  cuter 
the  body  as  iunnature  forms  in  the  spiinji.  when  the  animal  is  turned 
out  on  pasture.  The  first  symptoms  show  in  November  or  December, 
the  disease  beings  in  a  latent  stajre  durinj?  the  development  of  the 
woi'ins.  The  lirst  symptoms  are  iliarrhea,  loss  of  appetite,  and  ema- 
ciation. The  jjnimal  becomes  anemic.  Secondary  symptoms  are 
edema  and  suih  complications  as  joint  infection,  colic  due  to  euibo- 
lisu),  and  accidents  from  falls,  hemorrhage  from  ruptured  aneuiisms, 
or  perforation  at  the  site  of  abscess.  The  animal  nu»y  die.  recover, 
or  become  a  chronic  sutierer,  the  internal  injuries  failing  to  make  a 
satisfactory  recovery  even  with  the  removal  of  the  worms  in  chronic 
cases. 

Trcalnunt  calls  for  the  expulsion  of  the  adult  worms  from  the  in- 
testine, the  develoi)ment  of  the  body  resistance  to  repair  the  damage 
wrought  by  the  developing  worms,  and  the  combating  of  complica- 
tions. For  the  expulsion  of  the  worms  the  use  of  carbon  bisulphid 
in  gelatin  capsules,  '1  to  5  grams,  according  to  the  size  of  the  patient, 
for  five  days,  followed  by  magnesium  sulphate  the  sixth  day,  has 
been  recommended.  Owing  to  the  difticulty  and  danger  in  the  ad- 
ministration of  carbon  bisulphid  in  capsule,  it  is  advisable  to  call  in 
a  veterinarian.  Tonic  treatment  consists  in  the  subcutaneous  admin- 
istration of  artificial  serum  and  caffcin.  Tlie  various  comidications 
of  bacterial  infecti(m,  colic,  heart  depression,  etc.,  call  for  the  atten- 
tion of  a  veterinarian.  Preventive  measures  consist  in  avoiding  re- 
infection with  worms  so  far  as  possible  by  using  dry  upland  pasture 
in  preference  to  low,  wet  land,  and  b}'  rotating  })astures  or  rotation 
of  the  stock  on  a  given  pasture.  Horses  may  be  alternated  with 
cattle,  sheep,  or  hogs  to  advantage,  so  far  as  parasites  are  conceined. 
Another  feature,  always  of  importance,  is  the  provision  of  a  pure, 
potable  drinking  water. 

BoTs  {Gustroph'ihts  spp.). — Bots  (PI.  VI)  are  quite  common  in  the 
stomach  and  upper  part  of  the  small  intestine  of  the  horse  any- 
where in  the  United  States,  one  kind  being  occasionally  found  in  the 
rectum.  They  attach  to  that  j^ortion  of  the  mucous  lining  of  the 
fitomach  nearest  the  esophagus  or  sometimes  around  the  pyloric  ojien- 
ing  to  the  intestine  or  even  in  the  upper  intestine,  and  undoubtedly 
interfere  with  the  proper  functioning  of  the  stomach  and  the  health 
of  the  animal  to  a  certain  extent.  The  symptoms  are  rather  vague 
as  a  rule,  but  the  general  result  is  a  condition  of  unthriftiness. 

A  treatment  which  has  been  found  effective  consists  in  feeding 
lightly  on  the  day  preceding  treatment,  withholding  food  in  the 
evening  and  giving  an  ounce  of  Barbados  aloes  or  a  pint  of  linseed 


94  DISEASES  OF    THE    HOESE. 

oil.  The  next  day  give  3  drams  of  carbon  bisulphid  in  a  gelatin 
capsule  at  6  o'clock,  repeat  the  dose  at  7  o'clock,  and  again  at  8 
o'clock,  making  a  total  of  9  drams  altogether  for  an  adult  horse; 
half  that  amount  will  be  sufficient  for  a  yearling  colt.  As  previously 
noted,  there  is  some  little  difficulty  and  danger  of  accident  in  the  ad- 
ministration of  treatments  of  this  character  and  it  is  advisable  to  call 
in  a  veterinarian. 

Unless  destroyed  by  treatment,  the  bots  in  the  stomach  of  the  horse 
pass  out  in  the  manure  in  the  spring  and  burrow  down  into  the  soil 
an  inch  or  two.  Here  they  undergo  a  certain  amount  of  development 
and  finally  emerge  as  adult  flies.  These  bot  flies  mate  and  during  the 
summer  the  eggs  are  deposited  by  the  female  on  the  forelegs  and 
shoulders  or  around  the  chin,  mouth  and  nostrils  of  the  horse,  the 
location  and  appearance  of  the  eggs  varying  somewhat  with  different 
species  of  bot  flies.  These  eggs  or  the  young  maggots  escaping  from 
them  are  ingested  by  the  horse  in  licking  the  portions  irritated  by 
the  movement  of  the  escaping  maggots,  and  when  swallowed  develop 
to  form  bots  in  the  stomach.  Careful  currying,  especially  around  the 
forequarters,  is  an  aid  in  keeping  down  bot  infestation,  but  this  is  not 
commonly  feasible  with  horses  on  pasture,  the  ones  most  liable  to 
become  infested. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS. 

By  \V.  II.   llAKiJArcii.  V.  S. 
[Rovis.d  by  T.couaril  Pesirson,  B.  S.,  \.  M.  D.] 

The  organs  portiiiniiio:  to  the  respiratory  function  may  ])e  enii- 
mei'ated  in  natural  older  as  foHows:  The  luisal  openings.  (»i-  nostrils: 
the  nasal  chamhers,  through  which  the  air  passes  in  tlic  head:  the 
sinuses  in  the  head,  coinnuinicatinfj  with  the  nasal  chauihei.s;  the 
l)harny.\,  common  to  the  functions  of  hreathin<;  and  swallow  iufj;; 
the  hirynx,  at  the  top  of  the  windpipe:  the  trachea,  or  windpipe:  the 
bronchi  (into  which  the  windpijie  divides),  two  tubes  leadin*;  from 
the  windpipe  to  the  ri<;:ht  and  left  lunijs.  respectively:  the  bionchial 
tubes,  which  penetrate  and  convey  air  to  all  parts  of  the  hmgs:  the 
lunofs. 

The  pleura  is  a  thin  membrane  that  envelops  the  lung  and  lines  the 
■walls  of  the  thoracic  cavity.  The  diaphragm  is  a  muscular  structure, 
completely  separating  the  contents  of  the  thoracic  cavity  from  those 
of  the  abdominal  ca^  ity.  It  is  essentially  a  muscle  of  inspiration, 
and  the  piincipal  one.  C)ther  muscles  aid  in  the  mechanism  of  res- 
pi  lation.  but  the  disea.ses  or  injuries  of  them  have  nothing  to  do  with 
the  diseases  under  considei'ation. 

Just  within  the  nasal  openings  the  skin  becomes  gradually  but  per- 
ceptibly finei-,  until  it  is  succeeded  l>y  the  mucous  membrane.  Near 
the  junction  of  the  skin  and  membrane  is  a  small  hole,  i)resenting 
the  appearance  of  having  been  made  with  a  punch;  this  is  the  open- 
ing of  the  lachrymal  duct,  a  canal  that  conveys  the  tears  fiom  the 
eyes.  A\'ithin  and  abo\e  the  nasal  openings  are  the  cavities,  or  fis- 
sures, called  the  false  nostrils.  The  nasal  chambers  are  completely 
separated,  the  right  from  the  left,  by  a  cartilaginous  ]>artition.  the 
nasal  septum.  Kach  nasal  chamber  is  divided  into  three  continuous 
compartments  by  two  thin,  scroll-like  turbinated  bones. 

The  mucous  membrane  liniiiir  the  nasal  chambei-s.  and,  in  fact,  the 
entire  respiratory  tract,  is  much  moie  delicate  and  more  fre<|uently 
diseased  that  the  mucous  membrane  of  any  other  part  of  the  body. 
The  sinuses  of  the  head  ai'e  compartments  which  connnunicate  with 
the  nasal  chambei>  and  aie  lined  with  a  continuation  (»f  the  same 
membrane  that  lines  the  nasal  chamlxM-s:  their  presence  increases  the 
volume  and  modifies  the  form  of  the  head  without  increasing  its 
weight. 

The  horse,  in  a  normal  condition,  breathes  exclusively  throiigli  the 
nostrils.     Tlie  organs  of  resj^iration  are  (piite  liable  to  Wcome  dis- 

95 


90  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

eased.  ;ind,  as  munv  of  the  causes  \vhicli  load  to  these  attiioks  can 
be  avoided,  it  is  both  important  and  protitable  to  kno\Y  and  sSnidy 
the  causes. 

CAUSES  OF  DISEASES  OF  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS. 

The  causes  of  many  of  the  diseases  of  these  organs  may  be  given 
nnder  a  common  head,  because  even  a  simple  cold,  if  neglected  or 
badly  treated,  may  nm  into  the  most  complicated  Inng  disease  and 
terminate  fatally.  In  the  spring  and  fall,  uhen  the  animals  are 
changing  their  coats,  there  is  a  marked  predisposition  to  contract 
disease,  and  consequently  at  those  periods  care  should  be  taken  to 
prevent  other  exciting  causes. 

Badly  ventilated  stables  are  a  frequent  source  of  disease.  It  is  a 
mistake  to  think  that  country  stables  necessarily  have  purer  air  than 
city  stables.  Stables  on  some  farms  are  so  faultily  constructed  that 
it  is  almost  impossible  for  the  foul  air  to  gain  an  exit.  All  stables 
should  have  a  sufficient  supply  of  pure  air.  and  be  so  arranged  that 
strong  drafts  can  not  bUnv  directly  on  the  animals.  In  ventilating  a 
stable,  it  is  best  to  arrange  to  i*emove  air  from  near  the  floor  and  ad- 
mit it  through  numerous  small  openings  near  the  ceiling.  The  reason 
for  this  is  that  the  coldest  and  most  impure  air  in  the  stable  is  near 
the  floor,  while  that  which  is  warmest  and  purest,  and  therefoi-e  can 
least  be  spared,  is  near  the  top  of  the  room.  In  sununer,  top  exits  and 
cross  currents  should  be  provided  to  remove  excessive  heat.  Hot 
stables  ai-e  almost  always  poorly  ventilated,  and  the  hot  stable  is  a 
cause  of  disease  on  account  of  the  extreme  change  of  temperature 
that  a  horse  is  liable  to  when  taken  out.  and  extreme  changes  of  tem- 
perature are  to  be  avoided  as  certain  causes  of  disease. 

A  cold,  close  stable  is  invariably  damp,  and  is  to  be  avoided  as 
much  as  the  hot.  close,  and  foul  one.  Horses  changed  from  a  cold 
to  a  warm  stable  are  moi*e  liable  to  contract  cold  than  when  changed 
from  a  warm  to  a  cold  one.  Pure  air  is  more  essential  than  warmtli, 
and  this  fact  should  be  especially  remembered  when  the  stable  is 
made  close  and  foul  to  gain  the  warmth.  It  is  more  economical  to 
keep  the  horse  warm  with  blankets  than  to  prevent  the  ingress  of 
pure  air  in  order  to  make  the  stable  warm. 

Stables  should  be  well  drained  and  kept  clean.  Some  farmers 
allow  large  quantities  of  manure  to  accumulate  in  the  stable.  This  is 
a  pernicious  practice,  as  the  decomposing  organic  matter  evolves 
gases  that  are  predisposing  or  exciting  causes  of  disease.  T\lien  a 
horse  is  overheated,  it  is  not  safe  to  allow  him  to  dry  by  evaporation; 
rubbing  him  dry  and  gradually  cooling  him  out  is  the  wisest  treat- 
ment. Wlien  a  horse  is  hot — covered  with  sweat — it  is  dangerous  to 
allow  him  to  stand  in  a  draft :  it  is  the  best  plan  to  walk  him  until  his 


DISEASES   OF    THE   HESPIRATORY    ORGANS.  97 

temperature  moderates.  In  siitli  cases  a  lijrht  blanket  tlirown  over 
the  animal  may  prevent  a  cold.  Overwork  or  overexertion  often 
causes  the  greater  number  of  fatal  cases  of  congestion  of  the  lungs. 
Avoid  prolonged  or  fast  "svork  when  the  horse  is  out  of  condition  or 
unaccustomed  to  it.  Animals  that  have  been  working  in  cold  rains 
should  be  dried  and  cooled  out  and  not  left  tt)  dry  by  evaporation. 
When  the  temperature  of  the  weather  is  at  the  extreme,  either  of  heat 
or  cold,  diseases  of  the  organs  of  respiration  are  most  frecjuent. 

It  is  not  to  be  sui)posed  that  farmers  can  give  their  horses  the  par- 
ticular attention  given  to  valuable  racing  and  pleasure  horses,  but 
they  can  most  assuredly  give  them  common-sense  care,  and  this  may 
often  save  the  life  of  a  valuable  animal.  If  the  owner  properly  con- 
siders his  interests,  he  will  study  the  welfare  of  his  horses  so  that  he 
may  bo  able  to  instruct  the  servant  in  details  of  stable  managcmenl'. 

WOUNDS   ABOUT  THE   NOSTRILS. 

Wounds  in  this  neighborhood  are  conunon,  and  are  generally 
caused  by  snagging  on  a  nail  or  splinter  or  by  the  bite  of  another 
horse;  or  by  getting  "run  into."  or  by  running  against  something. 
Occasionally  the  nostril  is  so  badly  torn  and  lacerated  that  it  is  im- 
possible to  effect  a  cure  without  leaving  the  animal  blemi>hed  for  life, 
but  in  the  majority  of  instances  the  blemish,  or  scar,  is  the  result  of 
want  of  conservative  treatment.  As  soon  as  possible  after  the  acci- 
dent the  parts  should  be  brought  together  and  held  there  by  stitches. 
If  too  much  time  is  allowed  to  elapse,  the  swelling  of  the  parts  will 
considerably  interfere.  Never  cut  away  any  skin  that  may  be  loose 
and  hanging,  or  else  a  scar  will  certainly  remain.  Bring  the  paiis 
in  direct  apposition  and  place  the  stitches  from  a  quarter  to  a  half- 
inch  apart,  as  circumstances  may  demand.  It  is  not  necessary  to 
luive  special  surgeons'  silk  and  needles  for  this  operation;  good  linen 
thread  or  ordinary  silk  thread  will  answer.  The  wound  afterwards 
only  rcfjuires  to  be  kept  clean.  For  this  purpose  it  should  be  cleansed 
and  discharges  washed  away  daily  with  a  solution  made  of  carbolic- 
acid  1  part  in  40  parts  of  water.  If  on  account  of  the  irritability  the 
horse  is  inclined  to  rub  the  wound  against  some  object,  his  head 
should  be  tied  by  means  of  two  halter  ropes  atta«hed  to  the  oj^jwsite 
sides  of  the  stall  to  prevent  him  from  opening  the  wound.  Kxcept 
when  at  work  or  eating,  the  head  shoidd  be  s(»  ticcl  abmit  10  days. 

TUMORS   WITHIN   THE   NO.STRILS. 

A  small,  globular  tumor  is  sfnnetiino  found  within  the  fal.M'  nostril, 
under  that  i)art  of  the  skin  that  is  seen  to  i)uff  or  ri^*  and  fall  when  a 
horse  is  exerted  and  breathing  hard.    These  tumors  contain  nujtter  of 
a  cheesy  consistency. 
36444°— 10 7 


98  DISEASES  OF   THE   HOBSE. 

Treatment. — If  the  tumor  is  well  opened  and  the  matter  squeezed 
out,  nature  will  perform  a  cure.  If  the  opening  is  made  from  the  out- 
side through  the  skin,  it  should  be  at  the  most  dependent  part,  but 
much  the  best  way  to  open  the  tumor  is  from  the  inside.  Quiet  the 
animal,  gently  insert  your  finger  up  in  the  direction  of  the  tumor,  and 
you  will  soon  discover  that  it  is  much  larger  inside  than  it  appears  to 
be  on  the  outside.  If  necessary  put  a  twitch  on  the  ear  of  the  horse 
to  quiet  him;  run  the  index  finger  of  your  left  hand  against  the 
tumor;  now,  with  the  right  hand,  carefully  insert  the  knife  by  run- 
ning the  back  of  the  blade  along  the  index  finger  of  the  left  hand 
until  the  tumor  is  reached :  with  the  left  index  finger  guide  the  point 
of  the  blade  quickly  and  surely  into  the  tumor;  make  the  opening 
large.  A  little  blood  may  flow  for  a  while,  but  it  is  of  no  consequence. 
Squeeze  out  the  matter  and  kee^J  the  part  clean. 

COLD  IN  THE  HEAD,  OR  NASAL  CATARRH. 

Catarrh  is  an  inflammation  of  a  mucous  membrane.  It  is  accom- 
panied with  excessive  secretion.  In  nasal  catarrh  the  inflammation 
may  extend  from  the  membrane  lining  the  nose  to  the  throat,  the  in- 
side of  the  sinuses,  and  to  the  eyes.  The  causes  are  the  general  causes 
of  respiratory  disease  enumerated  above.  It  is  especially  common  in 
young  horses  and  in  horses  not  acclimated. 

SyTnptoms. — The  membrane  at  the  beginning  of  the  attack  is  dry, 
congested,  and  irritable;  it  is  of  a  deeper  hue  than  natural,  pinkish 
red  or  red.  Soon  a  water}^  discharge  from  the  nostrils  makes  its 
appearance ;  the  eyes  may  also  be  more  or  less  affected  and  tears  flow 
over  the  cheeks.  The  animal  has  some  fever,  which  may  be  easily 
detected  by  means  of  a  clinical  thermometer  inserted  in  the  rectum 
or,  roughly,  by  placing  the  finger  in  the  mouth,  as  the  feeling  of  heat 
conveyed  to  the  finger  will  be  greater  than  natural. 

To  become  somewhat  expert  in  ascertaining  the  changes  of  temper- 
ature in  the  horse  it  is  only  necessary  to  place  the  finger  often  in  the 
mouths  of  horses  known  to  be  healthy.  After  you  have  become  accus- 
tomed to  the  warmth  of  the  mouth  of  the  healthy  animal  you  will 
have  no  difficulty  in  detecting  a  marked  increase  of  the  temperature. 
The  animal  may  be  dull;  he  sneezes  or  snorts,  but  does  not  cough 
unless  the  throat  is  aftected;  he  expels  the  air  forcibly  through  his 
nostrils,  very  often  m  a  manner  that  may  be  aptly  called  ''  blowing 
his  nose."'  A  few  days  after  the  attack  begins  the  discharge  from 
the  nostrils  changes  from  a  watery  to  that  of  a  thick,  mucilaginous 
state,  of  a  yellowish-white  color,  and  may  be  more  or  less  profuse. 
Often  the  appetite  is  lost  and  the  animal  becomes  debilitated. 

Treatment. — This  disease  is  not  serious,  but  inasmuch  as  neglect  or 
bad  treatment  may  cause  it  to  lead  to  something  worse  or  become 
chronic  it  should  receive  proper  attention.     The  animal  should  not 


DISEASES   OF    THE    RESPIRATOBV   ORGANS.  99 

be  worked  for  a  time.  A  few  days  of  lest,  with  pure  air  and  good 
feed,  will  be  of  gn-ater  beiielit  tlian  most  mediiatioii.  TIk*  value  <if 
pui*e  air  can  not  be  overestimated,  but  drafts  must  be  avoided.  The 
benefit  derived  from  the  inhalation  of  steam  is  considerable.  This 
is>  elfected  by  hohling  the  horse's  head  over  a  bucketful  of  boiling 
water,  so  that  the  animal  will  be  compelled  to  inhale  steam  with 
every  inhalation  of  air.  Stirring  the  Imt  water  with  a  wisp  of  hay 
causes  the  steam  to  arise  in  gieater  abundance.  One  may  cause  the 
horse  to  put  his  nose  in  a  bag  containing  cut  hay  upon  which  hot 
water  has  been  pouied.  the  bottom  of  the  bag  being  stood  in  a  bucket, 
but  the  bag  must  be  of  loose  texture,  as  gunny  sack.  or.  if  of  canvas, 
holes  must  be  cut  in  the  side  to  admit  fresh  air. 

The  hoi-se  may  be  nuide  to  inhale  steam  four  or  five  times  a  day, 
about  15  or  '20  minutes  each  time. 

Particular  attention  should  1^  paid  to  the  diet.  Give  bran  mashes, 
scalded  oats,  linseed  gruel,  and  grass,  if  in  season.  If  the  hoi-se 
evinces  no  desire  for  this  soft  diet,  it  is  better  to  allow  any  kind  of 
feed  he  will  eat,  such  as  hay,  oats,  corn,  etc.,  than  to  keep  him  on 
short  rations. 

If  the  animal  is  constipated,  relieve  this  symptom  by  injections 
^enemas)  of  warm  water  into  the  rectum  three  or  four  times  a  day, 
b>it  do  not  administer  purgative  medicines.  excei>t  of  a  mild  character. 

For  simple  cases  the  foregoing  is  all  that  is  requiretl.  but  if  the 
ap{)etite  is  lost  and  the  animal  appears  debilitated  and  dull,  give  3 
ounces  of  the  solution  of  acetate  C)f  anmionia  and  2  drams  of  i>ow- 
dered  chlorate  of  potassium  diluted  with  a  pint  of  water  three  times 
a  day  as  a  drench.  Be  careful  when  giving  the  drench:  do  not 
l)ound  the  horse  on  the  gidlet  to  make  him  swallow:  be  patient,  and 
take  time,  and  do  it  light. 

If  the  weather  is  cold,  blanket  the  animal  and  keep  him  in  a  com- 
fortable stall.  If  the  throat  is  sore,  treat  as  advised  for  that  ail- 
ment, to  be  descnbed  hereafter. 

If,  after  10  days  or  'J  weeks,  the  discharge  from  the  nostrils  con- 
tinues, give  one-half  dram  of  reduced  iron  three  times  a  day.  This 
may  be  mixed  with  damp  feed.  Common  cold  should  l>e  thoroughly 
inulerstcM)d  and  intelligently  treated  in  order  to  j)ievent  more  dan- 
gei-ous  diseases. 

CHRONIC  CATARRH  (OR  NASAL  GLEET.  OR  COLLECTION  IN  THE 

.SINU.SES). 

This  is  a  subacute  or  chronic  inflammation  of  some  p;iit  ol  the 
membrane  ati'ected  in  common  cold,  the  disease  just  described.  It  is 
manifested  by  a  persistent  discharge  of  a  thick  white  or  yellowish- 
white  matter  from  one  or  both  nostrils.  The  conunonest  cause  is  a 
neglected  or  badlv  treated  cohl,  and  it  usuallv  follows  those  cases 


100  DISEASE,?   OF    THE   HORSE. 

where  the  horse  has  suffered  exposure,  been  overworked,  or  has  not 
received  proper  feed,  and,  as  a  consequence,  has  become  debilitated. 
It  may  occur  as  a  sequel  to  influenza. 

Other  but  less  frequent  causes  for  this  affection  are :  Fractures  of 
the  bones  that  involve  the  membrane  of  the  sinuses,  and  even  blows 
on  the  head  over  the  sinuses.  Diseased  teeth  often  involve  a  sinus 
and  cause  a  fetid  discharge  from  the  nostril.  Violent  coughing  is 
said  to  have  forced  particles  of  feed  into  the  sinus,  which  acted  as  a 
cause  of  the  disease.  Tumors  growing  in  the  sinuses  are  known  to 
have  caused  it.  It  is  also  attributed  to  disease  of  the  turbinated 
bones.  Absorption  of  the  bones  forming  the  walls  of  the  sinuses  has 
been  caused  by  the  pressure  of  pus  collecting  in  them  and  by  tumors 
filling  up  the  cavity. 

Symptortis. — Great  caution  must  be  exercised  when  examining  these 
cases,  for  the  horse  may  have  glanders,  while,  on  the  other  hand, 
horses  have  been  condemned  as  glandered  when  really  there  was 
nothing  ailing  them  but  nasal  gleet.  This  is  not  contagious,  but  may 
stubbornly  resist  treatment  and  last  for  a  long  time.  In  most  cases 
the  discharge  is  from  one  nostril  only,  w^hich  may  signify  that  the 
sinuses  on  that  side  of  the  head  are  affected.  The  discharge  may 
be  intermittent;  that  is,  quantities  may  be  discharged  at  times  and 
again  little  or  none  for  a  day  or  so.  Such  an  intermittent  discharge 
usually  signifies  disease  of  the  sinuses.  The  glands  under  and  be- 
tween the  bones  of  the  lower  jaw  may  be  enlarged.  The  peculiar 
ragged-edged  ulcer  of  glanders  is  not  to  be  found  on  the  membrane 
within  the  nostrils,  but  occasionally  sores  are  to  be  seen  there.  If 
there  is  any  doubt  about  it,  the  symptoms  of  glanders  should  be  well 
studied  in  order  that  one  may  be  competent  to  form  a  safe  opinion. 

The  eye  on  the  side  of  the  discharging  nostril  may  have  a  peculiar 
appearance  and  look  smaller  than  its  fellow.  There  may  be  an  en- 
largement, having  the  appearance  of  a  bulging  out  of  the  bone  over 
the  part  affected,  between  or  below  the  eyes.  The  breath  may  be 
offensive,  which  indicates  decomposition  of  the  matter  or  bones  or 
disease  of  the  teeth.  A  diseased  tooth  is  further  indicated  by  the 
horse  holding  his  head  to  one  side  when  eating,  or  by  dropping  the 
feed  from  the  mouth  after  partly  chewing  it.  When  the  bones 
between  the  eyes,  below  the  eyes,  and  above  the  back  teeth  of  the 
upper  jaw  are  tapped  on,  a  hollow,  drumlike  sound  is  emitted,  but 
if  the  sinus  is  filled  with  pus  or  contains  a  large  tumor  the  sound 
emitted  will  be  the  same  as  if  a  solid  substance  were  struck;  by  this 
means  the  sinus  affected  may  be  located  in  some  instances.  The  hair 
may  be  rough  over  the  affected  part,  or  even  the  bone  may  be  soft  to 
the  touch  and  the  part  give  somewhat  to  pressure  or  leave  an  im- 
pression where  it  is  pressed  upon  with  the  finger. 


DISEASES   OF   THE  RESPH^ATOBY   ORCA-S'S.  IQl 

Treatment. — The  cause  of  the  trouble  must  be  ascertained  before 
treatment  is  commenced.  In  the  many  ca^es  in  which  tlie  animal  is 
in  pour  condition  (in  fact,  in  all  ca»e.s)  he  should  have  the  moht  nutri- 
tive feed  and  regidar  exercise.  The  feed,  or  box  containing  it,  should 
be  placed  on  the  ground,  as  the  dependent  position  of  the  head  favors 
the  ilischarge. 

The  cases  that  do  not  require  a  surgical  operation  must,  as  a  lulc, 
have  persibtent  medical  treatment.  Mineral  tonics  and  local  medica- 
liun  are  of  the  moat  value.  For  eight  days  give  the  following  mix- 
ture: Keduced  iron,  3  ounces;  powdered  mix  vomica,  1  ounce.  Mix 
and  make  into  10  powders;. one  powder  should  be  mixed  with  the 
feed  twice  a  day.  Arsenioiis  acid  (white  arsenic)  in  doses  of  from 
i>  to  G  grains  three  times  daily  is  a  good  tonic  for  such  cases.  Sulphur 
burnt  in  the  ^table  while  the  animal  is  there  to  inhale  its  fumes  is  also 
a  valuable  adjunct.  Care  .-ihould  be  taken  that  the  fumes  of  the 
burning  sulphur  are  sufficiently  diluted  with  air  so  as  not  to  suffocate 
the  horse.  Chlorid  of  lime  sprinkled  around  the  stall  is  good.  Also 
keep  a  quantity  of  it  under  the  hay  in  the  manger  so  that  the  gases 
will  be  inhaled  as  the  horse  holds  his  head  over  the  hay  while 
eating.  Keep  the  nostrils  washed  and  the  discharge  cleaned  away 
from  the  manger  and  stall.  The  horse  may  be  caused  to  inhale 
the  vapor  of  compound  tincture  of  benzoin  by  pouring  2  ounces  of 
this  drug  into  hot  water  and  fumigating  in  the  usual  way. 

If  the  nasal  gleet  is  the  result  of  a  diseased  tooth,  the  latter  must 
be  removed.  Trephining  is  the  be,st  possible  way  to  remove  it  in 
such  cases,  as  the  operation  inuucdiately  opens  the  cavity,  which  can 
be  attended  to  direct.  In  all  those  cases  of  nasal  gleet  in  which 
sinuses  contain  either  tumors  or  collections  of  pus  the  only  relief  is 
by  the  trephine;  and,  no  nuitter  how  thoroughly  described,  this 
is  an  operation  that  will  be  seldom  attempted  by  the  nonprofessional. 
It  would  therefore  be  a  waste  of  time  to  give  the  modus  operandi. 

An  abscess  involving  the  turbinated  bones  is  similar  to  the  collec- 
tion of  pus  in  the  sinuses  and  must  be  relieved  by  trephining. 

THICKENING   OF  THE   NASAL   MEMBRANE. 

This  is  soujetimes  denoted  by  a  chronic  discharge,  a  snulUing  in  the 
breathing,  and  a  contraction  of  the  nostril.  It  is  a  result  of  common 
cold  and  requires  the  same  treatment  as  prescribed  for  nasal  gleet, 
namely,  the  sulphate  of  iron,  sulphate  of  coiq)er,  iodid  of  pcttassium, 
etc.  The  membranes  of  both  siiles  may  be  allected.  but  one  side  only 
is  the  rule;  the  affected  side  may  be  easily  detected  by  holding 
the  hand  tightly  over  one  n<  >tril  at  a  time.  A\'hen  tlir  healthy  tiide  is 
closed  in  this  manner  the  i)reathing  tluough  the  allected  side  will 
demonstrate  a  decreased  caliber  or  an  obstruction. 


102  DISKiSES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

NASAL  POLYPUS. 

Tumors  with  narrow  bases  (somewhat  pear-shaped)  are  occasion- 
ally found  attached  to  the  membrane  of  the  nasal  chambers,  and  are 
obstructions  to  breathing  through  the  side  in  which  they  are  located. 
They  Aary  much  in  size;  some  are  so  small  that  their  presence  is  not 
manifested,  while  others  almost  completely  fill  the  chamber,  thereby 
causing  a  serious  obstruction  to  the  passage  of  air.  The  stem,  or 
base,  of  the  tumor  is  generally  attached  high  in  the  chamber,  and 
usually  the  tumor  can  not  be  seen,  but  occasionally  it  increases  in 
size  until  it  can  be  observed  within  the  nostril.  Sometimes,  instead  of 
hanging  down  toward  the  nasal  opening,  it  falls  back  into  the  phar- 
ynx. It  causes  a  discharge  from  the  nostril,  a  more  or  less  noisy 
snuffling  sound  in  breathing,  according  to  its  size,  a  discharge  of 
blood  (if  it  is  injured),  and  sneezing.  The  side  that  it  occupies  can 
be  detected  in  the  same  way  as  described  for  the  detection  of  the 
affected  side  when  the  breathing  is  obstructed  by  a  thickened 
membrane. 

The  onh'  relief  is  removal  of  the  polypus,  which,  like  all  other 
operations,  should  be  done  by  an  expert  when  it  is  possible  to  obtain 
one.  The  operation  is  performed  by  grasping  the  base  of  the  tmnor 
with  suitable  forceps  and  twisting  it  round  and  round  until  it  is  torn 
from  its  attachment,  or  by  cutting  it  off  with  a  noose  of  wire.  The 
lesulting  hemorrhage  is  checked  by  the  use  of  an  astringent  lotion, 
such  as  a  solution  of  the  tincture  of  iron,  or  by  packing  the  nostrils 
with  surgeon's  gauze. 

PHARYNGEAL  POLYPUS. 

This  is  exactly  the  same  kind  of  tumor  described  as  nasal  polypus, 
the  only  difference  being  in  the  situation.  Indeed,  the  stem  of  the 
■  tumor  may  be  attached  to  the  membrane  of  the  nasal  chamber,  as 
before  explained,  or  it  may  be  attached  in  the  fauces  (opening  of  the 
back  part  of  the  mouth),  and  the  body  of  the  tumor  then  falls  into 
the  pharynx.  In  this  situation  it  may  seriously  interfere  with  breath- 
ing. Sometimes  it  drops  into  the  larynx,  causmg  the  most  alarming 
symptoms.  The  animal  coughs,  or  tries  to  cough,  saliva  flows  from 
the  mouth,  the  breathing  is  performed  with  the  greatest  difficulty  and 
accompanied  with  a  loud  noise;  the  animal  appears  as  if  strangled 
and  often  falls  exhausted.  Allien  the  tumor  is  coughed  out  of  the  lar- 
ynx the  animal  regains  quickly  and  soon  appears  as  if  nothing  were 
ailing.  These  sudden  attacks  and  quick  recoveries  point  to  the  nature 
of  the  trouble.  The  examination  must  be  nnade  by  holding  the  ani- 
maFs  mouth  open  with  a  balling  iron  or  speculum  and  running  the 
hand  back  into  the  mouth.  If  the  tumor  is  within  reach,  it  must  be 
removed  in  the  same  manner  as  though  it  were  in  the  nose. 


DISEASES   OF    THE    RESPIRATORY   ORGANS.  103 

BLEEDING   FROM  THE   NOSE. 

Tliis  often  ocnirs  durmfr  the  course  of  certain  (diseases,  nanielv. 
influenza,  bronchitis,  ])urpura  hemorrhncriea,  frhmders,  etc.  But  it 
also  f)ccurs  in(le[)enrlently  of  other  affections  and,  as  before  lueii- 
tioned,  is  a  s^Tuptoin  of  pol^-pus,  or  tumor,  in  the  nose. 

Injuries  to  the  head,  exertion,  violent  sneezing — causinjr  a  rupture 
of  a  small  blood  vessel — also  induce  it.  The  bleedin<?  is  almost  inva- 
nablv  from  one  nostril  onl}',  and  is  never  very  serious.  The  blood 
escapes  in  droi)s  (seldom  in  a  stream)  and  is  not  frothy,  as  when 
the  hemorrhage  is  from  the  hmjjs.  (See  Bleediiifr  froui  the  limofs, 
p.  1*27.)  Tn  most  cases  hathinji;  the  head  and  waslwn":  out  the  nostril 
Avith  cold  water  are  all  that  is  necessary.  If  the  cause  is  Icnown.  you 
will  be  «ruidcd  accordinjj  to  circumstances.  If  the  bleedinfij^  continues, 
pour  ice-cold  watei-  over  the  face,  between  the  eyes  and  down  over 
the  nasal  chambers.  A  baff  containinj;  ice  in  small  pieces  ajipliod  to 
the  head  is  often  efficient.  If  in  spite  of  these  metisures  the  hemor- 
rhage continues,  pluoririn^  the  nostrils  with  cotton,  tow.  or  oakum, 
should  be  tried.  A  string  should  be  tied  around  the  plug  before  it  is 
pushed  up  into  the  nostril,  so  that  it  can  be  safely  withdrawn  after 
4  or  5  hours.  If  })oth  nostrils  ai^e  bleeding,  only  one  nostril  at  a  time 
should  be  plugged.  If  the  hemorrhage  is  profust^  and  persistent,  a 
drench  composed  of  1  dram  of  acetate  <if  lead  dissolved  in  1  pint  of 
water,  or  ergot.  1  ounce,  should  be  given. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  PHARYNX. 

As  already  stated,  the  pharynx  is  common  to  the  functions  of  both 
respiration  and  alimentation.  Fiom  this  organ  the  air  passes  into 
the  larynx  and  thence  onward  to  the  limgs.  In  the  posterior  part  of 
tlie  phar}Tix  is  the  superior  extremity  of  the  gullet,  the  canal  through 
which  the  feed  and  water  ])ass  to  the  stomach.  InfTanuiiation  of  the 
pharynx  is  a  complication  of  other  diseases — namely,  influenza, 
strangles,  etc. — and  is  probably  always  more  or  less  complicated  with 
infltimmation  of  the  larynx.  That  it  may  exi.st  as  an  indei)endent 
affection  there  is  no  reason  to  doubt.  afi<l  it  i-  di-cii>.>jM]  ,1-  such  with 
the  diseases  of  the  digestive  tract. 

SORE  THROAT.  OR  LARYNGITIS. 

The  larynx  is  situated  in  the  space  between  the  lower  jawbones  just 
back  of  the  root  of  the  tongue.  It  may  be  considered  as  a  box  (sduie- 
what  depressed  on  each  side),  comj^osed  piincipally  of  cartilages  and 
small  muscles,  and  lined  on  the  inside  with  a  continuation  of  the 
respiratory  mucous  membrane.  Posterioily  it  opens  into  and  is  con- 
tinuous with  the  windpii)e.  It  is  the  organ  of  the  voice,  the  vo<al 
cords  Ijeing  situated  within  it;  but  in  the  horse  this  function  is  of 


104  DISEASES  OF   THE   HOESE. 

little  consequence.  It  dilates  and  contracts  to  a  certain  extent,  thus 
regulating  the  volume  of  air  passing  through  it.  The  mucous  mem- 
brane lining  it  internally  is  so  highly  sensitive  that  if  the  smallest 
particle  of  feed  happens  to  drop  into  it  from  the  pharynx  violent 
coughing  ensues  instantly  and  is  continued  until  the  source  of  irri- 
tation is  ejected.  This  is  a  provision  of  nature  to  prevent  foreign 
substances  gaining  access  to  the  lungs.  That  projection  called 
Adam's  apple  in  the  neck  of  man  is  the  prominent  part  of  one  of  the 
cartilages  forming  the  larynx. 

Inflammation  of  the  larynx  is  a  serious  and  sometimes  fatal  dis- 
ease, and,  as  before  stated,  is  usually  complicated  with  inflammation 
of  the  pharjmx,  constituting  "what  is  popularly  known  as  "  sore 
throat."    The  chief  causes  are  chilling  and  exposure. 

Symptoms. — About  the  first  symptom  noticed  is  cough,  followed  by 
difficulty  in  swallowing,  which  may  be  due  to  soreness  of  the  mem- 
brane of  the  pharynx,  over  which  the  feed  or  water  must  pass,  or 
from  the  pain  caused  by  the  contraction  of  the  muscles  necessary  to 
impel  the  feed  or  water  onward  to  the  gullet ;  or  this  same  contraction 
of  the  muscles  may  cause  a  pressure  on  the  larynx  and  produce  pain. 
In  many  instances  the  difficulty  in  swallowing  is  so  gi'eat  that  water, 
and  in  some  cases  feed,  is  returned  through  .the  nose.  This,  however, 
does  not  occur  in  larjmgitis  alone,  but  only  when  the  pharynx  is 
involved  in  the  inflammation.  The  glands  between  the  lower  jaw- 
bones and  below  the  ears  may  be  swollen.  Pressure  on  the  larynx 
induces  coughing.  The  head  is  more  or  less  "poked  out,"  and  has 
the  appearance  of  being  stiffly  carried.  The  membrane  in  the  nose 
becomes  red.  A  discharge  from  the  nostrils  soon  appears.  As  the 
disease  advances,  the  breathing  may  assume  a  more  or  less  noisy  char- 
acter ;  sometimes  a  harsh,  rasping  snore  is  emitted  with  every  respira- 
tion, the  breathing  becomes  hurried,  and  occasionally  the  animal 
seems  threatened  with  suffocation. 

Treatment. — In  all  cases  steam  the  nostrils,  as  has  been  advised  for 
cold  in  the  head.  In  bad  cases  cause  the  steam  to  be  inhaled  continu- 
ously for  hours — ^until  relief  is  afforded.  Have  a  bucketful  of  fresh 
boiling  water  every  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes.  In  each  bucketful  of 
water  put  a  tablespoonful  of  oil  of  turpentine,  or  compound  tincture 
of  benzoin,  the  vapor  of  which  will  be  carried  along  with  the  steam  to 
the  affected  parts  and  have  a  beneficial  effect.  In  mild  cases  steaming 
the  nostrils  five,  six,  or  seven  times  a  day  will  suffice. 

The  animal  should  be  placed  in  a  comfortable,  dry  stall  (a  box  stall 
preferred),  and  should  have  pure  air  to  breathe.  The  body  should 
be  blanketed,  and  bandages  applied  to  the  legs.  The  diet  should 
consist  of  soft  feed — bran  mashes,  scalded  oats,  linseed  gruel,  and, 
best  of  all,  fresh  grass,  if  in  season.  The  manger,  or  trough,  should 
neither  be  too  high  nor  too  low,  but  a  temporary  one  should  be  con- 


DISEASES    OF    THE    RESPIRATORY    ORGANS.  105 

structed  at  about  the  lieight  lie  carries  his  head.  Having  to  reach 
too  high  or  too  low  may  cause  so  luuch  i)ain  that  the  auinial  would 
rather  forego  satisfying  what  little  appetite  he  may  have  than  inllict 
pain  by  craning  his  head  for  feed  or  water.  A  supply  of  fresh  water 
should  be  before  him  all  the  time:  he  will  not  drink  too  nuich.  nor 
will  the  cold  water  hurt  him.  Constipation  (if  present)  must  bo 
relieved  by  enemas  of  warm  water,  administered  three  or  four  times 
during  the  twenty-four  hours. 

A  liniment  composed  of  2  ounces  of  olive  oil  and  1  each  of  solu- 
tion of  ammonia  and  tincture  of  cantharides,  well  shaken  together, 
may  be  thoroughly  nibbed  in  about  the  throat  from  ear  to  ear,  and 
about  C  inches  down  over  the  wind]>iiie,  and  in  the  space  between  the 
lower  jaws.  This  liniment  should  be  applied  once  a  day  for  two  or 
three  days. 

If  the  animal  is  bieathing  with  great  dilliculty.  persevere  in  steam- 
ing the  nostrils,  and  dissolve  '2  drams  of  chlorate  of  potassium  in 
every  gallon  of  water  he  will  drink :  even  if  he  can  not  swallow  nuR-h 
of  it,  and  even  if  it  is  returned  through  the  nostrils,  it  will  be  of  some 
benefit  to  the  pharynx  as  a  gaigle. 

An  electuary  of  acetate  of  potash,  2  drams,  honey,  and  licorice 
powder  may  be  spread  on  the  teeth  with  a  paddle  every  few  hours. 
Tf  the  pain  of  coughing  is  great,  2  or  3  grains  of  morphin  may  be 
added  to  the  electuary. 

When  the  breathing  begins  to  be  loud,  relief  is  afforded  in  some 
cases  by  giving  a  drench  composed  of  2  drams  of  fluid  extract  of 
jaborandi  in  half  a  pint  of  water.  If  benefit  is  derived,  this  drench 
may  be  repeated  four  or  five  hours  after  the  first  dose  is  given.  It 
will  cause  a  free  flow  of  saliva  from  the  mouth. 

In  urgent  cases,  when  suffocation  seems  inevitable,  the  operation  of 
tracheotomy  must  be  performed.  To  describe  this  operation  in  words 
that  would  make  it  comprehensible  to  the  general  reader  is  a  moi-e 
difficult  task  than  performing  the  ojieration.  which,  in  tlie  hands  of 
the  expert,  is  simple  and  attended  with  little  danger. 

The  operator  should  be  provided  with  a  tracheotomy  tube  (to  be 
purchased  from  any  veterinary  instrument  maker)  and  a  sharp  knife, 
a  sponge,  and  a  liucket  of  clean  cold  water.  The  place  to  be  selected 
for  opening  the  wind}upe  is  that  part  which  is  found,  upon  examina- 
tion, to  be  least  coveied  with  muscles,  about  5  or  C  inches  below  the 
throat.  Right  here,  then,  is  the  place  to  cut  through.  Have  an 
assistant  hold  the  animal's  head  still.  Orasp  your  knife  firmly  in 
the  rijrht  hand,  select  the  spot  and  make  the  cut  from  above  to  below 
directly  on  the  median  line  on  the  anterior  surface  of  the  windpipe. 
Make  the  cut  about  2  inches  long  in  the  windpipe:  this  nece.ssitates 
cutting  three  or  fom-  rings.  One  bold  stroke  i>  usually  sufficient,  but 
if  it  is  necessary  to  make  several  other  cuts  to  fini.sh  the  operation,  do 


106  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

not  hesitate.  Your  purpose  is  to  make  a  hole  in  the  windpipe  siiffi- 
ciently  large  to  admit  the  tracheotomy  tube.  It  is  quickly  manifested 
when  the  windpipe  is  severed:  the  hot  air  rushes  out,  and  when  air 
is  taken  in  it  is  sucked  in  with  a  noise.  A  slight  hemorrhage  may 
result  (it  never  amounts  to  much) ,  which  is  easily  controlled  by  wash- 
ing the  woimd  with  a  sponge  and  cold  water,  but  use  care  not  to  get 
an}''  water  in  the  windpipe.  Do  not  neglect  to  instruct  your  assistant 
to  hold  the  head  down  immediately  after  the  operation,  so  that  the 
neck  will  be  in  a  horizontal  line.  This  will  prevent  the  blood  from 
getting  into  the  windpipe  and  wdll  allow  it  to  drop  directly  on  the 
gi'ound.  If  3^ou  have  the  self-adjustable  tube,  it  retains  its  place 
in  the  wound  without  farther  trouble  after  it  is  inserted.  The  other 
kind  requires  to  be  secured  in  position  by  means  of  two  tapes  or 
strings  tied  around  the  neck.  After  the  hemorrhage  is  somewhat 
abated,  sponge  the  blood  away  and  see  that  the  tube  is  thoroughly 
clean,  then  insert  it,  directing  the  tube  downward  toward  the  lungs. 

The  immediate  relief  this  operation  affords  is  gratifying  to  behold. 
The  animal,  a  few  minutes  before  on  the  verge  of  death  from  suffoca- 
tion, emitting  a  loud  wheezing  sound  with  every  breath,  with  hag- 
gard countenance,  body  swaying,  pawing,  gasping,  fighting  for 
breath,  now  breathes  tranquilly,  and  may  be  in  search  of  something 
to  eat. 

The  tube  should  be  removed  once  a  day  and  cleaned  with  carbolic- 
acid  solution  (1  to  20),  and  the  discharge  washed  away  from  the 
wound  with  a  solution  of  carbolic  acid,  1  part  to  40  parts  water. 
Several  times  a  day  the  hand  should  be  held  over  the  opening  in  the 
tube  to  test  the  animal's  ability  to  breathe  through  the  nostrils,  and 
as  soon  as  it  is  demonstrated  that  breathing  can  be  performed  in  the 
natural  way  the  tube  should  be  removed,  the  wound  thoroughly 
cleansed  with  carbolic-acid  solution  (1  to  40),  and  closed  by  in- 
serting four  or  five  stitches  through  the  skin  and  muscle.  Do  not 
include  the  cartilages  of  the  windpipe  in  the  stitches.  Apply  the 
solution  to  the  wound  three  or  four  times  a  day  until  healed.  When 
the  tube  is  removed  to  clean  it  the  lips  of  the  wound  may  be  pressed 
together  to  ascertain  whether  or  not  the  horse  can  breathe  through 
the  larynx.  The  use  of  the  tube  should  be  discontinued  as  soon  as 
possible. 

It  is  true  that  tracheotomy  tubes  are  seldom  to  be  found  on  farms, 
and  especially  when  most  urgently  required.  In  such  instances  there 
is  nothing  left  to  be  done  but,  with  a  strong  needle,  pass  a  waxed  end 
or  other  strong  string  through  each  side  of  the  wound,  including  the 
cartilage  of  the  windpipe,  and  keep  the  wound  open  by  tying  the 
strings  over  the  neck. 

During  the  time  the  tube  is  used  the  other  treatment  advised  must 
not  be  neglected.    After  a  few  days  the  discharge  from  the  nostrils 


DISEASES   OF   THE   RESPIRATORY'   0RGA2sS.  107 

becomes  thicker  ami  more  profuse.  This  is  a  good  symptom  and 
signifies  that  the  acute  stage  has  passed.  At  an}-^  time  during  the  at- 
tack, if  the  horse  becomes  weak,  give  whisky  or  aromatic  spirits  of 
ammonia,  2  ounces  in  water.  Do  not  be  in  a  hurry  to  put  the  animal 
back  to  work,  but  give  phMity  of  time  for  a  complete  recovery. 
Gentle  and  gradually  increasing  exercise  may  be  given  as  soon  as 
the  horse  is  able  to  stand  it.  The  feed  should  be  carefully  selected 
and  of  good  quality.    Tonics,  as  iron  or  arsenic,  may  be  employed. 

If  abscesses  form  in  connection  with  the  disease  they  must  be 
opened  to  allow  the  escape  of  pus,  but  do  not  rashly  plunge  a  Icnifo 
into  swollen  glands;  wait  until  you  are  certain  the  swelling  contains 
pus.  The  fonuation  of  ])us  may  be  encouraged  by  the  constant  appli- 
cation of  poultices  for  hours  at  a  time.  The  best  poultice  for  the 
purpose  is  made  of  linseed  meal,  with  sufficient  hot  water  to  make  a 
thick  paste.  If  the  glands  remain  swollen  for  some  time  after  the 
attack,  rub  well  over  thorn  an  application  of  the  following:  Biniodid 
of  mercury.  1  dram:  lard,  1  ounce:  mix  well.  This  nuiy  be  applied 
once  every  day  until  the  part  is  blistered. 

Sore  throat  is  also  a  symptom  of  other  diseases,  such  as  influenza, 
strangles,  purp\ira  hemorrhagica,  etc.,  which  diseases  may  be  con- 
sulted under  their  proper  headings. 

After  a  severe  attack  of  infhunmation  of  the  lar\-nx  the  mucous 
membrane  may  be  left  in  a  thickened  condition,  or  an  ulceration  of 
the  part  may  ensue,  either  of  which  is  liable  to  produce  a  chronic 
cough.  For  the  ulceration  it  is  useless  to  prescribe,  because  it  can 
neither  be  diagno.sed  nor  topically  treated  by  the  nonprofessional. 

If  a  chronic  cough  remaius  after  all  the  other  symjitoms  have 
disappeared,  it  is  advisable  to  give  1  dram  of  iodid  of  potassium  dis- 
solved in  a  bucketful  of  drinking  water,  one  hour  before  feeding, 
three  times  a  day  for  a  month  if  necessary.  Also  rub  in  well  the 
preparation  of  iodid  of  mercury  (as  advised  for  the  swollen  glands) 
about  the  throat,  froui  ear  to  ear.  and  in  the  space  between  the  lower 
jawbones.  The  application  may  be  repeated  every  third  day  \mtil 
the  part  is  blistered. 

SPASM  OF  THE   LARYNX. 

Tlie  symptoms  are  as  follows:  Sudden  seizure  by  a  violent  fit  of 
coughing:  the  horse  may  reel  and  fall,  and  after  a  few  uiiuutes  i-e- 
cover  and  be  as  well  as  ever.  The  treatment  recouunended  is  this: 
Three  drams  of  bromid  of  potassium  three  times  a  day,  dissolved  in 
the  drinking  water,  or  give  as  a  drench  in  about  a  half  ])int  of  water 
for  a  week.  Then  give  1  dram  of  powdered  nux  voujica  (either  on 
the  food  or  shaken  with  water  as  a  drench)  once  a  day  for  a  few 
weeks. 


108  DISEASES  OF    THE   HOESE. 

CROUP  AND  DIPHTHERIA. 

Neither  of  these  diseases  affects  the  horse,  but  these  names  are 
sometimes  wrongly  applied  to  severe  laryngitis  or  pharyngitis,  or  to 
forage  poisoning,  in  which  the  throat  is  parah^zed  and  becomes  ex- 
cessively inflamed  and  gangrenous. 

THICK  WIND  AND  ROARING. 

Horses  that  are  affected  with  chronic  disease  that  causes  a  loud, 
unnatural  noise  in  breathing  are  said  to  have  thick  wind,  or  to  be 
roarers.  This  class  does  not  include  those  affected  with  severe  sore 
throat,  as  in  these  cases  the  breathing  is  noisy  only  during  the  attack 
of  the  acute  disease. 

Thick  wind  is  caused  by  an  obstruction  to  the  free  passage  of  the 
air  in  some  part  of  the  respiratory  tract.  Xasal  polypi,  thickening  of 
the  membrane,  pharyngeal  polypi,  deformed  bones,  paralysis  of  the 
wing  of  the  nostril,  etc.,  are  occasional  causes.  The  noisy  breathing 
of  horses  after  having  been  idle  and  put  to  sudden  exertion  is  not  due 
to  any  disease  and  is  only  temporary.  Very  often  a  nervous,  ex- 
citable horse  will  make  a  noise  for  a  short  time  when  started  off, 
generally  caused  by  the  cramped  position  in  which  the  head  and  neck 
are  forced  in  order  to  hold  him  back. 

]Many  other  causes  may  occasion  temporary,  intermittent,  or  per- 
manent noisy  respiration,  but  chronic  roaring  is  caused  by  paralysis 
of  the  muscles  of  the  larynx ;  and  almost  invariably  it  is  the  muscles 
of  the  left  side  of  the  larynx  that  are  affected. 

In  chronic  roaring  the  noise  is  made  when  the  air  is  drawn  into  the 
lungs;  only  when  the  disease  is  far  advanced  is  a  sound  produced 
when  the  air  is  expelled,  and  even  then  it  is  not  nearly  so  loud  as 
during  inspiration. 

In  a  normal  condition  the  muscles  dilate  the  aperture  of  the  larynx 
by  moving  the  cartilage  and  vocal  cord  outward,  allowing  a  sufficient 
volume  of  air  to  rush  through.  But  when  the  muscles  are  paralyzed 
the  cartilage  and  vocal  cord  that  are  normally  controlled  by  the 
affected  muscles  lean  into  the  tube  of  the  larynx,  so  that  when  the  air 
rushes  in  it  meets  this  obstruction  and  the  noise  is  produced.  When 
the  air  is  expelled  from  the  lungs  its  very  force  pushes  the  cartilage 
and  vocal  cords  out,  and  consequently  noise  is  not  produced  in  the 
expiratory  act. 

The  paralysis  of  the  muscles  is  due  to  derangement  of  the  nerve 
that  supplies  them  with  energy.  The  muscles  of  both  sides  are  not 
supplied  by  the  same  nerve;  there  is  a  right  and  a  left  nerve,  each 
supplying  its  respective  side.  The  reason  why  the  muscles  on  the 
left  side  are  the  ones  usually  paralyzed  is  owing  to  the  difference  in 
the  anatomical  arrangement  of  the  nerves.  The  left  nerve  is  much 
longer  and  more  exposed  to  interference  than  the  right  nerve. 


DISEASES   OF   THE   RESPIRATORY    ORGANS.  109 

111  chronic  roaring  there  is  no  evidence  of  any  disease  of  the  huynx 
other  than  the  wasted  condition  of  the  muscles  in  (luestion.  The 
disease  of  tlie  nerve  is  generally  far  from  the  larynx.  Disease  of 
parts  contiguous  to  the  nerve  along  any  i)art  of  its  course  may  inter- 
fere with  its  proper  function.  Enlargement  of  lymphatic  glands 
within  the  chest  through  which  the  nerve  passes  on  its  way  back 
to  the  larynx  is  the  most  fre(iueiit  i.uterruption  of  ncivous  supply, 
and  consetpiently  roaring.  "When  loariug  hecomes  conlirmcd,  medical 
treatment  is  entirely  useless,  as  it  is  impossible  to  le.store  the  wasted 
muscle  and  at  tin*  same  time  remove  the  cau>c  of  the  intcnuplioii 
of  the  nervous  supply.  Before  roaring  becomes  i)ermanent  the  con- 
dition may  be  benefited  by  a  course  of  iodid  of  potassium,  if  caused 
by  disease  of  the  lymphatic  glands.  Electricity  has  been  used  with 
indifferent  success.  Blistering  or  firing  over  the  larynx  is.  of  course, 
not  worthy  of  trial  if  the  disease  is  due  to  interference  of  the  nerve 
supply.  The  administration  of  strychnia  (nux  vomica)  on  the 
ground  that  it  is  a  nerve  tonic  with  the  view  of  stimulating  the  af- 
fected nniscles  is  treating  only  the  loult  of  the  disease  without  con- 
sidering the  cause,  and  is  therefoie  useless.  The  operation  of  extir- 
l)ating  the  collapsed  (^artilage  and  vocal  cortl  is  believed  to  be  the 
oidy  relief,  and,  as  this  operation  is  critical  and  can  be  performed 
only  by  the  skillful  veterinarian,  it  will  not  be  described  here. 

From  the  foregoing  de^criittion  of  the  disease  it  will  be  seen  that 
the  name  "  roaring,"  by  which  the  disease  is  generally  known,  is  only 
.1  symptom  and  not  the  disease.  Chronic  roaring  is  also  in  many 
cases  accompanied  with  a  cough.  The  best  way  to  test  whether  a 
liorse  is  a  "roarer"  is  either  to  make  him  pull  a  load  rapidly  up  a 
hill  or  over  a  sandy  road  or  soft  giound;  or,  if  he  is  a  saddle  horse, 
gallop  him  up  a  hill  or  over  soft  ground.  The  object  is  to  make  him 
exert  himself.  Some  horses  require  a  great  deal  more  exertion  than 
t)thers  before  the  characteristic  sound  is  emitted.  The  greater  the 
distance  he  is  forced,  the  more  he  will  appear  exhausted  if  he  is  a 
roarer;  in  bad  cases  the  animal  becomes  utterly  exhausted,  the 
breathing  is  rapid  and  difticult,  the  no.strils  dilate  to  the  fullest  ex- 
tent, and  the  animal  appears  as  if  suffocation  was  imminent. 

An  animal  that  is  a  roarer  should  not  be  used  for  breeding  i)ur- 
poses.    The  taint  is  transmissible  in  many  instances. 

(rrunflnf/. — A  conunon  test  used  by  veterinarians  when  examining 
'•  the  wind  "  of  a  horse  is  to  see  if  he  is  a  ''  grunter."  This  is  a  sound 
omitt€»d  during  expiration  when  the  animal  is  suddenly  moved,  or 
startled,  or  struck  at.  If  he  grunts  he  is  further  tested  for  roaring, 
(irunters  are  not  always  roarers,  l)ut,  as  it  is  a  common  thing  for  a 
roarer  to  grmit,  such  an  animal  must  be  looked  upon  with  suspicion 
until  he  is  thoroughly  tried  by  pulling  a  load  or  galloped  up  a  hill. 
The  test  should  be  a  severe  one.     Horses  sutfcring  with  pleurisy, 


110  DISEASES  or   THE   HOESE. 

pleurodynia,  or  rheumatism,  and  other  affections  accompanied  with 
much  pain,  will  grunt  when  moved,  or  when  the  pain  is  aggravated, 
but  grunting  under  these  circumstances  does  not  justify  the  term  of 
"grunter"  being  applied  to  the  horse,  as  the  grunting  ceases  when 
the  animal  recovers  from  the  disease  that  causes  the  pain. 

High  hlounng. — This  term  is  applied  to  a  noisy  breathing  made  by 
some  horses.  It  is  distinctly  a  nasal  sound,  and  must  not  be  con- 
founded with  "  roaring.''  The  sound  is  produced  by  the  action  of  the 
nostrils.  It  is  a  habit  and  not  an  unsoundness.  Contrary  to  roaring, 
when  the  animal  is  put  to  severe  exertion  the  sound  ceases.  An  ani- 
mal that  emits  this  sound  is  called  a  "high  blower."  Some  horses 
have  naturallj^  very  narrow  nasal  openings,  and  they  may  emit 
sounds  louder  than  usual  in  tlieir  breathing  wdien  exercised. 

WhistUng  is  only  one  of  the  variations  of  the  sound  emitted  by  a 
horse  called  a  "  roarer,"  and  therefore  needs  no  further  notice,  except 
to  remind  the  reader  that  a  whistling  sound  may  be  produced  during 
an  attack  of  severe  sore  throat  or  inflammation  of  the  larynx,  which 
passes  aw^ay  Avith  the  disease  that  causes  it. 

CHRONIC  BRONCHITIS. 

This  may  be  due  to  the  same  causes  as  acute  bronchitis  or  it  may 
follow  the  latter  disease.  An  attack  of  the  chronic  form  is  liable  to 
be  converted  into  acute  bronchitis  by  a  very  slight  cause.  This 
chronic  affection  in  most  instances  is  associated  with  thickening  of 
the  walls  of  the  tubes.  Its  course  is  slower,  it  is  less  severe,  and  is  not 
accompanied  with  so  much  fever  as  the  acute  form.  If  the  animal  is 
exerted,  the  breathing  becomes  quickened  and  he  soon  shows  signs  of 
exhaustion.  In  many  instances  the  animal  keeps  up  strength  and 
appearances  moderately  well,  but  in  other  cases  the  appetite  is  lost, 
flesh  gradually  disappears,  and  he  becomes  emaciated  and  debilitated. 
It  is  accompanied  with  a  persistent  cough,  which  in  some  cases  is 
husky,  smothered,  or  muffled,  while  in  others  it  is  hard  and  clear.  A 
Avhitish  matter,  which  may  be  cuidled.  is  discharged  from  the  nose. 
If  the  ear  is  placed  against  the  chest  behind  the  shoulder  blade,  the 
rattle  of  the  air  passing  through  the  mucus  can  be  heard  within. 

Treatment. — Rest  is  necessary,  as  even  under  the  most  favorable 
circumstances  a  cure  is  difficult  to  effect.  The  animal  can  not  stand 
exertion  and  should  not  be  compelled  to  undergo  it.  It  should  have 
much  the  same  general  care  and  medical  treatment  prescribed  for 
the  acute  form.  xVrsenious  acid  in  tonic  doses  (3  to  T  grains)  three 
times  daily  may  be  given.  As  arsenic  is  irritant,  it  must  be  mixed 
with  a  considerable  bulk  of  moist  feed  and  never  giA^en  alone.  Ar- 
senic may  be  given  in  the  form  of  Fowler's  solution,  1  ounce  three 
times  daily  in  the  drinking  water.     An  application  of  mustard  ap- 


DISEASES   OF    THE    RKSIMHATORV    ORGANS.  Ill 

plied  to  the  breast  is  a  beiielicial  adjunct.  The  diet  shouKl  he  the 
most  iioiii-ishin^.  Bulky  feed  should  not  be  g:iven.  liinst'od  inashe>, 
scalded  oats,  and,  if  in  season,  grass  and  green-blade  fodtler  are  the 
best  diet. 

THE  LUNGS. 

The  lungs  (^soe  PI.  VTT)  are  the  I'.ssential  organs  ot'  rcspirati'Mi. 
They  consist  of  two  (right  and  left)  spongy  masses,  commonly  called 
the  "  lights,"  situated  entirely  within  the  thoracic  cavity.  On  account 
of  the  space  taken  up  by  the  heart,  the  left  lung  is  the  smaller.  K\- 
ternally,  they  are  compU'toly  covered  by  the  pleura.  The  structure  of 
the  lung  consists  of  a  liglit.  soft,  but  very  strt)ng  and  remarkably 
I'lasti**  tissue,  which  can  be  torn  only  with  dilTiculty.  Each  lung  is 
divided  into  a  certain  number  of  lobes,  which  are  subdivide<l  into 
numberless  lobules  (little  lobes).  A  little  bronchial  tube  terminates 
in  every  one  of  these  lobules.  The  little  tube  then  divides  into  minute 
branches  which  open  into  the  air  cells  (pulmonary  vesicles)  of  the 
lungs.  The  air  cells  are  little  sacs  having  a  diameter  varying  from 
one-seventieth  to  one  two-hundredth  of  an  inch;  they  have  but  one 
opening,  the  conununication  with  the  branches  of  the  little  bronchial 
tubes.  Small  blood  vessels  ramify  in  the  walls  of  the  air  cells.  The 
air  cells  are  the  consummation  of  the  intricate  structures  forming 
the  respiratory  apparatus.  They  are  of  prime  importance,  all  the 
rest  being  complementary.  It  is  here  that  the  exchange  of  gases  takes 
place.  As  before  stated,  the  walls  of  the  cells  are  very  thin :  so,  also, 
are  the  walls  of  the  blood  vessels.  Through  these  walls  escapes  from 
the  blood  the  carbonic  acid  gas  that  has  been  absorbed  by  the  blood 
in  its  circulation  through  the  diHV'rcnt  parts  of  the  body;  through 
these  walls  also  the  oxygen  gas,  which  is  the  life-giving  element  of 
the  atmosphere,  is  absorbed  by  the  blood  from  the  air  in  the  air  cells. 

CONGESTION  OF  THE  LUNGS. 

Congestion  is  essentially  an  excess  of  blood  in  the  vessels  <»f  the 
parts  atfected.  CcMigestion  of  the  lungs  in  the  horse,  when  it  exists 
as  an  independent  affection,  is  generally  caused  by  overcxcition  when 
the  animal  is  not  in  a  fit  condition  to  undergo  more  than  modeiate 
exercise.  Very  often  what  is  recognized  as  congestion  of  the  lungs 
is  but  a  symfitom  of  exhaustion  or  dilatation  (if  th»'  heart. 

The  methods  practiced  by  the  trainers  of  running  antl  tr(»tting 
horses  will  give  an  idea  of  what  is  termed  "putting  a  horse  in  condi- 
tion" to  stand  severe  exertion.  The  animal  at  first  gets  walking 
exercises,  then  after  some  time  he  is  made  to  go  faster  and  farther 
each  day;  the  amount  of  work  is  daily  increased  until  he  is  said  to 
be  "  in  condition."     An  animal  .so  prepared  runs  no  risk  of  l)oing 


112  DISEASES  OF   THE   HORSE. 

affected  -with  congestion  of  the  lungs,  if  lie  is  othervrise  healthy. 
On  the  other  hand,  if  the  horse  is  kept  in  the  stable  for  the  purpose 
of  laying  on  fat  or  for  want  of  something  to  do,  the  muscular  system 
becomes  soft,  and  the  horse  is  not  in  condition  to  stand  the  severe 
exertion  of  going  fast  or  far,  no  matter  how  liealthy  he  may  be  in 
other  respects.  If  such  a  horse  be  given  a  hard  ride  or  drive,  he  may 
start  off  in  high  spirits,  but  soon  becomes  exhausted,  and  if  he  is 
pushed  he  will  slacken  his  pace,  show  a  desire  to  stop,  and  may  stag- 
ger or  even  fall.  Examination  will  show  the  nostrils  d.lated,  the 
flanks  heaving,  the  countenance  haggard,  and  the  appearance  of  suf- 
focation. The  heart  and  muscles  were  not  accustomed  to  the  sudden 
and  severe  strain  put  upon  them ;  the  heart  became  unable  to  perform 
its  work;  the  blood  accumidated  in  the  vessels  of  the  lungs,  which 
eventually  became  engorged  with  the  stagnated  blood,  constituting 
congestion  of  the  lungs. 

The  animal,  after  having  undergone  severe  exertion,  may  not 
exhibit  alarming  symptoms  until  returned  to  the  stable ;  then  he  will 
be  noticed  standing  with  his  head  down,  legs  spread  out,  the  eyes 
wildly  staring  or  dull  and  sunken.  The  breathing  is  very  rapid  and 
almost  gasping;  in  most  cases  the  body  is  covered  with  perspiration, 
Avhich,  however,  may  soon  evajDorate,  leaving  the  surface  of  the  body 
and  the  legs  a^.d  ears  cold;  the  breathing  is  both  abdominal  and  tho- 
racic ;  the  chest  rises  and  falls  and  the  flanks  are  powerfully  brought 
into  action.  If  the  pulse  can  be  felt  at  all  it  will  be  found  beating 
very  frequently,  one  hundred  or  so  to  a  minute.  The  heart  may  be 
felt  tumultuously  thumping  if  the  hand  is  placed  against  the  chest 
behind  the  left  elbow,  or  it  may  be  scarcely  perceptible.  The  animal 
may  tremble  all  over.  If  the  ear  is  placed  against  the  side  of  the 
chest  a  loud  murmur  will  be  heard  and  i3erhaps  a  fine,  crackling 
sound. 

One  can  scarcely  fail  to  recognize  a  case  of  congestion  of  the  lungs 
when  brought  on  by  overexertion,  as  the  history  of  the  case  indicates 
the  nature  of  the  ailment.  In  all  cases  of  suffocation  the  lungs  are 
congested,    it  is  also  seen  in  connection  with  other  diseases. 

Treatment. — If  the  animal  is  attacked  by  the  disease  while  on  the 
road,  stop  him  immediately.  Do  not  attempt  to  return  to  the  stables. 
If  he  is  in  the  stable,  make  arrangements  at  once  to  insure  an  unlim- 
ited supply  of  pure  air.  If  the  weather  is  warm,  out  in  the  open  air 
is  the  best  place,  but  if  too  cold  let  him  stand  with  head  to  the  door. 
Let  him  stand  still ;  he  has  all  he  can  do,  if  he  obtains  sufficient  pure 
air  to  sustain  life.  If  he  is  encumbered  with  harness  or  saddle, 
remove  it  at  once  and  rub  the  body  with  cloths  or  Avisps  of  hay  or 
straw.  This  stimulates  the  circulation  in  the  skin,  and  thus  aids  in 
relieving  the  lungs  of  the  extra  quantity  of  blood  that  is  stagnated 
there.    If  you  have  three  or  four  assistants,  let  them  rub  the  body 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horsp. 


DISEASES   OF    THE    RESPIRATORY    ORGANS.  113 

and  legs  wqW  until  the  skin  iVcls  natural;  rub  the  logs  until  thev  are 
warm,  if  possible.  When  the  circulation  is  reestablished,  put  band- 
ages on  the  legs  from  the  hoofs  up  as  far  as  possible.  Tiirow  a  blan- 
ket over  the  body  and  let  the  rubbing  be  done  under  the  blanket. 
Diffusible  stimulants  are  the  medicines  indicated — brandy,  whiskv 
(or  even  ale  or  beer  if  nothing  else  is  at  hand),  ether,  and  aromatic 
spirits  of  ammonia.  A  drench  of  li  ounces  each  of  spirits  of  nitrous 
ether  and  alcohol,  diluted  Avith  a  pint  of  water,  every  hour  until 
relief  is  atVoi-ded,  is  among  the  best  remedies.  Or,  give  a  ([uarter  of 
a  pint  of  whisky  in  a  i)int  of  water  every  hour,  or  the  same  quantity 
of  brandy  as  often,  or  a  quart  of  ale  every  hour,  or  1  ounce  of 
tincture  of  arnica  in  a  pint  of  water  every  hour  until  five  or  six  doses 
have  been  given.  If  none  of  these  remedies  are  at  hand,  2  ounces  of 
oil  of  turpentine,  shaken  with  a  half  pint  of  milk,  may  be  given  once, 
but  not  repeated.  The  animal  nuiy  be  bled  from  the  jugular  vein. 
Do  not  take  more  than  5  or  0  (piarts  from  the  vein,  and  do  not  repeat 
the  bleeding.  The  blood  thus  drawn  will  have  a  tarry  appearance. 
When  the  alarming  symi)toms  have  subsided  active  measures  may 
be  stopped,  but  care  must  be  used  in  the  general  treatment  of  the  ani- 
mal for  several  days,  for  it  must  be  remembered  that  congestion  may 
i)e  followed  by  pneumonia.  The  animal  should  have  a  comfortable 
stall,  where  he  will  not  be  subjected  to  drafts  or  sudden  changes  of 
temperature;  he  should  be  blanketed  and  the  legs  kept  bandageil. 
The  air  should  be  pure,  a  plentiful  supply  of  fresh,  cold  water 
always  in  the  stall:  and  a  diet  composed  principally  of  bran  mashes, 
scalded  oats,  and,  if  in  season,  grass.  When  ready  for  use  again  the 
horse  should  at  first  receive  only  moderate  exercise,  which  may  be 
dail}'  increased  until  he  may  safely  be  put  to  legular  work. 

PNEUMONIA,  OR  LUNG  FEVEK. 

Pneumonia  is  inflammation  of  the  lungs.  The  chief  varieties  of 
pneumonia  are  catarrhal — later  discussed  in  connection  with  bron- 
chitis, under  the  name  of  bnmcho-pneumonia — and  the  fibrinous  or 
croupous  variety.  The  latter  form  receives  its  names  from  the  fact 
that  the  air  spaces  are  choked  with  coagulated  fibrin  thrown  out  from 
the  blood.  This  causes  the  diseased  portions  of  the  lungs  to  become 
as  firm  as  liver,  in  which  condition  they  are  said  to  be  hepatized.  As 
air  is  excluded  by  the  inflammatory  product,  the  diseased  limg  will 
not  float  in  water. 

The  inflammation  usually  begins  in  the  lower  part  of  the  lung  and 
extends  upward.  The  fir.st  stage  of  the  disease  consists  of  conges- 
tion, or  engorgement,  of  the  blood  vessels,  followed  by  leakage  of 
serum  containing  fibrin  from  the  blood  vessels  into  the  air  passages. 
36444"— 16 8 


114  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

The  fluids  thus  escaping  into  the  air  cells  and  in  the  minute  branches 
of  the  little  bronchial  tubes  become  coagulated. 

The  pleura  covering  the  affected  parts  ma}'  be  more  or  less  inflamed. 
A  continuance  of  the  foregoing  phenomena  is  marked  by  a  further 
escape  of  the  constituents  of  the  blood,  and  a  change  in  the  membrane 
of  the  cells,  which  becomes  swollen.  The  exudate  that  fills  the  air 
cells  and  minute  bronchial  branches  undergoes  disintegration  and 
softening  when  healing  commences. 

The  favorable  termination  of  pneumonia  is  in  resolution,  that  is, 
a  restoration  to  health.  This  is  gradually  brought  about  by  the 
exuded  material  contained  in  the  air  cells  and  lung  tissues  being 
broken  down  and  softened  and  absorbed  or  expectorated  through  the 
nostrils.  The  blood  vessels  return  to  their  natural  state,  and  the 
blood  circulates  in  them  as  before.  In  the  cases  that  do  not  termi- 
nate so  happily  the  lung  may  become  gangrenous  (or  mortified),  an 
abscess  may  form,  or  the  disease  may  be  merged  into  the  chronic 
variety. 

Pneumonia  may  be  directly  induced  by  any  of  the  influences  named 
as  general  causes  for  diseases  of  the  organs  of  respiration,  but  in 
many  instances  it  is  from  neglect.  A  common  cold  or  sore  throat 
may  be  followed  by  pneumonia  if  neglected  or  improperly  treated. 
An  animal  may  be  debilitated  by  a  cold,  and  when  in  this  weakened 
state  may  be  compelled  to  undergo  exertion  beyond  his  strength ;  or 
he  may  be  kept  in  a  badly  ventilated  stable,  where  the  foul  gases 
are  shut  in  and  the  pure  air  is  shut  out ;  or  the  stable  maj^  be  so  open 
that  parts  of  the  body  are  exposed  to  drafts  of  cold  air.  An  animal 
is  predisposed  to  pneumonia  when  debilitated  by  any  constitutional 
disease,  and  especially  during  convalescence  if  exposed  to  any  of 
the  exciting  causes.  Foreign  bodies,  such  as  feed  accidentally  getting 
into  the  lungs  by  way  of  the  windpipe,  as  well  as  the  inhalation  of 
irritating  gases  and  smoke,  ofttimes  produce  fatal  attacks  of  inflam- 
mation of  the  lung  and  bronchial  tubes.  Pneumonia  is  frequently 
seen  in  connection  with  other  diseases,  such  as  influenza,  purpura 
hemorrhagica,  strangles,  glanders,  etc.  Pneumonia  and  pleurisy  are 
most  common  during  cold,  damp  weather,  and  especially  during  the 
prevalence  of  the  cold  north  or  northeasterly  winds.  Wounds  punc- 
turing the  thoracic  cavity  may  cause  pneumonia. 

Sy7nj)toms. — Pneumonia,  when  a  primary  disease,  is  ushered  in  by 
a  chill,  more  or  less  prolonged,  which  in  many  cases  is  seen  neither 
by  the  owner  nor  the  attendant,  but  is  overlooked.  The  breathing 
becomes  accelerated,  and  the  animal  hnngs  its  head  and  has  a  very 
dull  appearance.  -  The  mouth  is  hot  and  has  a  sticky  feeling  to  the 
touch;  the  heat  conveyed  to  the  finger  in  the  mouth  demonstrates  a 
fever;  if  the  thermometer  is  placed  in  the  rectum  the  temperature 
will  be  found  to  have  risen  to  103°  F.  or  higher.    The  pulse  is  fre- 


DISEASES   OF   THE   RESPIRATORY   ORGANS.  115 

quent,  beating  from  fifty  or  sixty  to  eijihty  or  more  a  minute.  Thei-e 
is  usually  a  dry  cough  from  the  beginning,  which,  however,  changes 
in  character  as  the  disease  advances;  for  instance,  it  may  become 
moist,  or  if  pleurisy  sets  in,  the  cough  will  be  peculiar  to  the  latter 
affection;  that  is,  cut  short  in  the  endeavor  to  suppress  it.  In  some 
cases  the  discharge  from  the  nostrils  is  tinged  with  blood,  while  in 
other  cases  it  has  the  appearance  of  muco-i)Us.  The  appetite  is  lost 
to  a  greater  or  less  extent,  but  the  desire  for  water  is  increased,  par- 
ticularly during  the  onset  of  the  fever.  The  meml)rane  within  tlu' 
nostrils  is  red  and  at  first  dry,  but  sooner  or  later  becomes  moist.  The 
legs  are  cold.  The  bowels  are  more  or  less  constipated,  and  what 
dung  is  passed  is  uually  covered  with  a  slimy  mucus.  The  urine  is 
passed  in  smaller  quantities  than  usual  and  is  of  a  darker  color. 

The  animal  prefers  to  have  the  head  where  the  freshest  air  can  be 
obtained.  "When  afl'eoted  with  pneumonia  a  horse  does  not  lie  down, 
but  persists  in  standing  from  the  beginning  of  the  attack.  If  pneu- 
monia is  complicated  with  pleurisy,  however,  the  horse  may  appear 
restless  and  lie  down  for  a  few  moments  to  gain  lelief  from  the 
pleuritic  pains,  but  he  soon  rises.  In  pneumonia  the  breathing  is 
rapid  and  difficult,  but  when  the  pneumonia  is  complicated  with 
jileurisy  the  ribs  are  kept  as  still  as  possible  and  the  breathing  is 
abdominal;  that  is,  the  abdominal  muscles  are  now  made  to  do  as 
much  of  the  work  as  they  can  perform.  If  pleurisy  is  not  present 
there  is  little  pain.  To  the  ordinary  observer  the  animal  may  not 
appear  dangerously  ill,  as  he  does  not  show  the  seriousness  of  the 
ailment  by  violence,  as  in  colic,  but  a  careful  observer  will  discover 
at  a  glance  that  the  trouble  is  something  more  serious  than  a  cold. 
By  percussion  it  will  be  shown  that  some  portions  of  the  chest  are 
less  resonant  than  in  health,  indicating  exclusion  of  air.  If  the  air 
is  wholly  excluded  the  percussion  is  (juite  dull,  like  that  elicited  by 
percussion  over  the  thigh. 

r>y  auscultation  important  information  may  be  gained.  AVlien  the 
ear  is  placed  against  the  chest  of  a  healthy  horse,  the  resi)irat()ry 
murmin-  is  heard  uiore  or  less  distinctly,  according  to  the  part  of  the 
chest  that  is  l)eneath  the  ear.  In  the  very  first  stage  of  pneuujonia 
this  murmur  is  louder  and  hoarser;  also,  there  is  a  fine,  crackling 
sound  something  similar  to  that  produced  when  salt  is  thrown  in  a 
fire.  After  the  atl'ected  part  becomes  solid  there  is  an  absence  of 
sound  over  that  particular  part.  After  absorption  begins  one  may 
again  hear  sounds  that  are  of  a  moie  or  less  uioist  character  and 
resemble  bul)bling  or  gurgling,  which  gradually  chanire  mitil  the 
natural  sound  is  heard  announcing  return  to  health. 

AMien  a  fatal  termination  is  ai>|>roaching  all  the  symptoms  l>e- 
come  intensified.  The  breathing  becomes  still  more  raj)id  and  diffi- 
cult; the  flanks  heave;  the  animal  stares  wildly  about  as  if  seeking 


116  DISEASES  OF   THE   HORSE. 

aid  to  drive  oif  the  feeling  of  suffocation;  the  body  is  bathed  Avith 
sweat;  the  horse  staggers,  but  quickly  recovers  his  balance;  he  may 
now,  for  the  first  time  during  the  attack,  lie  down;  he  does  so,  how- 
ever, in  the  hope  of  relief,  which  he  fails  to  find,  and  with  difficulty 
struggles  to  his  feet;  he  pants;  the  nostrils  flap;  he  staggers  and 
sways  from  side  to  side  and  backward  and  forward,  but  still  tries  to 
retain  the  standing  position,  even  by  propping  himself  against  the 
stall.  It  is  no  use,  as  after  an  exhausting  fight  for  breath  he  goes 
down;  the  limbs  stretch  out  and  become  rigid.  In  fatal  cases  death 
usually  occurs  in  from  10  to  20  days  after  the  beginning  of  the 
attack.  On  the  other  hand,  when  the  disease  is  terminating  favor- 
ably the  signs  are  obvious.  The  fever  abates  and  the  animal  gradu- 
ally improves  in  appetite;  he  takes  more  notice  of  things  around 
him ;  his  spirits  improve ;  he  has  a  general  appearance  of  returning 
health,  and  he  lies  down  and  rests.  In  the  majority  of  cases  pneumo- 
nia, if  properly  treated,  terminates  in  recovery. 

Treatment. — The  comfort  and  surroundings  of  the  patient  must  be 
attended  to  first.  The  quarters  should  be  the  best  that  can  be  pro- 
vided. Pure  air  is  essential.  Avoid  placing  the  animal  in  a  stall 
where  he  may  be  exposed  to  drafts  of  cold  air  and  sudden  changes  of 
temperature.  It  is  much  better  for  the  animal  if  the  air  is  cold  and  pure 
than  if  it  is  warm  and  foul.  It  is  b'etter  to  make  the  animal  comfort- 
able with  warm  clothing  than  to  make  the  stable  warm  by  shutting  off 
the  ventilation.  From  the  start  the  animal  should  have  an  unlimited 
supply  of  fresh,  cold  drinking  water.  Blanket  the  body.  Eub  the  legs 
until  they  are  warm  and  then  put  bandages  on  them  from  the  hoofs 
up  to  the  knees  and  hocks.  If  warmth  can  not  be  reestablished  in 
the  legs  by  hand  rubbing  alone,  apply  dry,  ground  mustard  and  rub 
well  in.  The  bandages  should  be  removed  once  or  twice  every  day, 
the  legs  well  rubbed,  and  the  bandages  replaced.  Much  harm  is  often 
done  by  clipping  off  hair  and  rubbing  in  powerful  blistering  com- 
pounds. They  do  positive  injury  and  retard  recovery,  and  should 
not  be  allowed.  Much  benefit  may  be  derived  from  hot  application 
to  the  sides  of  the  chest  if  the  facilities  are  at  hand  to  apply  them. 
If  the  weather  is  not  too  cold,  and  if  the  animal  is  in  a  comfortable 
stable,  the  following  method  may  be  tried :  Have  a  tub  of  hot  water 
handy  to  the  stable  door;  soak  a  woolen  blanket  in  the  water,  then 
quickly  wring  as  much  water  as  possible  out  of  it  and  wrap  it  around 
the  chest-  See  that  it  fits  closely  to  the  skin ;  do  not  allow  it  to  sag 
so  that  air  may  get  between  it  and  the  skin.  Now  wrap  a  dry  blanket 
over  the  wet  hot  one  and  hold  in  place  with  three  girths.  The  hot 
blanket  should  be  renewed  every  half  hour,  and  while  it  is  off  being 
wetted  and  wrung  the  dry  one  should  remain  over  the  wet  part  of 
the  chest  to  prevent  reaction.  The  hot  applications  should  be  kept 
up  for  three  or  four  hours,  and  when  stopped  the  skin  should  be 


DISEASES   OF    TKE    RESPIRATORY    ORGANS.  117 

quickly  rubbed  as  dry  as  possible,  an  application  of  alcohol  nil)l)ed 
over  the  wet  part,  ami  a  diy  blanklet  snugly  fitted  over  the  uniinal. 
If  the  hot  applications  appear  to  benefit,  they  may  be  tiled  on  three 
or  four  consecutive  days.  Unless  every  facility  and  circum.stunce 
favors  the  application  of  heat  in  the  foregoing!:  manner,  it  .should  not 
be  attemi)ted.  If  the  weather  is  very  cold  or  any  of  the  details  are 
(unitted,  moie  harm  than  «:;ood  may  result.  Mustard  may  be  applied 
by  makini;  a  paste  with  a  pound  of  freshly  «j:romul  mu.stard  mixed 
with  wnin  water.  This  is  to  be  s))read  evenly  over  the  sides  Itack 
of  the  shouhlei-  blades  and  down  to  the  median  line  below  the  chest. 
Care  should  be  taken  to  avoid  rubbing  the  mustard  upon  the  thin 
skin  immeiliately  back  of  the  elbow.  The  mustard-covered  area 
should  be  co\-eied  witli  a  ]iaiHM*  and  this  with  a  blanket  j^assed  up 
from  below  and  fastened  over  the  back.  The  blanket  and  paper 
should  be  removed  in  from  one  to  two  hours.  AVhen  ])neumonia  fol- 
lows another  disease,  the  system  is  always  more  of  le^s  debilitated 
and  requires  the  careful*  use  of  stimulants  from  the  beginning.  To 
weaken  the  animal  still  furthei*  by  bleeding  liim  is  one  of  the  mo.st 
etl'ectual  methods  of  retarding  recovery,  even  if  it  does  not  hasten 
a  fatal  termination. 

Another  and  oftentimes  fatal  mistake  made  by  the  nonprofessional 
is  the  indi.scriminate  and  reckless  use  of  aconite.  This  drug  is  one 
of  the  most  active  poisons,  and  should  not  be  handled  by  anyone 
who  does  not  thoroughly  understand  its  action  and  uses.  It  is  only 
less  active  than  prussic  acid  in  its  poisonous  etl'ects.  It  is  a  common 
opinion,  often  expressed  by  nonprofessionals,  that  aconite  is  a  stimu- 
lant. Nothing  could  be  more  erroneous;  in  fact,  it  is  just  the  rever.se. 
It  is  one  of  the  mo.st  powerful  sedatives  used  in  the  practice  of  medi- 
cine. In  fatal  doses  it  kills  by  paralyzing  the  very  muscles  used  in 
breathing;  it  weakens  the  action  of  the  heart,  and  should  not  be  used. 
Do  not  give  purgative  medicines.  If  constipation  exists,  overcome  it 
by  an  allowance  of  laxative  diet,  such  as  scalded  oats,  bran,  and  lin- 
seed mashes;  also,  gra.ss,  if  in  season.  If  the  costiveness  is  not  re- 
lieved by  the  laxative  diet,  give  an  enema  of  about  a  quart  of  warm 
water  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

A  diet  consisting  principally  of  bran  mashes,  scalded  oats,  and, 
when  in  season,  grass  or  corn  fodder  is  preferable  if  the  aninuil 
retains  an  appetite:  but  if  no  desire  is  evinced  for  feed  of  this  par- 
ticular description,  then  the  animal  must  be  allowed  to  eat  anything 
that  will  be  taken  spontaneously.  Hay  tea.  made  by  pouring  boiling 
water  over  good  hay  in  a  large  bucket  and  allowing  it  to  stand  luitil 
cool,  then  straining  off  the  li(]uid,  will  sometimes  create  a  desire  for 
feed.  The  animal  may  be  allowed  to  drink  as  much  of  it  as  he 
desires.  Corn  on  the  cob  is  often  eaten  when  everything  else  is 
refused.    Bread  may  be  tried;  also  apples  or  carrots.    If  the  animal 


118  DISEASES  OF   THE   HORSE. 

can  be  persuaded  to  drink  milk,  it  may  be  supported  by  it  for  days. 
Three  or  four  gallons  of  sweet  milk  may  be  given  during  the  day,  in 
which  may  be  stirred  three  or  four  fresh  eggs  to  each  gallon.  Some 
horses  will  drink  milk,  while  others  will  refuse  to  touch  it.  Tt 
should  be  borne  in  mind  that  all  feed  must  be  taken  by  the  horse  as 
he  desires  it;  none  should  be  forced  down  him.  If  he  will  not  eat, 
you  will  only  have  to  wait  until  a  desire  is  shown  for  feed.  All 
kinds  may  be  offered,  first  one  thing  and  then  another,  but  feed 
should  not  be  allowed  to  remain  long  in  trough  or  manger ;  the  very 
fact  of  its  constantly  being  before  him  will  cause  him  to  loathe  it. 
When  the  animal  has  no  appetite  for  anything  the  stomach  is  not  in 
a  proper  state  to  digest  food,  and  if  it  is  poured  or  drenched  into 
him  it  will  only  cause  indigestion  and  aggravate  the  case.  It  is  a 
good  practice  to  do  nothing  when  there  is  nothing  to  be  done  that- 
will  benefit.  This  refers  to  medicine  as  well  as  feed.  Nothing  is  well 
done  that  is  overdone. 

There  are  many  valuable  medicines  used  for  the 'different  stages 
and  different  types  of  pneumonia,  but  in  the  opinion  of  the  writer 
it  is  useless  to  refer  to  them  here,  as  this  work  is  intended  for  the 
use  of  those  who  are  not  sufficiently  acquainted  with  the  disease 
to  recognize  its  various  types  and  stages;  therefore  they  would  only 
confuse.  If  you  can  administer  a  ball  or  capsule,  or  have  anyone  at 
hand  who  is  capable  of  doing  it,  a  dram  of  sulphate  of  quinin  in  a 
capsule,  or  made  into  a  ball,  with  sufficient  linseed  meal  and  molasses, 
given  every  three  hours  during  the  height  of  the  fever,  will  do  good 
in  many  cases.  The  ball  of  carbonate  of  ammonia,  as  advised  in 
the  treatment  of  bronchitis,  may  be  tried  if  the  animal  is  hard  to 
drench.  The  heart  should  be  kept  strong  by  administering  digitalis 
in  doses  of  2  drams  of  the  tincture  every  three  hours,  or  strychnia 
1  grain,  made  into  a  pill  with  licorice  powder,  three  times  daily. 

If  the  horse  becomes  very  much  debilitated,  stimulants  of  a  more 
pronounced  character  are  required.  The  following  drench  is  useful : 
Eectified  spirits,  3  ounces;  spirits  of  nitrous  ether,  2  ounces;  water, 
1  pint.  This  may  be  repeated  every  four  or  five  hours  if  it  seems 
to  benefit;  or  6  ounces  of  good  whisky  diluted  with  a  pint  of  water 
may  be  given  as  often,  instead  of  the  foregoing. 

During  the  period  of  convalescence  good  nutritive  feed  should 
be  allowed  in  a  moderate  quantity.  Tonic  medicines  should  be  sub- 
stituted for  those  used  during  the  fever.  The  same  medicines  advised 
for  the  convalescing  period  of  bronchitis  are  equally  efficient  in  this 
case,  especially  the  iodid  of  potash;  likewise,  the  same  general  in- 
structions apply  here. 

The  chief  causes  of  death  in  pneumonia  are  heart  failure  from 
exhaustion,  suffocation,  or  blood  poisoning  from  death  (gangrene)  of 
lung  tissue.    The  greater  the  area  of  lung  tissue  diseased  the  greater 


DISEASES    OF    THE    RESPIRATORY    ORGANS.  119 

the  danger;  hence  double  pneumonia  is  more  fatal  tlian  piMMunonia 
of  one  lung. 

THE  WINDPIPE. 

The  windpipe,  or  trachea  as  it  is  technically  called,  is  the  flexible 
tube  that  extends  from  the  larynx,  which  it  succeeds  at  the  throat, 
to  above  the  base  of  the  heart  in  tlio  chest,  where  it  terminates  bv 
dividing  into  the  right  and  left  bronchi — the  tubes  going  to  the  right 
and  left  lung,  respectively.  The  windpipe  is  composed  of  about  fifty 
incomplete  rings  of  cartilag''  united  l)y  ligauicnts.  A  muscular  layer 
is  situated  on  the  superior  surface  of  the  rings.  Internally  the  tube 
is  lined  with  a  continuation  of  the  mucous  membrane  that  lines  the 
entire  respiratory  tract,  which  here  has  very  little  sensibility  in 
contrast  to  that  lining  the  larynx,  which  is  endowed  with  exquisite 
sensitiveness. 

The  windpipe  is  not  subject  to  any  special  disease,  but  is  more  or 
less  aU'ected  during  laryngitis  (sore  throat),  influenza,  bronchitis. 
etc.,  and  requires  no  special  treatment.  The  membrane  may  be  left 
in  a  thickened  condition  after  these  attacks.  One  or  more  of  the 
rings  may  be  accidentally  fractured,  or  the  tube  may  be  distorted  or 
malformed  as  the  result  of  violent  injury.  After  the  operation  of 
tracheotomy  it  is  not  uncommon  to  find  a  tumor  or  malformation  as 
a  result,  or  sequel,  of  the  operation.  In  passing  over  this  section 
attention  is  merely  called  to  these  defects,  as  they  require  no  particu- 
lar attention  in  the  way  of  treatment.  It  may  be  stated,  however, 
that  any  one  of  the  before-mentioned  conditions  may  constitute  one 
of  the  causes  of  noisy  respiration  described  as  "thick  wind." 

GUTTURAL  POUCHES. 

These  two  sacs  are  situated  above  the  throat,  and  communicate 
with  the  pharynx,  as  well  as  with  the  cavity  of  the  tyuipanuni  of 
the  ear.  They  are  peculiar  to  soli))eds.  Xormnlly.  th(  y  coiitMin  air. 
Their  function  is  unknown. 

One  or  both  guttural  i)ouches  may  contain  pus.  The  t.yniptt>iu>  arc 
as  follows:  Swelling  on  the  side  below  the  ear  and  an  intermittent 
discharge  of  matter  from  one  or  both  nostrils,  especially  when  the 
head  is  depressed. 

The  swelling  is  soft,  and,  if  pressed  ui)on,  matter  will  escape  from 
the  nose  if  the  head  is  depressed.  As  before  mentioned,  these 
pouches  communicate  with  the  pharynx,  and  through  this  suiall 
opening  matter  may  escape.  A  recovery  is  probable  if  the  animal  is 
turned  out  to  graze,  or  if  he  is  fed  from  the  giound,  as  the  dependent 
position  of  the  head  favors  the  escape  of  matter  from  the  pouches. 
In  addition  to  this,  give  the  topics  recommended  for  nasal  gleet.  If 
this  treatment  fails,  an  operation  mu.st  be  performed,  which  should 
not  be  attempted  by  any  one  unacquainted  with  tho  anatomy  of  the 
part. 


120  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

BRONCHITIS  AND  BRONCHO-PNEUMONIA. 

Bronchitis  is  an  inflammation  of  the  bronchial  tubes.  "V\Tien  this 
inflammation  extends  to  the  air  sacs  at  the  termini  of  the  smallest 
branches  of  the  bronchial  tubes,  the  disease  is  broncho-pneumonia. 
Bronchitis  affecting  the  larger  tubes  is  less  serious  than  when  the 
smaller  are  involved.  The  disease  may  be  either  acute  or  chronic. 
The  causes  are  generally  much  the  same  as  for  other  diseases  of  the 
respiratory  organs,  noticed  in  the  beginning  of  this  article.  The 
special  causes  are  these:  The  inhalation  of  irritating  gases  and  smoke 
and  fluids  or  solids  gaining  access  to  the  parts.  Bronchitis  is  occa- 
sionally associated  with  influenza  and  other  specific  fevers.  It  also 
supervenes  on  common  cold  or  sore  throat. 

Syrrbptoms. — The  animal  appears  dull ;  the  appetite  is  partially  or 
Avholly  lost;  the  head  hangs;  the  breathing  is  quickened;  the  cough, 
at  first  dry,  and  having  somewhat  the  character  of  a  "barking 
cough,"  is  succeeded  in  a  few  days  by  a  moist,  rattling  cough;  the 
mouth  is  hot;  the  visible  membranes  in  the  nose  are  red;  the  pulse 
is  frequent,  and  during  the  first  stage  is  hard  and  quick,  but  as  the 
disease  advances  becomes  smaller  and  more  frequent.  There  is  a 
discharge  from  the  nostrils  that  is  at  first  Avhitish,  but  later  becomes 
creamy  or  frothy,  still  later  it  is  sometimes  tinged  with  blood,  and 
occasionally  it  may  be  of  a  brownish  or  rusty  color.  By  auscul- 
tation, or  placing  the  ear  to  the  sides  of  the  chest,  unnatural  sounds 
can  now  be  heard.  The  air  passing  through  the  diseased  tubes  causes 
a  w^ieezing  sound  when  the  small  tubes  are  affected,  and  a  hoarse, 
cooing,  or  snoring  sound  when  the  larger  tubes  are  involved.  After 
one  or  two  days  the  dry  stage  of  the  disease  is  succeeded  by  a  moist 
state  of  the  membrane.  The  ear  now  detects  a  different  sound, 
caused  by  the  bursting  of  the  bubbles  as  the  air  passes  through  the 
fluid,  which  is  the  exudate  of  inflammation  and  the  augmented  mu- 
cous secretions  of  the  membrane.  The  mucus  may  be  secreted  in 
great  abundance,  Avhich,  b}^  blocking  up  the  tubes,  may  cause  a  col- 
lapse of  a  large  extent  of  breathing  surface.  Usually  the  mucus  is 
expectorated;  that  is,  discharged  through  the  nose.  The  matter  is 
coughed  up,  and  when  it  reaches  the  lar3"nx  much  of  it  may  be  swal- 
lowed, and  some  is  discharged  from  the  nostrils.  The  horse  can  not 
spit,  like  the  human  being,  nor  does  the  matter  coughed  up  gain 
access  to  the  mouth.  If  in  serious  cases  all  the  symptoms  become 
aggravated,  the  breathing  is  labored,  short,  and  quick,  it  usually  in- 
dicates that  the  inflammation  has  reached  the  breathing  cells  and  that 
catarrhal  pneumonia  is  established.  In  this  case  the  ribs  rise  and 
fall  much  more  than  natural.  This  fact  alone  is  enough  to  exclude 
the  idea  that  the  animal  may  be  affected  with  pleurisy,  because  in 
that  disease  the  ribs  are  as  nearly  fixed  as  it  is  in  the  power  of  the 


DISEASES   OF    THE    RESPIRATORY    ORGANS.  121 

animal  to  do  so,  and  the  breathing  is  accomplished  tu  a  great  extent 
by  aid  of  the  abdominal  muscles.  The  horse  persists  in  standing 
throughout  the  attack.  He  prefers  to  stand  with  head  to  a  door  or 
window  to  gain  all  the  fresh  air  possible,  but  if  not  tied  may  occa- 
sionally Avander  listlessly  about  the  stall.  The  bowels  most  likely 
are  constipated;  the  dung  is  covered  with  slimy  mucus.  The  urine 
is  decreased  in  (juantity  and  darker  in  color  than  usual.  The  animal 
shows  more  or  less  thirst;  in  some  cases  the  mouth  is  full  of  saliva. 
The  discharge  fi'om  the  nose  increases  in  (|uantity  as  the  disease 
atlvances  and  inllanunation  subsides.  This  is  rather  a  good  symp- 
tom, as  it  shows  that  one  stage  has  passed.  The  discharge  then 
gradually  decreases,  the  cough  becomes  less  rasping,  but  of  more 
fre(iuent  occurrence,  until  it  gradually  disappears  with  the  return 
of  health. 

Bronchitis,  allecting  the  smaller  tubes,  is  one  of  the  most  fatal 
diseases,  while  that  of  the  larger  tubes  is  never  very  serious.  It  must 
be  stated,  however,  that  it  is  an  exceedingly  difficult  matter  for  a 
nonexpert  to  discriminate  between  tlie  two  forms,  and,  further,  it 
may  as  well  be  saiil  here  that  he  will  have  difficulty  in  discriminat- 
ing between  bronchitis  and  pneumonia. 

Treatment. — The  matter  of  first  importance  is  to  insure  pure  air 
to  breathe,  and  next  to  make  the  patient's  (piarters  as  comfortable 
as  possible.  A  well-ventilated  box  stall  serves  best  for  all  purposes. 
Cover  the  body  with  a  blanket,  light  or  heavy,  as  the  season  of 
the  year  demands.  Hand-rub  the  legs  until  they  are  warm,  then 
wrap  them  in  cotton  and  api)ly  flannel  or  Derby  bandages  from 
the  hoofs  to  the  knees  and  hocks.  If  the  legs  can  not  be  made 
warm  with  hand  rubbing  alone,  apply  dry  mu.stard.  Rub  in 
thoroughly  and  then  put  the  bandages  on;  also  rub  mustard  paste 
wi'll  over  the  side  of  the  chest,  covering  the  space  beginning  iui- 
mediately  l)ehind  the  shoulder  blade  and  running  back  about  eigh- 
teen incht'S,  and  from  the  median  line  i)eneath  the  breast  to  within 
ten  inches  of  the  ridge  of  the  backbone.  Kepeat  the  application 
to  tlie  side  of  the  chest  about  three  days  after  the  first  one  is  ap- 
plied. 

Compel  the  animal  to  inhale  steam  frf»m  a  bucketful  of  boiling 
water  containing  a  tablespoonful  of  oil  of  turpentine  and  spirits  of 
camphor,  as  advised  for  cohl  in  the  head.  In  serious  cases  the  steam 
should  be  inhaled  every  hour,  and  in  any  case  the  oftener  it  is  dono 
the  greater  will  be  the  beneficial  results.  Three  times  a  day  admin- 
ister an  electuary  containing  acetate  of  potash  ('J  drams),  with  lico- 
rice and  molasses  or  honey.  It  is  well  to  keep  a  bucketful  of  cold 
water  before  the  animal  all  the  time.  If  the  horse  is  prostrated  and 
has  no  appetite,  give  the  following  drench:  Spirits  of  nitrous  ether. 


122  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

2  ounces;  rectified  spirits,  3  ounces;  water,  1  pint.  Repeat  the  dose 
every  four  or  five  hours  if  it  appears  to  benefit.  When  the  horse  is 
hard  to  drench,  give  the  following:  Pulverized  carbonate  of  am- 
monia, 3  drams;  linseed  meal  and  molasses  sufficient  to  make  the 
whole  into  a  stiif  mass;  wrap  it  with  a  small  piece  of  tissue  paper 
and  give  as  a  ball.  This  ball  may  be  repeated  every  four  or  five 
hours.  ^Mien  giving  the  ball  care  should  be  taken  to  prevent  its 
breaking  in  the  mouth,  as  in  case  of  such  accident  it  will  make  the 
mouth  sore  and  prevent  the  animal  from  eating.  If  the  bowels  are 
constipated,  give  enemas  of  warm  water.  Do  not  give  purgative 
medicines.    Do  not  bleed  the  animal. 

If  the  animal  retains  an  appetite,  a  soft  diet  is  preferable,  such  as 
scalded  oats,  bran  mashes,  and  grass,  if  in  season.  If  he  refuses 
cooked  feed,  allow  in  small  quantities  anything  he  will  eat.  Hay, 
cob  corn,  oats,  bread,  apples,  and  carrots  may  be  tried  in  turn. 
Some  horses  will  drink  sweet  milk  when  they  refuse  all  other  kinds 
of  feed,  and  especially  is  this  the  case  if  the  drinking  water  is  with- 
held for  a  while.  One  or  2  gallons  at  a  time,  four  or  five  times  a 
day,  will  support  life.  Bear  in  mind  that  when  the  disease  is  estab- 
lished recovery  can  not  occur  in  less  than  two  or  three  weeks,  and 
more  time  may  be  necessary.  Good  nursing  and  patience  are  re- 
quired. 

When  the  symptoms  have  abated  and  nothing  remains  of  the  dis- 
ease except  the  cough  and  a  white  discharge  from  the  nostrils,  all 
other  medicines  should  be  discontinued  and  a  course  of  tonic  treat- 
ment pursued.  Give  the  following  mixture :  Reduced  iron,  3  ounces ; 
j)owdered  gentian,  8  ounces ;  mix  well  together  and  divide  into  sixteen 
powders.  Give  a  powder  every  night  and  morning  mixed  with  bran 
and  oats,  if  the  animal  will  eat  it,  or  shaken  with  about  a  pint  of  flax- 
seed tea  and  administered  as  a  drench. 

If  the  cough  remains  after  the  horse  is  apparently  well,  give  1 
dram  of  icdid  of  potassium  dissolved  in  a  bucketful  of  drinking 
water  one  hour  before  each  meal  for  two  or  three  weeks  if  necessary. 
Do  not  put  the  animal  to  work  too  soon  after  recovery.  Allow  ample 
'time  to  regain  strength.  This  disease  is  prone  to  become  chronic  and 
may  run  into  an  incurable  case  of  thick  wind. 

PLEURISY. 

The  thoracic  cavity  is  divided  into  two  lateral  compartments,  each 
containing  one  lung  and  a  part  of  the  heart.  Each  lung  has  its  sepa- 
rate pleural  membrane,  or  covering.  The  pleura  is  the  thin,  glisten- 
ing membrane  that  covers  the  lung  and  also  completely  covers  the  in- 
ternal walls  of  the  chest.  It  is  very  thin,  and  to  the  ordinary  ob- 
server appears  to  be  part  of  the  lung,  which,  in  fact,  it  is  for  all 


I 


DISEASES   OF    THE   RESPIRATORY    ORGANS.  123 

practical  purposes.  The  smooth,  shiny  suiftice  of  the  lung,  as  woll  as 
the  smooth,  shiny  surface  so  familiar  on  t\w.  rib,  is  the  plura.  In 
health  this  surface  is  always  moist.  A  fluid  is  thrown  olF  by  the 
pleura,  wliicli  causes  the  surface  to  be  constantly  moist.  This  is  to 
prevent  the  eti'ects  of  friction  l)etween  tlio  lun«is  and  the  walls  of  the 
cliest  and  other  contiguous  parts  which  come  in  contact.  It  nuist  bo 
remembered  that  the  lungs  are  dilating  each  time  a  breath  is  taken 
in,  and  ccmtracting  each  time  a  breath  of  air  is  expelled.  It  may  be 
reatlily  seen  that  if  it  were  not  for  tiie  moistened  state  of  the  surface 
of  the  pleura  the  continual  dilatation  and  contraction  and  the  conse- 
quent rubbing  of  the  parts  against  each  other  would  cause  serious 
friction. 

Intlammation  of  this  membrane  is  called  pleuri.sy.  Being  so  closely 
united  with  the  lung,  it  can  not  always  escape  participation  in  the 
disease  when  the  latter  is  inflamed.  Pleurisy  may  be  due  to  the 
same  predisposing  and  exciting  causes  as  mentioned  in  the  beginning 
of  this  work  as  general  causes  for  diseases  of  the  organs  of  respi- 
ration, such  as  exposure  to  sudden  changes  of  temperature,  confine- 
ment in  damp  stables,  etc.  It  may  be  caused  also  by  wounds  that 
penetrate  the  chest,  for  it  must  be  remembered  that  such  wounds 
must  necessarily  pierce  the  pleura.  A  fractured  rib  may  involve 
the  pleura.  The  inflammation  following  such  wounds  may  be  cir- 
cumscribed ;  that  is,  confined  to  a  small  area  surrounding  the  wound, 
or  it  may  spread  from  the  wound  and  involve  a  large  portion  of  the 
pleura.  The  pleura  may  be  involved  secondarily  wlien  the  heart  or 
its  membrane  is  the  primary  seat  of  the  disease.  It  may  occur  in 
conjunction  with  bronchitis,  influenza,  and  other  diseases.  Diseased 
growths  that  interfere  with  the  pleura  may  induce  pleurisy.  The 
most  frequent  cause  of  pleuri.sy  is  an  extension  of  inflammation  from 
adjacent  diseased  limg.  It  is  a  conunon  comiilication  of  ])neu- 
monia.  Pleurisy  will  be  described  here  as  an  independent  afl'ection, 
although  it  should  be  remembered  tlint  it  is  very  often  a.ssociated 
with  the  foregoing  diseases. 

The  first  lesion  of  pleuri.sy  is  overfilling  of  the  blood  vessels  that 
ramify  in  this  membrane  and  dryness  of  the  surface.  This  is  fol- 
lowed by  the  formation  of  a  coating  of  coagidated  fibrin  on  the 
di.seased  pleura  and  the  transudation  of  serum  whieh  collects  in  the 
chest.  This  serum  may  contain  flakes  of  fii)rin  and  it  may  be  straw 
colored  or  red  from  an  admixture  of  b]<K)d.  The  <]uantity  of  tliis 
accumulation  may  amount  to  several  gallons. 

Symptonut. — When  the  disease  exists  as  an  independent  affection 
it  is  ushered  in  by  a  chill,  but  this  is  usually  overh)oked.  About  the 
first  thing  noticed  is  the  disinclination  of  the  animal  to  move  or  turn 
around.  When  made  to  do  so  he  grunts  or  groans  with  pain.  He 
stands  stiff:  the  ribs  are  fixed — that  is,  thev  move  very  little  in  the 


124  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

act  of  breathing — but  the  abdomen  works  more  than  natural;  both 
the  fore  feet  and  elbows  may  be  turned  out;  during  the  onset  of  the 
attack  the  animal  may  be  restless  and  act  as  if  he  had  a  slight  colic; 
he  may  even  lie  down,  but  does  not  remain  long  down,  for  when  he 
finds  no  relief  he  soon  gets  up.  After  effusion  begins  these  signs  of 
restlessness  disappear.  Every  movement  of  the  chest  causes  pain; 
therefore  the  cough  is  peculiar ;  it  is  short  and  suppressed  and  comes 
as  near  being  no  cough  as  the  animal  can  make  it  in  his  desire  to 
suppress  it.  The  breathing  is  hurried,  the  mouth  is  hot,  the  tem- 
perature being  elevated  from  102°  or  103°  to  105°  F.  Sjanptoms 
that  usually  accompany  fever  are  present,  such  as  costiveness,  scanty, 
dark-colored  urine,  etc.  The  pulse  is  frequent,  perhaps  TO  or  more 
a  minute,  and  is  hard  and  wiry.    The  legs  and  ears  are  cold. 

Percussion  is  of  valuable  service  in  this  affection.  After  effusion 
occurs  the  sound  produced  by  percussing  over  the  lower  part  of  the 
chest  is  dull.  By  striking  different  parts  one  may  come  to  a  spot  of 
greater  or  less  extent  where  the  blows  cause  much  pain  to  be  evinced. 
The  animal  may  grunt  or  groan  every  time  it  is  struck.  Another 
method  of  detecting  the  affected  part  is  to  press  the  fingers  between 
the  ribs,  each  space  in  succession,  beginning  behind  the  elbow,  until 
a  place  where  the  pressure  causes  more  flinching  than  at  any  other 
part  is  reached.  Auscultation  is  also  useful.  In  the  first  stage,  when 
the  surfaces  are  dry  and  rough,  one  may  hear,  immediately  under  the 
ear,  a  distinct  sound  very  much  like  that  produced  by  rubbing  two 
pieces  of  coarse  paper  together.  No  such  friction  sound  occurs  when 
the  membrane  is  healthy,  as  the  natural  moisture,  heretofore  men- 
tioned, prevents  the  friction.  In  many  cases  this  friction  is  so  pro- 
nounced that  it  may  be  felt  by  placing  the  hand  over  the  affected 
part.  When  the  dry  stage  is  succeeded  by  the  exudation  of  fluid  this 
friction  sound  disappears.  After  the  effusion  into  the  cavity  takes 
place  sometimes  there  is  heard  a  tinkling  or  metallic  sound,  due  to 
dropping  of  the  exudate  from  above  into  the  collected  fluid  in  the 
bottom  of  the  cavity,  as  the  collected  fluid  more  or  less  separates  the 
lung  from  the  chest  walls. 

Within  two  or  three  days  the  urgent  symptoms  may  abate  owing 
to  the  exudation  of  the  fluid  and  the  subsidence  of  the  pain.  The 
fluid  mvLj  now  undergo  absorption,  and  the  case  may  terminate 
favorably  within  a  week  or  10  days. 

If  the  quantity  of  the  effusion  is  large  its  own  volume  retards  the 
process  of  absorption  to  a  great  extent,  and  consequently  convales- 
cence is  delayed.  In  severe  cases  the  pulse  becomes  more  frequent, 
the  breathing  more  hurried  and  labored,  the  flanks  work  like  bellows, 
the  nostrils  flap,  the  eyes  stare  wildly,  the  countenance  expresses 
much  anxiety,  and  general  signs  of  dissolution  are  plain.     After  a 


DISEASES   OF   THE   RESPIRATORY    ORGANS.  125 

time  s^velliiigs  appear  under  the  chest  and  abdomen  and  down  tlie 
legs.  The  accunuilation  in  the  chest  is  calletl  iiydrotliorax,  or  dropsy 
of  the  chest.  A\'hen  this  Hiiid  contains  pus  the  case  usually  proves 
fatal.    The  condition  of  pus  witiiin  the  cavity  is  called  empyema. 

Pleurisy  nuiy  atl'ect  only  a  snuiU  area  of  one  side  or  it  may  allect 
both  sides.    It  is  oftener  confined  to  the  right  siile. 

Treatment. — The  instructions  in  regard  to  the  general  management 
of  bronchitis  and  pneumonia  must  be  adhered  to  in  the  treatment  of 
pleurisy.  Comfortable  (juarters,  pure  air,  warm  clothing  to  the  body 
and  bandages  to  the  legs,  a  plentiful  supply  of  pure  cold  water,  the 
laxative  feed,  etc.,  in  this  case  are  equally  necessary  and  efficacious. 
The  hot  applications  applied  to  the  chest,  as  directed  in  the  treatment 
of  [)neumonia,  are  very  beneficial  in  pleurisy,  and  should  be  kept  up 
while  the  symptoms  show  the  animal  to  be  in  pain. 

During  the  first  few  days,  when  pain  is  manifested  by  restlessness, 
apply  hot  packs  to  the  sides  diligently.  After  four  or  five  days,  when 
the  symptoms  show  that  the  acute  stage  has  somewhat  subsided,  mus- 
tard may  be  applied  as  recommended  for  pneumonia.  From  the 
beginning  the  following  drench  may  be  given  every  six  hours,  if  the 
horse  takes  it  kindly:  Solution  of  the  acetate  of  ammonia,  3  ounces; 
si)irits  of  nitrous  ether,  1  ounce;  bicarbonate  of  potassium.  3  drams; 
water,  1  pint. 

If  the  patient  becomes  debilitated,  the  stimulants  as  prescribed  for 
pneumonia  should  be  used  according  to  the  same  directions.  The 
same  attention  should  be  given  to  the  diet.  If  the  animal  will  par- 
take of  the  bran  mashes,  scalded  oats,  and  grass,  it  is  the  best;  but 
if  he  refuses  the  laxative  diet,  then  he  should  be  tried  with  different 
kinds  of  feed  and  allowed  whichever  kind  he  desires. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  attack,  if  the  pain  is  severe,  causing  the 
animal  to  lie  down  or  paw.  morphin  may  be  given  by  the  mouth  in 
r)-grain  doses,  or  the  fluid  extract  of  Cannaljis  hidica  may  be  used  in 
doses  of  2  to  4  drams. 

If  the  case  is  not  progressing  favorable  in  ten  or  twelve  days  after 
the  beginning  of  the  attack,  convalescence  is  delayed  by  the  fluid  in 
the  chest  failing  to  be  absorbed.  The  animal  becomes  dull  and  weak 
and  evinces  little  or  no  desire  for  feed.  The  breathing  becomes  still 
more  rapid  and  dillicult.  An  eflort  must  now  be  made  to  excite 
the  absorption  of  the  effusion.  An  application  of  liniment  or  mild 
blister  should  be  rubl)ed  over  the  lower  part  of  l)oth  sides  and  the 
bottom  of  the  chest.  The  following  drench  may  be  given  three  times 
n  day.  for  seven  or  eight  days,  if  it  is  necessary  and  appears  to  bene- 
fit: Tincture  of  the  ]>erchlorid  of  iron.  1  ounce:  tinrttire  of  gentian. 
2  ounces;  water.  1  pint.  Al«>  give  1  dram  of  iodid  of  potassium, 
dissolved  in  the  drinking  water,  an  hour  before  feeding  every  night 
and  morninir  for  a  week  or  two. 


126  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

Eydrothorax  is  sometimes  difficult  to  overcome  by  means  of  the 
use  of  medicines  alone,  when  the  operation  of  tapping  the  chest  is 
performed  to  allow  an  escape  for  the  accumulated  fluid.  The  opera- 
tion is  performed  with  a  combined  instrument  called  the  trocar  and 
cannula.  The  puncture  is  made  in  the  lower  part  of  the  chest,  in 
the  space  between  the  eighth  and  ninth  ribs.  Wounding  of  the 
intercostal  artery  is  avoided  by  inserting  the  instrument  as  near  as 
possible  to  the  anterior  edge  of  the  rib.  If  the  operation  is  of 
benefit,  it  is  only  so  when  performed  before  the  strength  is  lowered 
beyond  recovery.  The  operation  merely  receives  a  passing  notice 
here,  as  it  is  not  presumed  that  the  nonprofessional  will  attempt 
it,  although  in  the  hands  of  the  expert  it  is  attended  with  little 
danger  or  difficulty. 

We  have  described  here  bronchitis,  pneumonia,  and  pleurisy 
mainly  as  they  occur  as  independent  diseases,  but  it  should  be  remem- 
bered that  they  merge  into  each  other  and  may  occur  together  at  one 
time.  While  it  is  true  that  much  more  might  have  been  said  in  regard 
to  the  different  stages  and  tj^pes  of  the  affections,  and  also  in  regard 
to  the  treatment  of  each  stage  and  each  particular  type,  the  plan 
adopted  of  advising  plain,  conservative  treatment  is  considered  the 
wisest  on  account  of  simplifying  as  much  as  possible  a  subject  of 
which  the  reader  is  supposed  to  know  very  little. 

PLEUROPNEUMONIA. 

This  is  the  state  in  which  an  animal  is  affected  with  pleurisy  and 
pneumonia  combined,  which  is  not  infrequently  the  case.  At  the 
beginning  of  the  attack  only  one  of  the  affections  may  be  present,  but 
the  other  soon  follows.  It  has  already  been  stated  that  the  pleura  is 
closely  adherent  to  the  lung.  The  pleura  on  this  account  is  frequently 
more  or  less  affected  by  the  spreading  of  the  inflammation  from  the 
lung  tissue.  There  is  a  combination  of  the  symptoms  of  both  diseases, 
but  to  the  ordinary  observer  the  symptoms  of  pleurisy  are  the  most 
obvious.  The  course  of  treatment  to  be  pursued  differs  in  no  manner 
from  that  given  for  the  affections  when  they  occur  independently. 
The  symptoms  will  be  the  guide  as  to  the  advisability  of  giving  oil 
and  laudanum  for  the  pain  if  the  pleurisy  is  very  severe.  It  should 
not  be  resorted  to  unless  it  is  necessary  to  allay  the  pain. 

BRONCHO-PLEUROPNEUMONIA. 

This  is  the  term  or  terms  applied  when  bronchitis,  pleurisy,  and 
pneumonia  all  exist  at  once.  It  is  impossible  for  one  who  is  not  an 
expert  to  diagnose  the  state  with  certainty.  The  apparent  symptoms 
are  the  same  as  when  the  animal  is  affected  with  pleuropneumonia. 


II 


DISEASES   OF    TUE    RESPIRATORY   ORGANS.  127 

SUPPURATION  AND  ABSCESS  IN  THE  LUNG. 

There  are  instances,  and  especially  when  the  surroundings  of  the 
patient  have  been  bad  or  tlie  disease  is  of  an  especially  severe  type, 
when  pneumonia  terminates  in  an  abscess  in  the  lung.  Sometimes, 
when  the  inllanmiation  has  been  extreme,  suppuration  in  a  lar«re  por- 
tion of  the  lung  takes  place.  Imi)ure  all',  the  result  of  imi)roper  ven- 
tilation, is  among  the  most  frequent  causes  of  this  termination.  The 
symptoms  of  suppuration  in  the  lung  are  chronic  pneumonia,  a 
solidified  area  of  lung  tissue,  continued  low  fever,  and,  in  some  cases, 
offensive  smell  of  the  breath,  and  the  discharge  of  the  matter  from 
the  nostrils. 

MORTIFICATION. 

Gangrene,  or  mortification,  means  the  death  of  the  part  affected. 
Occasionally,  owing  to  the  intensity  of  the  inflammation  or  bad  treat- 
ment, pneumonia  and  pleuropneumonia  terminate  in  mortification, 
which  is  soon  followed  by  the  death  of  the  animal.  Perhaps  the  most 
common  cause  of  this  complication  is  the  presence  of  a  foreign  body 
in  the  lung,  as  food  particles  or  medicine.  Rough  drenching  or 
drenching  tlirough  the  nostrils  may  cause  this  serious  condition. 

HEMOPTYSIS,   OR   BLEEDING  FROM  THE  LUNGS. 

Bleeding  from  the  lungs  may  occur  during  the  course  of  congestion 
of  the  lungs,  bronchitis,  pneumonia,  influenza,  purpura  hemorrhagica, 
or  glanders.  An  accident  or  exertion  may  cause  a  rupture  of  a  vessel. 
Plethora  and  hypertrophy  of  the  heart  predispose  to  it.  Following 
the  rupture  of  a  vessel  the  blood  may  escape  into  the  lung  tissue  and 
cause  a  serious  attack  of  pneumonia,  or  it  may  fill  up  the  bronchial 
tubes  and  prove  fatal  by  suffocating  the  animal.  When  the  hemor- 
rhage is  from  the  lung  it  is  accompanied  with  coughing;  the  blood  is 
frothy,  of  a  bright  red  color,  and  comes  from  both  nostrils;  whereas 
when  the  bleeding  is  merely  from  a  ru|>ture  of  a  vessel  in  some 
part  of  the  head  (hertofore  described  as  bleeding  from  the  nose)  the 
blood  is  most  likely  to  issue  from  one  nostril  only,  and  the  discharge 
is  not  accompanied  with  coughing.  The  eai-  may  be  placed  against 
the  windpij^e  along  its  course,  and  if  the  blood  is  from  the  hmgs  a 
gurgling  or  rattling  .sotmd  will  be  heard.  "NVlien  it  occurs  in  connec- 
tion with  another  disease  it  .seldom  reijuires  special  ti'eatnient.  When 
caused  by  accident  or  overexertion  the  animal  should  be  kept  quiet. 
If  the  hemorrhage  is  profuse  and  continues  for  several  hours,  1  dram 
of  the  acetate  of  lead  dis.solved  in  a  pint  of  water  may  be  given  as  a 
drench,  or  1  ounce  of  the  tincture  of  the  jierchlorid  of  iron,  diluted 
with  a  pint  of  water,  may  be  given  instead  of  the  lead.     It  is  rare 


128  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

that  the  hemorrhage  is  so  profuse  as  to  require  internal  remedies. 
But  hemorrhage  into  the  hmg  may  occur  and  cause  death  by  suffo- 
cation without  the  least  manifestation  of  it  by  the  discharge  of  blood 
from  the  nose. 

TUBERCULOSIS  OF  THE  LUNGS. 

Pulmonary  consumption  or  tuberculosis  has  been  recognized  in 
the  horse  in  a  number  of  instances.  The  symptoms  are  as  of  chronic 
pneumonia  or  pleurisy.     There  is  no  treatment  for  the  disease. 

HEAVES,  BROKEN  WIND,  OR  ASTHMA. 

Much  confusion  exists  in  the  popular  mind  in  regard  to  the  nature 
of  heaves.  Many  horsemen  loosely  apply  the  term  to  all  ailments 
where  the  breathing  is  difficult  or  noisy.  Scientific  veterinarians  are 
well  acquainted  with  the  phenomena  and  locality  of  the  affection,  but 
there  is  a  great  diversity  of  opinion  as  regards  the  exact  cause. 
Asthma  is  generally  thought  to  be  caused  by  spasm  of  the  small  cir- 
cular muscles  that  surround  the  bronchial  tubes.  The  contmued 
existence  of  this  affection  of  the  muscles  leads  to  a  paralysis  of  them, 
and  the  forced  breathing  to  emphysema,  which  always  accompanies 

heaves.  . 

Heaves  is  usuaUy  associated  with  disorder  of  the  function  ot  diges- 
tion or  to  an  error  in  the  choice  of  feed.  Feeding  on  clover  hay  or 
damaged  hay  or  straw,  too  bulky  and  innutritions  feed,  and  keeping 
the  horse  in ''a  dustv  atmosphere  or  a  badly  ventilated  stable  produce 
or  predispose  to  heaves.  Horses  brought  from  a  high  to  a  low  level 
are  predisposed. 

In  itself  broken  wind  is  not  a  fatal  disease,  but  death  is  generally 
caused  bv  an  affection  closely  connected  with  it.  After  death,  if  the 
organs  are  examined,  the  lesions  found  depend  much  upon  the  length 
of  time  broken  wind  has  affected  the  animal.  In  recent  cases  very 
few  changes  are  noticeable,  but  in  animals  that  have  been  broken- 
winded  for  a  long  time  the  changes  are  well  marked.  The  lungs  are 
paler  than  natural,  and  of  much  less  weight  in  proportion  to  the  vol- 
ume, as  evidenced  bv  floating  them  in  water.  The  walls  of  the  small 
bronchial  tubes  and  the  membrane  of  the  larger  tubes  are  thickened. 
The  rio-ht  side  of  the  heart  is  enlarged  and  its  cavities  dilated.  The 
stomach  is  enlarged  and  its  walls  stretched.  The  important  change 
found  in  the  lungs  is  a  condition  technically  called  pulmonary  em- 
physema. This  is  of  two  varieties :  First,  what  is  termed  "  vesicular 
emphysema,"  which  consists  of  an  enlargement  of  the  capacity  of  the 
air  cells  (air  vesicles)  by  dilation  of  their  walls.  The  second  form 
is  caUed  interlobular,  or  interstitial,  emphysema,  and  follows  the 


DISEASES    or    THE    RESl'lRATORV    ORGANS.  129 

fii*st.  In  tliis  variety  the  air  find^;  its  way  into  the  liinp  tissue  be- 
tween the  ail"  cellis  or  the  tissue  between  the  small  lobules. 

Symptoms. — Almost  every  experienced  horseman  is  able  to  detect 
hea\es.  The  peculiar  movement  of  the  flanks  and  abdomen  jjoint  out 
the  ailment  at  once.  In  recent  cases,  however,  the  atleitetl  aninud 
does  not  always  exhibit  the  characteristic  breathing  unless  exerted 
to  a  certain  extent.  The  cough  which  accompanies  this  disease  is 
peculiar  to  it.  It  is  ditlicult  to  dcsciibe,  but  the  sound  is  short  and 
something  like  a  giunt.  A^'hen  air  is  inspired — that  is,  taken  in — it 
appears  to  be  done  in  the  same  manner  as  in  health;  it  may  i)o.^sibly 
be  done  a  little  (luick'cr  than  natural,  but  not  enough  to  attract  any 
notice.  It  is  when  the  act  of  expiration  (or  expelling  the  air  from 
the  lungs)  is  performed  that  the  great  change  in  the  breathing  is 
perce|)tible.  It  nuist  be  remembered  that  the  lungs  ha\e  lf)st  much 
of  their  elasticity,  and  in  consequence  of  their  power  or  contracting 
on  account  of  the  degeneration  of  the  walls  of  the  air  cells,  and  also 
on  account  of  the  pai'alysis  of  muscular  tissue  before  mentioned. 
The  air  passes  into  them  freely,  but  the  power  to  expel  it  is  lost  to 
a  great  extent  by  the  lungs:  therefore  the  abdominal  muscles  are 
brought  into  play.  These  muscles,  especially  in  the  region  of  the 
flank,  are  seen  to  contract,  then  pause  for  a  moment,  then  complete 
the  act  of  contracting,  thus  making  a  double  bellowslike  movement 
at  each  expiration,  a  sort  of  jerky  motion  with  every  breath.  The 
double  expiratory  movement  may  also  be  detected  by  allowing  the 
horse  to  exhale  against  the  face  or  back  of  the  hand.  It  will  be  ob- 
served that  the  exi)iratory  current  is  not  continuous,  but  is  broken 
into  two  jets.  When  the  animal  is  exerted  a  wheeezing  noise  accom- 
panies the  breathing.  This  noise  may  be  heard  to  a  less  extent  when 
the  aninud  is  at  rest  if  the  ear  is  applied  to  the  chest. 

As  before  remarked,  indigestion  is  often  present  in  these  cases. 
The  animal  nuiy  have  a  depraved  appetite,  as  shown  by  a  desire  to 
eat  dirt  and  soiled  bedding,  which  he  often  devours  in  preferencce 
to  the  clean  feed  in  the  trough  or  manger.  The  s-tomach  is  liable 
to  be  overloaded  with  indigestil)le  feed.  The  abdomen  may  assume 
that  form  called  "potbellied."  The  animal  frequently  passes  wind 
of  a  very  offensive  odor,  ^^'hen  first  put  to  work  dung  is  passed 
frefjuently:  the  bowels  are  often  loose.  The  animal  can  not  stand 
much  work,  as  the  mu.scular  .sy.stem  is  soft.  Kound-chested  hor.sef 
are  said  to  l3e  predisposed  to  the  di.sease,  and  it  is  certain  that  in 
cases  of  long  standing  the  chest  iisiudly  becomes  rounder  than  natura]. 

Certain  individuals  become  very  expert  in  managing  a  horse  af- 
fected with  heaves  in  suppressing  the  symptoms  for  a  short  time. 
They  take  advantage  of  the  fact  that  the  breathing  is  much  easier 
when  the  stiunach  and  intestines  are  empty.  They  al.so  resort  to  the 
30444"— IG 9 


130  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

use  of  medicines  that  have  a  depressing  effect.  When  the  veterina- 
rian is  examining  a  horse  for  soundness,  and  he  suspects  that  the 
animal  has  been  "  fixed,"  he  usually  gives  the  horse  as  much  water  as 
he  will  drink  and  then  has  him  ridden  or  driven  rapidly  up  a  hill  or 
on  a  heavy  road.  This  will  bring  out  the  characteristic  breathing  of 
heaves  if  the  horse  is  so  afflicted,  but  Avill  not  cause  the  symptoms  of 
heaves  in  a  health}'-  horse.  All  broken-winded  horses  have  the 
cough  peculiar  to  the  affection,  but  it  is  not  regular.  A  considerable 
time  ma}^  elapse  before  it  is  heard  and  then  it  may  come  on  in 
paroxysms,  especially  when  first  brought  out  of  the  stable  into  the 
cold  air,  or  when  excited  by  work,  or  after  a  drink  of  cold  water, 
riie  cough  is  usually  the  first  symptom  of  the  disease. 

Treatment. — T\Tien  the  disease  is  established  there  is  no  cure  for  it. 
Proper  attention  paid  to  the  diet  will  relieve  the  distressing  symp- 
toms to  a  certain  extent,  but  they  will  undoubtedly  reappear  in  their 
intensity  the  first  time  the  animal  overloads  the  stomach  or  is  al- 
lowed food  of  bad  quality.  Clover  hay  or  bulky  feed  which  contains 
but  little  nutriment  have  much  to  do  with  the  cause  of  the  disease, 
and  therefore  should  be  entirely  omitted  when  the  animal  is  affected, 
as  well  as  before.  It  has  been  asserted  that  the  disease  is  unknown 
where  clover  hay  is  never  used.  The  diet  should  be  confined  to  feed 
of  the  best  quality  and  in  the  smallest  quantity.  The  bad  effect  of 
moldy  or  dusty  hay,  fodder,  or  feed  of  an}^  kind  can  not  be  over- 
estimated. A  small  quantity  of  the  best  hay  once  a  day  is  sufficient. 
This  should  be  cut  and  dampened.  The  animal  should  invariabl}'^ 
be  watered  before  feeding;  never  directly  after  a  meal.  The  animal 
should  not  be  worked  immediately  after  a  meal.  Exertion,  when  the 
stomach  is  full,  invariably  aggravates  the  symptoms.  Turning  on 
pasture  gives  relief.  Carrots,  potatoes,  or  turnips  chopped  and 
mixed  with  oats  or  corn  are  a  good  diet.  Half  a  pint  to  a  pint  of 
thick,  dark  molasses  with  each  feed  is  useful. 

Arsenic  is  efficacious  in  palliating  the  symptoms.  It  is  best  ad- 
ministered in  the  form  of  a  solution  of  arsenic,  as  Fowler's  solution 
or  as  the  white  powdered  arsenious  acid.  Of  the  former  th^  dose  is 
1  ounce  to  the  drinking  water  three  times  daily;  of  the  latter  one 
may  give  3  grains  in  each  feed.  These  quantities  may  be  cautiously 
increased  as  the  animal  becomes  accustomed  to  the  drug.  If  the 
bowels  do  not  act  regularly,  a  pint  of  raw  linseed  oil  may  be  given 
once  or  tAvice  a  month,  or  a  handful  of  Glauber's  salt  may  be  given 
in  the  feed  twice  daily,  so  long  as  necessary.  It  must,  however,  be 
borne  in  mind  that  all  medicinal  treatment  is  of  secondary  considera- 
tion; careful  attention  paid  to  the  diet  is  of  greatest  importance. 
Broken-winded  animals  should  not  be  used  for  breeding  purposes. 
A  predisposition  to  the  disease  may  be  inherited. 


DISEASES   OF    TUE   RESPIRATOKV    OKUANS.  131 

CHRONIC  COUGH. 

A  chronic  cough  may  succeod  the  acute  disease  of  tlie  lespiratorv 
organs,  such  as  i)ncuni()uia,  bronchitis,  hiryngitis,  etc.  It  accom- 
panies chronic  roaring,  chronic  broncliitis,  broken  wind;  it  may 
succeed  influenza.  As  previously  stated,  cough  is  but  a  symptom  and 
not  a  disease  in  itself.  Chronic  cough  is  occasionally  associated  with 
diseases  other  than  those  of  the  organs  of  respiration.  It  may  be  a 
syuiptom  of  chronic  indigestion  or  of  worms.  In  such  cases  it  is 
causetl  by  a  retlex  ner\t)us  irritation.  The  proper  treatment  in  all 
cases  of  chronic  cough  is  to  ascertain  the  nature  of  the  disease  of 
which  it  is  a  symptom,  and  then  cure  the  disease  if  possible  and  the 
cough  will  cease. 

The  treatment  of  the  atfections  will  be  found  under  their  appro- 
l)riate  heads,  to  which  the  reader  is  referred. 

PLEURODYNIA. 

This  is  a  form  of  rheumatism  that  affects  the  intercostal  muscles; 
that  is,  the  muscles  between  the  ribs.  The  apparent  symptoms  are 
very  siuiilar  to  those  of  pleurisy.  The  animal  is  stiff  and  not  in- 
clined to  turn  round;  the  ribs  are  kept  in  a  fixed  state  as  much  as 
j)ossil)le.  If  the  head  is  pulled  round  suddenly,  or  the  affected  side 
struck  with  the  hand,  or  if  the  spaces  between  the  ribs  are  pressed 
with  the  fingers,  the  animal  will  flinch  and  perhaps  emit  a  grunt  or 
groan  expressive  of  much  pain.  It  is  distinguished  from  pleurisy 
by  the  absence  of  fever,  cough,  the  friction  sound,  the  ellusion  into 
the  chest,  and  by  the  existence  of  rheumatism  in  other  parts.  The 
tieatment  for  this  affection  is  the  same  as  for  rheunuitisni  affecting 
other  parts. 

WOUNDS  PENETRATING  THE  WALLS  OF  THE  CHEST. 

A  wound  i)enetrating  the  wall  of  the  chest  admits  air  into  the  tho- 
racic cavity  outside  the  lung.  This  condition  is  known  as  pneumo- 
thorax and  may  result  in  collai)se  of  the  lung.  The  wound  may  be 
.St)  made  tluit  when  the  walls  of  the  chest  are  dilating  a  little  air  is 
sucked  in,  but  during  the  contraction  of  the  wall  the  contained  air 
presses  against  the  torn  part  in  .such  manner  as  entirely  to  close  the 
wound;  thus  a  .small  (|uantity  of  air  gains  access  with  each  inspira- 
tion, while  none  is  allowed  to  escape  until  the  lung  is  pre.s.sed  into  a 
very  .small  compass  and  ff)rced  into  the  anterior  jiart  of  the  chest. 
The  same  thing  may  occur  from  a  l)roken  rib  inflicting  a  wound  in 
the  lung.  In  this  form  the  air  gains  access  from  the  lung,  and  there 
mav  not  be  even  an  opening  in  the  walls  of  the  chest.  In  such  ca.ses 
the  air  may  be  absorbed,  when  a  spontaneous  cure  is  the  result,  but 


132  DISEASES    OF    THE   HOESE. 

when  the  symptoms  are  urgent  it  is  recommended  that  the  air  be 
removed  by  a  trocar  and  cannula  or  by  an  aspirator. 

It  is  evident  that  the  treatment  of  wounds  that  penetrate  the  tho- 
racic cavity  should  be  prompt.  It  should  be  quickly  ascertained 
whether  or  not  a  foreign  body  remains  in  the  wound ;  then  it  should  be 
thoroughly  cleaned  with  a  solution  of  carbolic  acid,  1  part  in  40  parts 
of  water.  The  wound  should  then  be  closed  immediately.  If  it  is  an 
incised  wound,  it  should  be  closed  with  sutures  or  with  adhesive  plas- 
ters ;  if  torn  or  lacerated,  adhesive  plaster  may  be  used  or  a  bandage 
around  the  chest  over  the  dressing.  At  all  events,  air  must  be  pre- 
vented from  getting  into  the  chest  as  soon  and  as  effectually  as  pos- 
sible. The  after  treatment  of  the  wound  should  consist  principally  in 
keeping  the  parts  clean  with  a  solution  of  carbolic  acid,  and  applying 
fresh  dressing  as  often  as  required  to  keep  the  wound  in  a  healthy 
condition.  Care  should  be  taken  that  the  discharges  from  the  wound 
have  an  outlet  in  the  most  dependent  part.  (See  Wounds  and  their 
treatment,  p.  -484.)  If  pleurisy  supervenes,  it  should  be  treated  as 
advised  under  that  head. 

THUMPS,  OR  SPASM  OF  THE  DIAPHRAGM. 

"  Thumps  "  is  generally  thought  by  the  inexperienced  to  be  a  pal- 
pitation of  the  heart.  lAliile  it  is  true  that  palpitation  of  the  heart 
is  sometimes  called  "thumps,"  it  must  not  be  confounded  wdth  the 
affection  under  consideration. 

In  the  beginning  of  this  article  on  the  diseases  of  the  organs  of 
respiration,  the  diaphragm  was  briefly  referred  to  as  the  principal 
and  essential  muscle  of  respiration.  Spasmodic  or  irregular  con- 
tractions of  it  in  man  are  manifested  by  what  is  familiarly  known 
as  hiccoughs.  Thumps  in  the  horse  is  similar  to  hiccoughs  in  man, 
although  in  all  cases  the  peculiar  noise  is  not  made  in  the  throat 
of  the  horse. 

There  should  be  no  difficulty  in  distinguishing  this  affection  from 
palpitation  of  the  heart.  The  jerky  motion  affects  the  whole  body, 
and  is  not  confined  to  the  region  of  the  heart.  If  one  hand  is  placed 
on  the  body  at  about  the  middle  of  the  last  rib,  while  the  other  hand 
is  placed  over  the  heart  behind  the  left  elbow,  it  will  be  easily  demon- 
strated that  there  is  no  connection  between  the  thumping  or  jerking 
of  the  diaphragm  and  the  beating  of  the  heart.  In  fact,  when  the 
animal  is  affected  with  spasms  of  the  diaphragm  the  beating  of  the 
lieart  is  usuall}^  much  weaker  and  less  perceptible  than  natural. 
Thumps  is  produced  by  causes  similar  to  those  that  produce  con- 
gestion of  the  lungs  and  dilatation  or  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and 
may  occur  in  connection  wdth  these  conditions.  If  not  relieved, 
death  usually  results  from  congestion  or  edema  of  the  lungs,  as 


DISEASES   OF   THE   RESPIRATOHV    ORGANS.  133 

tlie  breathing  is  interfered  with  by  the  inordinate  action  of  this 
important  muscle  of  inspiration  so  nnich  that  i)roper  aeration  of 
the  bU)od  can  not  take  phue.  The  treatment  should  be  as  pre- 
scribed for  congestion  of  the  hings,  and.  in  addition,  antispasmodics, 
such  as  1  ounce  of  sulphuric  ether  in  \varm  water  or  3  drams  of 
asafetiila. 

RUPTURE  OF  THE  DIAPHRAGM. 

Post-mortem  examinations  after  colic  or  severe  accident  sometimes 
reveal  rupture  of  the  diaphragm.  This  may  take  place  after  death, 
from  the  generation  of  gases  in  the  decomposing  carcass,  wliich 
distend  the  intestines  so  that  the  diaphragm  is  ru]itured  by  the 
great  pres.sure  against  it.  The  symptoms  are  intensely  dillicult  res- 
piration and  great  depression.     There  is  no  treatment.    . 


DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

By  James  Law,  F.  R.  C.  V.  S., 
Formerly  Professor  of  Yeterinanj  Science,   etc.,  in  Cornell  .University. 

USES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

The  urinary  organs  constitute  the  main  channel  through  which  are 
excreted  the  nitrogenous  or  albuminoid  principles,  whether  derived 
directly  from  the  feed  or  from  the  muscular  and  other  nitrogenized 
tissues  of  the  body.  They  constitute,  besides,  the  channel  through 
which  are  thrown  out  most  of  the  poisons,  whether  taken  in  by  the 
mouth  or  skin  or  developed  in  connection  with  faulty  or  natural 
digestion,  blood-forming,  nutrition,  or  tissue  destruction ;  or,  finally, 
poisons  that  are  developed  within  the  body,  as  the  result  of  normal 
cell  life  or  of  the  life  of  bacterial  or  other  germs  that  have  entered  the 
body  from  without.  Bacteria  themselves  largely  escape  from  the 
body  through  the  kidneys.  To  a  large  extent,  therefore,  these  organs 
are  the  sanitary  scavengers  and  purifiers  of  the  sj^stem,  and  when 
their  functions  are  impaired  or  arrested  the  retained  poisons  quickly 
show  their  presence  in  resulting  disorders  of  the  skin  and  connective 
tissue  beneath  it,  of  the  nervous  system,  or  other  organs.  Nor  is  this 
influence  one-sided.  Scarcely  an  important  organ  of  the  body  can 
suffer  derangement  without  entailing  a  corresponding  disorder  of  the 
urinary  system.  Nothing  can  be  more  striking  than  the  mutual  bal- 
ance maintained  between  the  liquid  secretions  of  the  skin  and  kidneys 
during  hot  and  cold  weather.  Ill  summer,  when  so  much  liquid  ex- 
hales through  the  skin  as  sweat,  comparatively  little  urine  is  passed, 
whereas  in  winter,  when  the  skin  is  inactive,  the  urine  is  correspond- 
ingly increased.  This  vicarious  action  of  skin  and  kidneys  is  usually 
kept  within  the  limits  of  health,  but  at  times  the  draining  off  of  the 
water  by  the  skin  leaves  too  little  to  keep  the  solids  of  the  urine  safely 
in  solution,  and  these  are  liable  to  crystallize  out  and  form  stone  and 
gravel.  Similarly  the  passage,  in  the  sweat,  of  some  of  the  solids 
that  normally  leave  the  body,  dissolved  in  the  urine,  serves  to  irritate 
the  skin  and  produce  troublesome  eruptions. 

PR03IINENT  CAUSES  OF  URINARY  DISORDERS. 

A  disordered  liver  contributes  to  the  production  under  different 

circumstances  of  an  excess  of  biliary  coloring  matter  which  stains 

the  urine;  of  an  excess  of  hippuric  acid  and  allied  products  which, 

being  less  soluble  than  urea  (the  normal  product  of  tissue  change), 

134 


DISEASES    OF    THE    URINARY    ORGANS.  135 

favor  the  formation  of  stono,  ot"  taiirocholic  acid,  ami  other  bodies 
that  tend  ^vhen  in  excess  to  destroy  the  hh)()d  «rl()l)ules  and  to  cause 
iiritation  of  the  kidneys  by  the  resultin^j;  henio«j:b)bin  excreted  in  the 
mine,  and  of  «2^1yco<;en  too  abuntbmt  to  be  burned  up  in  the  system, 
which  induces  sacciuirine  mine  (diabetes).  Any  disorck'r  leadin*^  to 
impaired  functional  activity  of  the  hin<?s  is  causative  of  an  excess  of 
bipi)urie  acid  and  allied  iiodies,  of  oxalic  acid,  of  su<rar,  vtc.  in  tlie 
urine,  which  irritate  the  kiilneys,  even  if  they  do  not  produce  solid 
depasits  in  the  urinary  passages.  Diseases  of  the  nervons  system, 
and  notably  of  the  base  of  the  brain  and  of  the  si)inal  cord,  induce 
various  urinary  disorders,  jn-ominent  anion*;  Avhich  are  dial)etes, 
chylous  urine,  and  albuminuria.  Certain  affections,  with  imperfect 
nutrition  or  destructive  waste  of  the  bony  tissues,  teiul  to  cliar<xe  tlio 
urine  with  phosphates  of  lime  and  magnesia  and  endanger  the 
formation  of  stone  and  gravel.  In  all  extensive  inflammations  and 
acute  fevers  the  licjuids  of  the  urine  are  diminished,  while  the  solids 
(waste  products),  which  should  form  the  urinary  secretion,  are 
increased,  and  the  surcharged  urine  proves  irritant  to  the  urinary 
organs  or  the  i-etained  waste  products  poison  the  system  at  huge. 

Diseases  of  the  heart  and  lungs,  by  interfering  with  the  free, 
onward  flow  of  the  blood  from  the  right  side  of  the  heart,  tend  to 
throw  that  li<iuid  back  on  the  veins,  and  this  backward  pressure 
of  venous  blood  strongly  tends  to  disorders  of  the  kidneys.  Certain 
poisons  taken  with  the  feed  and  water,  notably  that  foimd  in  mag- 
nesian  limestone  and  those  found  in  irritant,  diuretic  plants,  are 
e^pecially  injurious  to  the  kidneys,  as  are  also  various  cryptogams, 
whether  in  musty  hay  or  oats.  The  kidnej'S  may  be  irritated  by 
feeding  green  vegetables  covered  with  hoar  frost  or  by  furnishing 
an  excess  of  feed  rich  in  phosphates  (wheat  bran,  beans,  peas,  vetches, 
lentils,  rape  cake,  cottonseed  cake)  or  by  a  privation  of  water,  which 
entails  a  concentrated  condition  and  high  density  of  the  urine.  Ex- 
posure in  cold  rain  or  snow  storms,  cold  drafts  of  air,  and  damj) 
beds  are  liable  to  further  disorder  an  already  overworked  or  irritable 
kidney.  Finally,  sprains  of  the  back  and  loins  may  cause  bleeding 
from  the  kidneys  or  inflammation. 

The  right  kidney,  weighing  '23 J  ounces,  is  shaped  like  a  Fiend i 
bean,  and  extends  from  the  loins  forward  to  beneath  the  heads  of 
the  last  two  ribs.  The  left  kidney  (PI.  VIII)  resembles  a  heart 
of  cards,  and  extends  from  the  loins  forward  beneath  the  head  of 
the  last  rib  only.  Each  consists  of  three  distinct  i)arts — (a)  the 
exteinal  (cortical),  or  vascular  part,  in  which  the  blood  vessels  form 
elaborate  capillary  networks  within  the  dilated  globular  sacs  which 
form  the  beginnings  of  the  secreting  (uriniferous)  tul)es  and  on  the 
surface  of  the  sinuous,  secreting  tubes  leading  from  the  sacs  inward 
toward  the  second,  or  medullary,  part  of  the  organ;    (b)   the  in- 


136  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

ternal  (medullary)  part,  made  up  in  the  main  of  blood  vessels, 
lymphatics,  and  nerves  extending  between  the  notch  on  the  inner 
border  of  the  kidney  to  and  from  the  outer  vascular  portion,  in  v\'hich 
the  secretion  of  urine  is  almost  exclusively  carried  on;  and  (d)  a 
large,  saccular  reservoir  in  the  center  of  the  kidney,  into  which  all 
uriniferous  tubes  pour  their  secretions  and  from  which  the  urine 
is  carried  away  through  a  tube  g  (ureter),  which  passes  out  of  the 
notch  at  the  inner  border  of  the  kidney  and  which  opens  by  a  valve- 
closed  orifice  into  the  roof  of  the  bladder  just  in  front  of  its  neck. 
The  bladder  is  a  dilatable  reservoir  for  the  retention  of  the  urine 
until  the  discomfort  of  its  presence  causes  its  voluntai-^^  discharge. 
It  is  kept  closed  by  circular,  muscular  fibers  surrounding  its  neck 
or  orifice,  and  is  emptied  by  looped,  muscular  fibers  extending  in 
all  directions  forward  from  the  neck  around  the  blind  anterior  end 
of  the  sac.  From  the  bladder  the  urine  escapes  through  a  dilatable 
tube  (urethra)  which  extends  from  the  neck  of  the  bladder  backward 
on  the  floor  of  the  pelvis,  and  in  the  male  through  the  penis  to  its 
free  end,  where  it  opens  through  a  pink,  conical  papilla.  In  the  mare 
the  uretha  is  not  more  than  an  inch  in  length,  and  is  surrounded  by 
the  circular,  muscular  fibers  closing  the  neck  of  the  bladder.  Its 
opening  may  be  found  directly  in  the  median  line  of  the  floor  of  the 
vulva,  about  4^  inches  from  its  external  opening. 

GENERAL  SYMPTOMS  OF  DISEASE. 

These  appl}'  especially  to  acute  inflammations  and  the  irritation 
caused  by  stone.  The  animal  moves  stiffly  on  the  hind  limbs,  strad- 
dles, and  makes  frequent  attempts  to  pass  urine,  which  may  be  in 
excess,  deficient  in  amount,  liable  to  sudden  arrest  in  spite  of  the 
straining,  passed  in  driblets,  or  entirely  suppressed.  Again,  it  may 
be  modified  in  density  or  constituents.  Difficulty  in  making  a  sharp 
turn,  or  in  lying  down  and  rising  with  or  without  groaning,  drop- 
ping the  back  when  mounted  or  when  pinched  on  the  loins  is  sugges- 
tive of  kidney  disease,  and  so  to  a  less  extent  are  swelled  legs,  dropsy, 
and  diseases  of  the  skin  and  nervous  system.  The  oiled  hand  intro- 
duced through  the  rectum  may  feel  the  bladder  beneath  and  detect 
any  overdistention,  swelling,  tenderness,  or  stone.  In  ponies  the  kid- 
neys even  may  be  reached. 

EXAMINATION   OF  THE   URINE. 

In  some  cases  the  changes  in  the  urine  are  the  sole  sign  of  disease. 
In  health  the  horse's  urine  is  of  a  deep  amber  color  and  has  a  strong 
odor.  On  a  feed  of  grain  and  hay  it  may  show  a  uniform  transpar- 
ency, while  on  a  green  ration  there  in  an  abundant  white  deposit  of 
carbonate  of  lime.     Of  its  morbid  changes  the  following  are  to  be 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture.  Diseases  of  the  Horsf 


rr.ATK  \iii. 


ti  .('crticul   '  nr  \it.vrntar>  pnrriori ;     h,  Afet/iiUtifV  '  I'r  fiihiitttr  >  />ni-fin/i 
r.f'i-rtf)fie'fii//>i'rti»riof't/ir  tnttrf;    if ,/ntffior i>t't/ir  /tf/M.v ;   li'.fi'. 
.Irni.v  i>f't/tr  f>ft\-i.<! :  r.  IUirrlrrr>ri/ir  rrtwU .    f!/n/}t/it/i/>i//iun ,  uJ'rrtrr. 


•Irl.nnpT  IIArtMivnl  \t^^^ 


i.()N(;iTri)iNAi.  SK(  -I'loN  rHH<jr(;ii  kimnky 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


fLiATe:  IX. 


Ilcll.ll  III/ 
/nnr:  !('./.•■ 
!irv    /■',./;:, 

/:r<'nr/,     ,.. 

!rr-n/  tlir  r,,u 
i/,'i>nirrii/ii,\-, 
'loot,  nfthr   I 


■  ■  ■;  /if  7,v.s  :r,!-r      I  ! 

■  ./  //,'/'//,■,    ,  /:'  J/.a- 
i^rr/o,.   I.-,.  A/r,: 
,ll<i>-u:-.-l7Sirni;:/ 
:r:irio/r  roiiii/it/  /,  <■ 


/.!:■'  (i/IIUKI  ti'illl   Ihl'   l(ipl/l<l/y  /i/r.rfi.-,-       '.'n.\'il\:li/(i;- 

!/,.■■  '    '.i-.^m/  o/'///r  ii/'iii/rrii/i/.s  i/ni/ii/  /i'  l/ir    !iirf/t'f\ 

:■',',..  .  .  ,il,'tr  I'lirl  ofliir    ,  '.ulu'il    .^      ' 

^'V/:     -  '-'■mil:   '."i  Ciirliiril  i>lr.-ii.y  Oi  I 

'.'.'•.],-.■  f'^'r   c,i/ii//,i!-i(.s  of  t'K    <<>rU\i 

/.{■liu/or  \  ,-iii  .     :\S.\rto    rr;  r  iwi.i/  //,:     . /i.<i ,    r.r/iir  ■   ?.0.  \>ii(ir   i  (■<■/,,,■ . 

Xoti'  :  7'/tr  s/ifiitcd /'iirl  n/'l/ir  ii/i//o/\\   i/zir/.'.'  rr/iiv.Mvi/  /fyr  pii/l  ii<    w/iir/i   l/ir 
c/'il/ichitm  IS  /•(>i/)li{/  /III (■/,■/  11  /ifiiiiiihi/-  iipprtiiiilirc  . 


(.;■..  M..rxiin.  iI>AilK,vi,t  ,    ;>  :!7-J. 


MlCKOSroPH'  ANATOMY'  OF  KiDXKY. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture.  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


I*l..\.l  1-.     X. 


f;  !•  ii;il     (ill.  iii(M"iilii.-i  . 
II  .\rriry,:   liir   ,/lriniriiln.\    h,  ttrniirh    siiti/if\iiiii  tin  ntU  i ,  nt 
w.wr/  ol'lhr  tftfifiimihi.-^.  t-  AITrrfii!    iv.v.sr/   aft/ir  f/h'tncrilfc; 

it.    Irttrv  i/'ii/tp  t/irrt /f\    fi    ''if    irm/hn-x   /iii:rii.\  of  tfir  i  nr/in'/ 

.sii/i.- IfHirt  :  r.l'itnil/'  'ninrt  ittii.s 


Kflllll   liltlllllTulllS   Wilh  lIsaHclTlllM-NSI-IsilllllcniTIMlls. 

n  lliiinrh   t'f'rr/Hit  tn-ft'fy;   l>.  .tfii'ffnf    \'i\\.sr/  t>(  rfit 
trlffitrt-trhl.i;  c  .Ch'litcrtllllM  :   tf,  Aflrr/fHt    \1.w>rf   ,/ti 
.    mr/tH.vHf  r  of'  Mii//iii//ii 


MICI  f"  tS<*(>l'[C  AN'.vroMV  nv  i:i!)NK>' 


DISEASES    OF    TlIK    VHINAHV    01U;ANS. 


137 


looked  for:  (1)  Color:  White  from  depositetl  .salts  of  lime:  l>io\vn 
or  red  from  blood  clots  or  coloriii<^  matter;  yellow  or  oran<»:e  from 
hile  or  hlood  pigment;  pale  from  excess  of  .water;  or  variously 
coloreil  from  vejretaMe  ingredients  (santonin  makes  it  red;  rhubarb 
or  senna,  brown;  tar  or  carbolic  acid,  green).  ("2)  Detusity:  The 
horse's  urine  may  be  1.030  or  1.050,  but  it  nuiy  greatly  exceed  this  in 
diabetes  and  may  sink  to  1.007  in  diuresis.  (3)  CJunihal  naefion.  as 
ascertained  by  blue  litmus  or  red  test  i)apers.  The  horse  on  vegetable 
diet  has  alkaline  urine  turning  red  test  papers  blue,  while  in  the 
suckijig  I'olt  and  the  horse  fed  on  flesh  or  on  his  own  tissue  (in 
star\  ation  or  abstinence  during  disease)  it  is  acid,  turning  blue  litmus 
led.  (4)  Organic  constituents,  as  when  glairy  from  albumen  co- 
agulable  by  strong  nitric  acid  and  boiling,  when  charged  with  micro- 
scoj)ic  casts  of  the  uriniferous  tubes,  with  the  eggs  or  bodies  of  worms, 
with  sugar,  blood,  or  bile.  (5)  In  its  salts,  which  may  crystallize  out 
>l)ontaneously,  oi"  on  boiling,  or  on  the  addition  of  chemical  reagents. 

Albuminous  urine  in  the  horse  is  usiuilly  glairy,  so  that  it  may  be 
drawn  out  in  thieads,  but  its  presence  can  alwaj's  be  tested  as  follows: 
If  the  li(|uid  is  oi)a(iue,  it  may  be  first  ]^assed  through  filter  ]^ai)er; 
if  very  dense  and  already  precipitating  its  salts,  it  may  be  diluted 
with  distilled  water;  add  to  the  suspected  Vniuid  acetic  acid  drop  by 
dro])  until  it  reddens  the  blue  litmus  paper:  then  boil  gently  in  a 
test  tube;  if  a  i)recipitate  is  thrown  down,  set  the  tube  aside  to  cool 
and  then  add  strong  nitric  acid.  If  the  precipitate  is  not  dissolved,  it 
is  albumen;  if  dissolved  it  is  probably  urate  or  hippurate  of  am- 
monia. Albumen  is  normally  present  in  advanced  gestation;  abnor- 
mally it  is  seen  in  diseases  in  which  there  occurs  destruction  of  l)lood 
globules  (anthrax,  low  fcvei's.  watery  states  of  the  blood,  dropsies),  in 
diseases  of  the  heart  and  li\er  which  j)revent  the  free  escape  of  blood 
from  the  veins  and  throw  l)ack  venous  pressure  on  the  kidneys,  in 
inflammation  of  the  lungs  and  i)leurje,  and  even  tympany  (bloat- 
ing), doubtless  from  the  same  cause,  and  in  all  congestive  or  inflam- 
matory diseases  of  the  kidneys,  acute  or  chronic. 

Casts  of  the  uriniferous  tubes  can  be  seen  only  by  jjlacing  the  sus- 
pected urine  undei*  the  microscoj)e.  They  aie  usually  very  ela>tic  and 
mobile,  waving  about  in  the  li(piid  when  the  cover  glass  is  touched, 
and  showing  a  unifoi-m,  clear  transi)arency  (waxy)  or  entangled  cii- 
cular  epithelial  cells  or  opa<|ue  granules  or  flattened,  red-blood  glob- 
ules or  clear,  rcfrangent  oil  globides.  They  may  be  even  densely 
opaqiie  from  crystals  of  earthy  salts. 

I'lis  cells  may  be  fotmd  in  the  urine  associated  with  albinuen,  and 
are  recognized  by  clearing  up,  when  treated  with  acetic  acid,  so  that 
each  cell  shows  two  or  three  nuclei. 


138  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

DIURESIS    (POLYURIA,    DIABETES    INSIPIDUS,    OR    EXCESSIVE 
SECRETION  OF  URINE). 

This  consists  in  an  excessive  secretion  of  a  clear,  water}^  urine  of  a 
low  specific  gravit}^  (1.007)  with  a  correspondingly  ardent  thirst,  a 
rapidly  advancing  emaciation,  and  great  loss  of  strength  and  spirit. 

Causes. — Its  causes  may  be  any  agent — medicinal,  alimentary,  or 
poisonous — which  unduly  stimulates  the  kidneys ;  the  reckless  admin- 
istration of  diuretics,  which  form  such  a  common  constituent  of  quack 
horse  powders;  acrid  diuretic  plants  in  grass  or  hay;  new  oats  still 
imperfectly  cured ;  an  excess  of  roots  or  other  very  waterj^  feed ;  a 
full  allowance  of  salt  to  animals  that  have  become  inordinately  fond 
of  it;  but,  above  all,  feeding  on  hay,  grain,  or  bran  which  has  not 
been  properly  dried  and  has  become  musty  and  permeated  by  fungi. 
Thus  hay,  straw,  or  oats  obtained  in  wet  seasons  and  heating  in  the 
rick  or  stack  is  especially  injurious.  Hence  this  malady,  like  coma 
somnolentum  (sleepy  staggers),  is  widespread  in  wet  seasons,  and 
especially  in  rainy  districts. 

Symptonns. — The  horse  drinks  deep  at  every  opportunity"  and 
passes  urine  on  every  occasion  when  stopped,  the  discharge  being 
pale,  water}' ,  of  a  low  density,  and  inodorous ;  in  short,  it  contains  a 
great  excess  of  water  and  a  deficiency  of  the  solid  excretions.  So 
great  is  the  quantity  passed,  however,  that  the  small  amount  of 
solids  in  any  given  specimen  amounts  in  24  hours  to  far  more  than 
the  normal — a  fact  in  keeping  with  the  rapid  wasting  of  the  tissues 
and  extreme  emaciation.  The  flanks  become  tucked  up,  the  fat  dis- 
appears, the  bones  and  muscles  stand  out  prominently,  the  skin  be- 
comes tense  and  hidebound,  and  the  hair  erect,  scurfy,  and  deficient 
in  luster.  The  eye  becomes  dull  and  sunken,  the  spirits  are  de- 
pressed, the  animal  is  weak  and  sluggish,  sweats  on  the  slightest 
exertion,  and  can  endure  little.  The  subject  may  survive  for  months, 
or  may  die  earl}^  of  exhaustion.  In  the  slighter  cases,  or  when  the 
cause  ceases  to  operate,  a  somewhat  tardy  repover}'^  niay  be  made. 

Treatment  consists  in  stopping  the  ingestion  of  the  faulty  drugs, 
poisons,  or  feed,  and  supplying  sound  hay  and  grain  free  from  all 
taint  of  heating  or  mustiness.  A  liberal  supply'  of  boiled  flaxseed  in 
the  drinking  water  at  once  serves  to  eliminate  the  poison  and  to 
sheathe  and  protect  the  irritated  kidneys.  Tonics  like  sulphate  or 
phosphate  of  iron  (2  drams  morning  and  evening)  and  powdered 
gentian  or  Peruvian  bark  (4  drams)  help  greatly  by  bracing  the 
system  and  hastening  repair.  To  these  may  be  added  agents  calcu- 
lated to  destroy  the  fungus  and  eliminate  its  poisonous  products.  In 
that  form  which  depends  on  must}^  food  nothing  acts  better  than 
large  doses  of  iodid  of  potassium  (2  drams),  while  in  other  cases 
creosote,  carbolic  acid  (1  dram),  or  oil  of  turpentine  (4  drams), 
properly  diluted,  may  be  resorted  to. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    URINARY    ORtiANS.  1,39 

SACCHARINE   DIABETES   (DIABETES   MELLITUS,   GLYCOSURIA,   OR 

INOSURIA). 

This  is  |)riin:ii-ily  a  tlist'iise  of  tlu'  iktvous  systt'iu  or  Iimt  ratluT 
than  of  the  kichievs.  yet,  as  the  most  prominent  symptom  is  the  sweet 
mine,  it  may  be  treated  here. 

Causes. — Its  causes  are  varied,  hut  resolve  themselves  largely  into 
disorder  of  the  liver  or  disorder  of  the  brain.  One  of  the  most 
l)rominent  functions  of  the  liver  is  the  formation  of  glycogen,  a  prin- 
ci[)le  allied  to  grape  sugar,  and  passing  into  it  by  further  oxidation 
in  the  blood.  This  is  a  constant  function  of  the  liver,  but  in  health  the 
resulting  sugar  is  burned  up  in  the  circulation  and  does  not  appear  in 
the  urine.  On  the  contrary,  Avhen  the  .supply  of  oxygen  is  defective, 
as  in  certain  diseases  of  the  lungs,  the  whole  of  the  sugar  does  not 
undergo  combustion  and  the  excess  is  excreted  by  the  kidneys.  Also 
in  certain  forms  of  enlarged  liver  the  quantity  of  sugar  produced  is 
more  than  can  be  disposed  of  in  the  natural  way,  and  it  appears  in  the 
urine.  A  temporary  sweetness  of  the  urine  often  occurs  after  a 
hearty  meal  on  starchy  feed,  but  this  is  due  altogether  to  the  super- 
abundant supply  of  the  sugar-forming  feed,  lasts  for  a  few  hours 
only,  and  has  no  pathological  significance.  In  many  cases  of  fatal 
glycosuria  the  liver  is  found  to  l)e  enlarged,  or  at  least  congested,  and 
it  is  found  that  the  disorder  can  be  produced  experimentally  by 
agencies  which  produce  an  increased  circulation  through  the  liver. 
Thus  Bernard  produced  glycosuria  by  pricking  the  oblong  medulla  at 
the  base  of  the  brain  close  to  the  roots  of  the  pneumogastric  nerve, 
which  happens  to  be  also  the  nerve  center  (vasomotor)  which  presides 
over  the  contractions  of  the  minute  blootl  vessels.  The  pricking  and 
irritation  of  this  center  leads  to  congestion  of  the  liver  and  the  exces- 
.sive  pioduction  of  sugar.  Irritation  carried  to  this  point  through  the 
j)neumogastric  nerve  causes  saccharine  urine,  and,  in  keeping  with 
this,  disease  of  the  pancreas  has  been  found  in  this  malady.  The  com- 
])lete  removal  of  the  pancreas,  however,  determines  glycosui'ia,  the 
oi-gan  having  in  health  an  iiihibitive  action  on  sugar  pi-oduction  by 
the  liver.  The  same  result  follows  the  reflection  of  irritation  fioni 
(»ther  sources, as  from  diflerent  ganglia  (coij)ora  striata. optic thalami, 
j)ons,  cerebellum,  cerel)rum)  of  the  l)rain.  .Similarly  it  is  induced  by 
interruption  of  the  nervous  control  along  the  vasomotor  tracts,  as  in 
destruction  of  the  upper  oi'  lower  cei'vical  sympathetic  ganglion,  by 
cutting  the  nervous  liranch  connecting  these  two,  in  injury  to  the 
spinal  mariow  in  the  interval  between  the  brain  and  the  second  or 
fourth  dorsal  vertel)ra,  or  in  disea.se  of  the  celiac  plexus,  which 
directly  presides  over  the  liver.  Certain  chemical  poisons  also  cause 
saccharine  urine,  notably  woorara.  strychnia,  morphia,  phosphoric 
acid,  alcohol,  ether.  (|uinia.  chloroform,  ammonia,  arsenic,  and 
phlorizin. 


140  DISEASES  OF   THE   HORSE. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  ardent  thirst  and  profuse  secre- 
tion of  a  pale  urine  of  a  high  density  (1.060  and  upward),  rapid  loss 
of  condition,  scurfy,  unthrifty  skin,  costiveness  or  irregularity  of 
the  bowels,  indigestion,  and  the  presence,  in  the  urine,  of  a  sweet 
principle — grape  sugar  or  inosite,  or  both.  This  may  be  most 
promptly  detected  by  touching  the  tip  of  the  tongue  with  a  drop. 
Sugar  may  be  detected  simply  by  adding  a  teaspoonful  of  liquid 
yeast  to  4  ounces  of  the  urine  and  keeping  it  lightly  stopped  at  a 
temperature  of  70°  to  80°  F.  for  12  hours,  when  the  sugar  will  be 
found  to  have  been  changed  into  alcohol  and  carbon  dioxid.  The 
loss  of  density  will  give  indication  of  the  quantity  of  sugar  trans- 
formed; thus  a  density  of  1.035  in  a  urine  which  was  formerly  1.060 
Avould  indicate  about  15  grains  of  sugar  to  the  fluid  ounce. 

Inosite,  or  muscle  sugar,  frequently  present  in  the  horse's  urine, 
and  even  replacing  the  glucose,  is  not  fermentable.  Its  presence  may 
be  indicated  by  its  sweetness  and  the  absence  of  fermentation  or  by 
Gallois's  test.  Evaporate  the  suspected  urine  at  a  gentle  heat  almost 
to  dryness,  then  add  a  drop  of  a  solution  of  mercuric  nitrate  and 
evaporate  carefully  to  drjmess,  when  a  yellowish  residue  is  left  that 
is  changed  on  further  cautious  heating  to  a  deep  rose  color,  which 
disappears  on  cooling  and  reappears  on  heating. 

In  advanced  diabetes,  dropsies  in  the  limbs  and  under  tlie  chest 
and  belly,  puffy,  swollen  eyelids,  cataracts,  catarrhal  inflammation 
of  the  lungs,  weak,  uncertain  gait,  and  drowsiness  may  be  noted. 

Treatment  is  most  satisfactory  in  cases  dependent  on  some  curable 
disease  of  liver,  pancreas,  lungs,  or  brain.  Thus,  in  liver  diseases,  a 
run  at  pasture  in  warm  weather,  or  in  winter  a  warm,  sunny,  well- 
aired  stable,  with  sufficient  clothing  and  laxatives  (sulphate  of  soda, 
1  ounce  daily)  and  alkalies  (carbonate  of  potassium,  one-fourth 
ounce)  may  benefit.  To  this  may  be  added  mild  blistering,  cupping, 
or  even  leeching  over  the  last  ribs.  Diseases  of  the  brain  or  pancreas 
may  be  treated  according  to  their  indications.  The  diet  should  be 
mainly  albuminous,  such  as  wheat  bran  or  middlings,  peas,  beans, 
vetches,  and  milk.  Indeed,  an  exclusive  milk  diet  is  one  of  the  very 
best  remedial  agencies.  It  may  be  given  as  skimmed  milk  or  butter- 
milk, and  in  the  last  case  combines  an  antidiabetic  remedy  in  the 
lactic  acid.  Under  such  an  exclusive  diet  recent  and  mild  cases  are 
often  entirely  restored,  though  at  the  expense  of  an  attack  of  rheu- 
matism. Codeia,  one  of  the  alkaloids  of  opium,  is  strongly  recom- 
mended by  Tyson.  The  dose  for  the  horse  would  be  10  to  15  grains 
thrice  daily.  In  cases  in  which  there  is  manifest  irritation  of  the 
brain,  bromid  of  potassium,  4  drams,  or  ergot  one-half  ounce,  may 
be  resorted  to.  Salicylic  acid  and  salicjdate  of  sodium  have  proved 
useful  in  certain  cases;  also  phosphate  of  sodium.  Bitter  tonics  (es- 
pecially nux  vomica  one-half  dram)  are  useful  in  improving  the  di- 
gestion and  general  health. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    IHINAHV    ORGANS.  141 

HEMATIRIA   (BLOODY   URINE), 

Cautu'. — As  soon  in  the  lunsi.'.  hlootly  uiiiio  is  usually  the  dii-ect 
result  of  mechanical  injuries,  as  sprains  ami  fraotuies  of  the  loins, 
lacerations  of  the  suhlu.mbar  muscles  (psoas),  iiritation  caused  by 
stone  ill  the  kidney,  ureter,  bladder,  or  urethra.  It  may,  however, 
occur  'Nvith  acute  c<)n<;estion  of  the  kidney,  with  tumors  in  its  sub- 
stance, or  with  papilloma  or  other  diseased  growth  in  the  bladder. 
Acrid  diuretic  plants  present  in  the  feed  may  also  lead  to  the  escape 
of  blood  from  the  kidney.  The  predisi)osition  to  this  atfection  is, 
however,  incomparably  less  than  in  the  case  of  the  ox  or  the  sheep, 
the  difference  being:  attributed  to  the  greater  plasticity  of  the  horse's 
blood  in  connection  with  the  larger  (luantity  of  fibrin. 

The  blo<^)d  nuiy  be  present  in  small  clots  or  in  more  or  less  intimate 
admixture  with  the  urine.  Its  coijdition  may  furnish  some  indication 
as  to  its  source;  thus,  if  from  the  kidneys  it  is  more  liable  to  be  uni- 
formly diffused  through  the  urine,  while  as  furnished  by  the  bladder 
or  passages  clots  are  more  liable  to  be  present.  Again,  in  bleeding 
from  the  kidney,  minute,  cylindrical  clots  inclosing  blood  globides 
and  formed  in  the  uriniferous  tubes  can  be  detected  under  the  micro- 
scope. Precision  also  may  be  approximated  by  observing  whether 
there  is  coexisting  fracture,  sprain  of  the  loins,  or  stone  or  tumor  in 
the  bladder  or  urethra. 

Tnatjncnt. — The  disease  being  mainly  due  to  diiect  injury,  treat- 
ment will  consist,  first,  in  remo\  ing  such  cause  whenever  possible,  and 
then  in  applying  general  and  local  styptics.  Irritants  in  feed  nnist 
be  avoided,  sprains  appropriately  treated,  and  stone  in  bladder  or 
urethra  removed.  Then  give  mucilaginous  drinks  (sli}>pei'y  elm.  lin- 
seed tea)  freely,  and  styptics  (tincture  of  chlorid  of  iron  3  drams, 
acetate  of  lead  one-half  dram,  tannic  acid  one-half  dram,  or  oil  of 
turpentine  1  ounce).  If  the  dischaige  is  abundant.  ai)ply  cold  water 
to  the  loins  and  keep  the  animal  pei'fectly  still. 

HEMOGLOBIMRIA    (AZOTURIA,    AZOTEMIA,    POISONING    BY 

ALBUMINOIDS). 

I^ike  diabetes,  this  is  lather  a  disease  of  the  liver  and  blood-foini- 
ing  functions  than  of  the  kidney,  but  as  prominent  symptoms  are  loss 
of  control  over  the  hind  limbs  and  the  passage  of  ro]>v  and  dark- 
coloi-ed  urine,  the  vulgar  idea  is  that  it  is  a  disorder  of  the  urinaiy 
(»rgans.  It  is  a  complex  affection  directly  connected  with  a  plethora 
in  the  blood  of  nitrogenized  constituent.s.  with  extreme  nervous  and 
muscular  disorder  and  the  excietion  of  a  dense  leddish  or  biowuish 
urine.  It  is  directly  connected  with  high  feeding,  especially  on 
liighly  nitrogenized  feed  (oat.s,  bean.s,  peas,  vetches,  cottonseed  meal), 
and  with  a  period  of  idleness  in  the  stall  undei*  full  rations.  The 
disease  is  never  seen  at  pasture,  rarely  nndtr  constant  daily  work, 


142  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

even  though  the  feeding  is  high,  and  the  attack  is  nsually  precipi- 
tated by  taking  the  horse  from  the  stable  and  subjecting  it  to  exer- 
cise or  work.  The  poisoning  is  not  present  when  taken  from  the 
stable,  as  the  horse  is  likely  to  be  noticeably  lively  and  spirited,  but 
he  will  usually  succumb  under  the  first  hundred  yards  or  half  mile 
of  exercise.  It  seems  as  if  the  aspiratory  power  of  the  chest  under 
the  sudden  exertion  and  accelerated  breathing  speedily  drew  from 
the  gorged  liver  and  abdominal  veins  (portal)  the  accumulated  store 
of  nitrogenous  matter  in  an  imperfectly  oxidized  or  elaborated  condi- 
tion, and  as  if  the  blood,  surcharged  with  these  materials,  were  un- 
able to  maintain  the  healthy  functions  of  the  nerve  centers  and 
muscles.  It  has  been  noticed  rather  more  frequently  in  mares  than 
horses,  attributable,  perhaps,  to  the  nervous  excitement  attendant 
on  heat,  and  to  the  fact  that  the  unmutilated  mare  is  naturally  more 
excitable  than  the  docile  gelding. 

Lignieres  has  found  in  hemoglobinuria  a  streptococcus  which  pro- 
duced nephritis,  bloody  urine,  and  paraplegia  in  experimental  ani- 
mals, including  horses. 

Symptons. — In  the  milder  forms  this  affection  may  appear  as  a 
lameness  in  one  limb,  from  indefinite  cause,  succeeding  to  some  sud- 
den exertion  and  attended  by  a  dusky-brown  color  of  the  membranes 
of  the  eye  and  nose  and  some  wincing  when  the  last  ribs  are  struck. 
The  severe  forms  come  on  after  one  or  two  days  of  rest  on  a  full 
ration,  when  the  animal  has  been  taken  out  and  driven  one  hundred 
paces  or  more.  The  fire  and  life  with  which  he  had  left  the  stable 
suddenly  give  place  to  dullness  and  oppression,  as  shown  in  heaving 
flanks,  dilated  nostrils,  pinched  face,  perspiring  skin,  and  trembling 
body.  The  muscles  of  the  loins  or  haunch  become  swelled  and  rigid, 
the  subject  .moves  stiffly  or  unsteadily,  crouches  behind,  the  limbs 
being  carried  semiflexed,  and  he  soon  drops,  unable  to  support  him- 
self. When  down,  the  body  and  limbs  are  moved  convulsively,  but 
there  is  no  power  of  coordination  of  movement  in  the  muscles.  The 
pulse  and  breathing  are  accelerated,  the  eyes  red  with  a  tinge  of 
brown,  and  the  urine,  if  passed,  is  seen  to  be  highly  colored,  dark 
brown,  red,  or  black,  but  it  contains  neither  blood  clots  nor  globules. 
The  color  is  mainly  due  to  hemoglobin  and  other  imperfectly  elabo- 
rated constituents  of  the  blood. 

It  may  end  fatally  in  a  few  hours  or  days,  or  a  recovery  may  ensue, 
which  is  usually  more  speedy  and  perfect  if  it  has  set  in  at  an  early 
stage.  In  the  late  and  tardy  recoveries  a  partial  paralysis  of  the 
hind  limbs  may  last  for  months.  A  frequent  sequel  of  these  tardy 
cases  is  an  extensive  wasting  of  the  muscles  leading  up  from  the 
front  of  the  stifle  (those  supplied  by  the  crural  nerve)  and  a  com- 
plete inability  to  stand. 


DISEASES   OF    THE   VRIKARV   ORGANS.  143 

Prevention. — The  prevention  of  this  serious  afTeotion  lies  in  re- 
stricting the  diet  and  giving  daily  exercise  when  the  animal  is  not 
at  work.  A  horse  that  has  had  one  attack  should  never  be  left  idle 
for  a  single  day  in  the  stall  or  barnyard.  When  a  horse  has  l)een 
condemned  to  absolute  repose  on  good  feeding  he  may  have  a  laxa- 
tive (one-half  to  1  pound  (Jlauber's  salt),  and  liave  graduated  ex- 
ercise, beginning  with  a  shoi-t  walk  and  increasing  day  by  day. 

7'reafnu'nt. — The  treatment  of  the  mild  cases  may  consist  in  a  laxa- 
tive, graduated  daily  exercise,  and  a  daily  dose  of  saltpeter  (1  ounce). 
Sudden  attacks  will  sometimes  promptly  subside  if  taken  on  the 
instant  and  the  subject  kept  still  and  calmed  by  a  dose  of  bromid 
of  potassium  (4  drams)  and  sweet  spirits  of  niter  (1  ounce).  The 
latter  has  the  advantage  of  increasing  the  secretion  of  the  kidneys, 
lodid  of  potassium  in  one-half  ounce  doses  every  four  hours  has 
succeeded  well  in  some  hands.  In  severe  cases,  as  a  rule,  it  is  desir- 
able to  begin  treatment  by  a  dose  of  aloes  (4  to  G  drams)  with  the 
above-named  dose  of  bromid  of  potassium,  and  this  latter  may  be 
continued  at  intervals  of  four  or  six  hours,  as  may  be  requisite  to 
calm  the  nervous  excitement.  Fomentations  with  warm  water  over 
the  loins  are  always  useful  in  calming  the  excitable  conditions  of  the 
spinal  cord,  muscles,  liver,  and  kidneys,  and  also  in  favoring  secre- 
tion from  the  two  latter.  On  the  second  day  diuretics  may  be  re- 
sorted to,  such  as  saltpeter  one-half  ounce,  and  powdered  colchicum 
one-half  dram,  to  be  repeated  twice  daily.  A  laxative  may  be  re- 
peated in  thi'ee  or  four  days  should  the  bowels  seem  to  demand  it. 
and  as  the  nervous  excitement  disappears  any  remaining  nuiscular 
weakness  or  paralysis  may  be  treated  by  one-half  dram  doses  of  nux 
vomica  twice  a  day  and  a  stimulating  liniment  (a(iua  ammonia  and 
sweet  oil  in  equal  proportions)   rubbed  on  the  torpid  muscles. 

During  the  course  of  the  disease  friction  to  the  limbs  is  useful,  and 
in  the  advanced  paralytic  stage  the  application  of  electricity  along 
the  line  of  the  atTected  muscles.  When  the  patient  can  not  stand  he 
must  have  a  thick,  soft  bed,  and  should  be  turned  from  side  to  side 
at  least  e\erv  twelve  hours.  As  soon  as  he  can  be  made  to  stand  he 
may  be  helped  up  and  even  supported  in  a  sling. 

ACUTE  INFLAiMMATION  OF  THE  KIDNEYS,  OR  ACUTE  NEPHRITIS. 

Inflammations  of  the  kidneys  have  been  diffeicntiated  widely,  ac- 
coi-ding  as  they  were  acute  or  chronic,  ])arenchymatous  or  tubal,  sup- 
purative or  not,  with  increased  or  shrunken  kidney,  etc.  In  a  work 
like  the  present,  however,  utility  will  be  consulted  by  classing  all 
under  acute  or  chronic  inflammation. 

Causes. — The  causes  of  inflammation  of  the  kidneys  are  extremely 
varied-  Congestion  occurs  from  the  altered  and  irritant  products 
passed  through  these  organs  during  recovery  from  inflanunations  of 


144  DISEASES   OP   THE   HORSE. 

other  organs  and  during  fevers.  This  may  last  only  during  the  exist- 
ence of  its  cause,  or  may  persist  and  become  aggravated.  Heart  dis- 
ease, throwing  the  blood  pressure  back  on  the  veins  and  kidneys, 
is  another  cause.  Disease  of  the  ureter  or  bladder,  preventing  the 
escape  of  urine  from  the  kidney  and  causing  increased  fullness  and 
tension  in  its  pelvis  and  tubes,  will  determine  inflammation.  Decom- 
position of  the  detained  urine  in  such  cases  and  the  production  of 
ammonia  and  other  irritants  must  also  be  named.  In  elimination  of 
bacteria  through  the  kidney,  the  latter  is  liable  to  infection  with  con- 
sequent inflammation.  The  advance  of  bacteria  upward  from  the 
bladder  to  the  kidneys  is  another  cause.  The  consumption  in  hay  or 
other  fodder  of  acrid  or  irritant  plants,  including  fungi,  the  absorp- 
tion of  cantharidine  from  a  surface  blistered  by  Spanish  flies,  the 
reckless  administration  of  diuretics,  the  presence  of  stones  in  the 
kidney,  exposure  of  the  surface  to  cold  and  wet,  and  the  infliction  of 
blows  or  sprains  on  the  loins,  may  contribute  to  its  production.  Liver 
disorders  which  throw  on  the  kidneys  the  work  of  excreting  irritant 
products,  diseases  of  the  lungs  and  heart  from  which  clots  are  car- 
ried, to  be  arrested  in  the  small  blood  vessels  of  the  kidney,  and 
injuries  and  paralysis  of  the  spinal  cord,  are  additional  causes. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  more  or  less  fever,  manifest  stiff- 
ness of  the  back  and  straddling  gait  with  the  hind  limbs,  difficulty  in 
lying  down  and  rising,  or  in  walking  in  a  circle,  the  animal  sometimes 
groaning  under  the  effort,  arching  of  the  loins  and  tucking  up  of  the 
flank,  looking  back  at  the  abdomen  as  if  from  colicky  pain,  and  ten- 
derness of  the  loins  to  pinching,  especially  just  beneath  the  bony 
processes  6  inches  to  one  side  of  the  median  line.  Urine  is  passed 
frequently,  a  small  quantity  at  a  time,  of  a  high  color,  and  sometimes 
mixed  with  blood  or  even  pus.  Under  the  microscope  it  shows  the 
microscopic  casts  referred  to  under  general  symptoms.  If  treated  by 
acetic  acid,  boiling  and  subsequent  addition  of  strong  nitric  acid,  the 
resulting  and  persistent  precipitate  indicates  the  amount  of  albumen. 
The  legs  tend  to  swell  from  the  foot  up,  also  the  dependent  parts 
beneath  the  belly  and  chest,  and  effusions  of  liquid  may  occur  within 
the  chest  or  abdomen.  In  the  male  the  alternate  drawing  up  and 
relaxation  of  the  testicles  in  the  scrotum  are  suggestive,  and  in  small 
horses  the  oiled  hand  introduced  into  the  rectum  may  reach  the 
kidney  and  ascertain  its  sensitiveness. 

Treatment  demands,  first,  the  removal  of  any  recognized  cause. 
Then,  if  the  suffering  and  fever  are  high,  2  to  4  quarts  of  blood  may 
be  abstract-ed  from  the  jugular  vein;  in  weak  subjects  or  unless  in 
high  fever  this  should  be  omitted.  Next  relieve  the  kidneys  so  far 
as  possible  by  throwing  their  work  on  the  bowels  and  skin.  A  pint 
of  castor  oil  is  less  likely  than  either  aloes  or  salts  to  act  on  the  kid- 
neys.    To  affect  the  skin  a  warm  stall  and  heavy  clothing  may  be 


DISEASES    OF    THE    rRlXAKV    ORGANS.  145 

supplementtHl  by  (.Irani  closes  of  Dover's  j^owdor.  Pain  may  be 
sootlied  by  dram  doses  of  bromid  of  potassium,  lioiled  llaxseed 
may  be  added  to  the  drinking  water,  also  thrown  into  the  rectum 
as  an  injection,  and  l)hnikets  saturated  with  liot  water  should  be  per- 
sistently applied  to  the  loins.  This  may  be  followed  by  a  very  thin 
pulp  of  the  best  ground  mustard  made  with  tepid  water,  rubbed  in 
against  the  direction  of  the  hair  and  covered  with  paper  and  a 
blanket.  This  may  be  kept  on  for  an  hour,  or  until  the  skin  thickens 
and  the  hair  stands  erect.  It  may  then  be  rubbed  or  sponged  off  and 
the  blanket  reapplied.  When  the  action  of  the  bowels  has  been 
started  it  may  be  kept  up  by  a  daily  dose  of  2  or  3  ounces  of 
Glauber's  salt. 

During  recovery  a  course  of  bitter  tonics  (nux  vomica  1  scruple, 
ground  gentian  root  4  drams)  should  be  given.  The  patient  should 
also  be  guarded  against  cold,  wet,  and  any  active  exertion  for  some 
time  after  all  active  symptoms  have  subsided. 

CHRONIC  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KIDNEYS. 

Causes. — Chronic  inflannuation  of  the  kidneys  is  more  commonly 
associated  with  albumen  and  casts  in  the  urine  than  the  acute  form, 
and  in  some  instances  these  conditions  of  the  urine  may  be  the  only 
prominent  symptoms  of  the  disease.  Though  it  may  supervene  on 
blow,  injuries,  and  exposures,  it  is  much  more  commonly  connected 
with  faulty  conditions  of  the  system — as  indigestion,  heart  disease, 
lung  or  liver  disease,  imperfect  blood  formation,  or  assiuiihition ;  in 
short,  it  is  rather  the  attendant  on  a  constitutional  inlirmity  than  on 
a  simple  local  injury. 

It  may  l)e  associated  with  various  forms  of  diseased  kidneys,  as 
shrinkage  (atrophy),  increase  (hypertrophy),  softening,  red  conges- 
tion, white  enlargement,  etc.,  so  that  it  forms  a  group  of  diseases 
rather  than  a  disease  by  itself. 

Si/mptoms. — The  symptoms  may  include  stiffness,  weakness,  and 
increased  sensibility  of  the  loins,  and  modified  secretion  of  urine 
(increase  or  sup)ii*ession),  or  the  flfvw  may  Ik*  natui-nl.  T'sunlly  it 
contains  albumen,  the  (piantity  furnishing  a  fair  criterion  of  the  grav- 
ity of  the  affection,  and  microscopic  casts,  also  most  abundant  in  bad 
cases.  Dropsy,  manifested  in  swelled  legs,  is  a  significant  symptom, 
and  if  the  effusion  takes  place  along  the  lower  line  of  the  body  or  in 
chest  or  abdomen,  the  significance  is  increased.  A  scurfy,  unthrifty 
skin,  lack-lus-ter  hair,  inability  to  sustain  sexere  or  continued  exer- 
tion, poor  or  inegular  ai)petite,  loss  of  fat  and  flesh,  softness  of  the 
muscles,  and  pallor  of  the  eyes  and  nose  are  equally  suggestive.  So 
are  skin  eruptions  of  various  kinds.  Any  one  or  more  of  these  symp- 
toms would  warrant  an  examination  of  the  urine  for  albumen  nud 
casts,  the  finding  of  which  signifies  renal  inflammation. 
36444°— 16 10 


146  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

Treatment  of  these  cases  is  not  always  satisfactory,  as  the  cause  is 
liable  to  be  maintained  in  the  disorders  of  important  organs  else- 
where. If  any  such  coincident  disease  of  another  organ  or  function 
can  be  detected,  that  should  be  treated  first  or  simultaneously  with 
this  affection  of  the  kidneys.  In  all  cases  the  building  up  of  the 
general  health  is  important.  Hence  a  course  of  tonics  may  be  given 
(phosphate  of  iron  2  drams,  nux  vomica  20  grains,  powdered  gentian 
root  4  drams,  daily)  or  60  drops  of  sulphuric  acid  or  nitrohydrochloric 
acid  may  be  given  daily  in  the  drinking  water.  If  there  is  any  ele- 
vated temperature  of  the  body  and  tenderness  of  the  loins,  fomenta- 
tions may  be  applied,  followed  by  a  mustard  pulp,  as  for  acute 
inflammation,  and  even  in  the  absence  of  these  indications  the  mus- 
tard may  be  resorted  to  with  advantage  at  intervals  of  a  few  days. 
In  suppression  of  urine,  fomentations  with  warm  water  or  with  infu- 
sion of  digitalis  leaves  is  a  safer  resort  than  diuretics,  and  cupping 
over  the  loins  may  also  benefit.  To  apply  a  cup,  shave  the  skin  and 
oil  it ;  then  take  a  narrow-mouthed  glass,  rarify  the  air  within  it  by 
introducing  a  taper  in  full  flame  for  a  second,  withdraw  the  taper 
and  instantly  apply  the  mouth  of  the  glass  to  the  skin  and  hold  it 
closely  applied  till  the  cooling  tends  to  form  a  vacuum  in  the  glass 
and  to  draw  up  the  skin,  like  a  sucker. 

As  in  the  acute  inflammation,  every  attention  must  be  given  to 
secure  warm  clothing,  a  warm  stall,  and  pure  air. 

TUMORS  OF  THE  KIDNEYS. 

Tumors,  whether  malignant  or  simple,  would  give  rise  to  symptoms 
resembling  some  form  of  inflammation,  and  are  not  liable  to  be  recog- 
nized during  life. 

PARASITES. 

To  parasites  of  the  kidney  belong  the  echinococcus,  the  larval,  or 
l)iadder  worm,  stage  of  the  small  echinococcus  tapeworm  of  the  dog. 
Dioctophyme  renale^  the  largest  of  roundworms,  has  been  found  in 
the  kidney  of  the  horse.  Its  presence  can  be  certified  only  by  the 
passage  of  its  microscopic  eggs  or  of  the  entire  worm.  Immature 
stages  of  roundworms,  either  Strongylus  equinus  or  a  related  species, 
may  be  found  in  the  renal  artery  or  in  the  kidney  itself. 

SPASM  OF  THE  NECK  OF  THE  BLADDER. 

This  affection  consists  in  spasmodic  closure  of  the  outlet  from 
the  bladder  by  tonic  contraction  of  the  circular  muscular  fibers. 
It  may  be  accompanied  with  a  painful  contraction  of  the  muscles 
on  the  body  of  the  bladder;  or,  if  the  organ  is  already  unduly  dis- 
tended, these  will  be  affected  with  temporary  paralysis.  It  is  most 
frequent  in  the  horse,  but  by  no  means  unknown  in  the  mare. 


DISEASES   OF    THE    URINARY    ORGANS.  147 

rV/?/67if. — The  causes  are  usually  hard  and  continuous  driving 
^vithout  opportunity  for  passing  urine,  cold  rainstorms,  drafts  of 
cold  air  when  perspiring  and  fatigued,  the  administration  of 
Spanish  fly  or  the  application  of  extensive  blisters  of  the  same, 
abuse  of  diuretics,  the  presence  of  acrid,  diuretic  plants  in  the 
fodder,  and  the  presence  of  stone  in  the  bladder.  As  most  mares 
refuse  to  urinate  while  in  harness,  they  should  be  unhitched  at 
suitable  times  for  urination.  Spasms  of  the  bowels  are  always 
attended  by  spasm  of  the  bladder,  hence  the  free  passage  of  water 
is  usually  a  symjitom  of  relief. 

/Si/mpfonia. — The  symptoms  are  frecjuent  stretching  and  strain- 
ing to  urinate,  with  no  result  or  a  slight  dribbling  only.  These 
vain  eti'orts  are  attended  by  pain  and  groaning.  On  resuming  his 
natural  position  the  animal  is  not  freed  from  the  pain,  but  moves 
uneasily,  paws,  shakes  the  tail,  kicks  at  the  abdomen  with  his  hind 
feet,  looks  back  to  the  flank,  lies  down  and  rises,  arches  the  back, 
and  attempts  to  urinate  as  before.  If  the  oiled  hand  is  introduced 
into  the  rectum  the  greatly  distended  bladder  may  be  felt  beneath, 
and  the  ])atient  will  often  shrink  when  it  is  handled. 

It  is  important  to  notice  that  irritation  of  the  urinary  organs  is 
often  present  in  impaction  of  the  colon  with  solid  matters,  because 
the  impacted  intestine  under  the  strainmg  of  the  patient  is  forced 
backward  into  the  pelvis  and  presses  upon  and  irritates  the  bladder. 
In  such  cases  the  horse  stands  with  his  fore  limbs  advanced  and 
the  hind  ones  stretched  back  beyond  the  natural  posture  and  makes 
frequent  efforts  to  urinate,  with  varying  success.  T^npracticed  ob- 
servers naturally  conclude  that  the  secondary  urinary  trouble  is 
the  main  and  only  one,  and  the  intestinal  impaction  and  obstruction 
is  too  often  neglected  until  it  is  irremediable.  In  cases  in  which 
the  irritation  has  caused  spasm  of  the  neck  of  the  bladder  and 
overdistention  of  that  organ,  the  mistake  is  still  more  easily  made; 
hence  it  is  important  in  all  cases  to  examine  for  the  impacted  bowel, 
forming  a  bend  or  l(H:)p  at  the  entrance  of  the  pelvis  and  usually 
toward  the  left  side.  The  impacted  intestine  feels  soft  and  doughy 
and  is  easily  indented  with  the  knuckles,  forming  a  nuirked  contrast 
with  the  tense,  elastic,  resilient,  overdistended  bladder. 

It  remains  to  be  noted  that  similar  symptoms  may  be  determined 
by  a  stone  or  sebaceous  mass,  or  .stricture  obstructing  the  urethra,  or 
in  the  newborn  by  thickened  mucus  in  that  duct  and  by  the  pres- 
sure of  hardened,  impacted  feces  in  the  rectum.  In  obstruction, 
the  hard,  impacte^l  body  can  usually  be  felt  by  tracing  the  urethra 
along  the  lower  and  posterior  surface  of  the  penis  and  forward  to 
the  median  line  of  the  floor  of  the  pelvis  to  the  neck  of  the  bladder. 
That  part  of  the  urethra  between  the  seat  of  obstruction  and  the 


148  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

bladder  is  usually  distended  with  urine  and  feels  enlarged,  elastic, 
and  fluctuating. 

Treatment. — Treatment  may  be  begun  by  taking  the  animal  out  of 
harness.  This  failing,  spread  clean  litter  beneath  the  bellj^  or  turn 
the  patient  out  on  the  dung  heap.  Some  seek  to  establish  sympa- 
thetic action  by  pouring  water  from  one  vessel  into  another  with 
dribbling  noise.  Others  soothe  and  distract  the  attention  by  slow 
whistling.  Friction  of  the  abdomen  with  wisps  of  straw  may  suc- 
ceed, or  it  may  be  rubbed  with  ammonia  and  oil.  These  failing,  an 
injection  of  2  ounces  of  laudanum  or  of  an  infusion  of  1  ounce  of 
tobacco  in  water  may  be  tried.  In  the  mare  the  neck  of  the  bladder 
is  easily  dilated  by  inserting  two  oiled  fingers  and  slightly  parting 
them.  In  the  horse  the  oiled  hand  introduced  into  the  rectum  may 
press  from  before  backward  on  the  anterior  or  blind  end  of  the  blad- 
der. Finally,  a  well-oiled  gum-elastic  catheter  may  be  entered  into 
the  urethra  through  the  papilla  at  the  end  of  the  penis  and  pushed 
on  carefully  until  it  has  entered  the  bladder.  To  effect  this  the  penis 
must  first  be  withdrawn  from  its  sheath,  and  when  the  advancing 
end  of  the  catheter  has  reached  the  bend  of  the  urethra  beneath  the 
anus  it  must  be  guided  forward  by  pressure  with  the  hand,  which 
guidance  must  be  continued  onward  into  the  bladder,  the  oiled  hand 
being  introduced  into  the  rectum  for  this  purpose.  The  horse  cathe- 
ter, 34  feet  long  and  one-third  inch  in  diameter,  may  be  bought  of  a 
surgical-instrument  maker. 

PARALYSIS  OF  THE  BLADDER. 

Paralysis  of  the  body  of  the  bladder  with  spasm  of  the  neck  has 
been  described  under  the  last  heading,  and  may  occur  in  the  same 
way  from  overdistention  in  tetanus,  acute  rheumatism,  j^araplegia, 
and  hemiplegia,  in  which  the  animal  can  not  stretch  himself  to  urinate, 
and  in  cystitis,  affecting  the  body  of  the  bladder  but  not  the  neck. 
In  all  these  cases  the  urine  is  suppressed.  It  also  occurs  as  a  result 
of  disease  of  the  posterior  end  of  the  spinal  marrow  and  with  broken 
back,  and  is  then  associated  with  palsy  of  the  tail,  and.  it  may  be,  of 
the  hind  limbs. 

Symptoins. — The  symptoms  are  a  constant  dribbling  of  urine  when 
the  neck  is  involved,  the  liquid  running  down  the  inside  of  the  thighs 
and  irritating  the  skin.  When  the  neck  is  unaffected  the  urine  is 
retained  until  the  bladder  is  greatly  overdistended.  when  it  may  be 
expelled  in  a  gush  by  the  active  contraction  of  the  muscular  walls  of 
the  abdomen;  this  never  empties  the  bladder,  however,  and  the  oiled 
hand  introduced  through  the  rectum  may  feel  the  soft,  flabby  organ 
still  half  full  of  urine.  This  retained  urine  is  liable  to  decompose 
and  give  off  ammonia,  which  dissolves  the  epithelial  cells,  exposing 
the  raw,  mucous  membrane  and  causing  the  worst  type  of  cystitis. 


DISEASES    OF    TKE    URINARY    OH(,ANS,  149 

Suppression  and  inrontinence  of  urine  are  eoiunion  also  to  ohstitic- 
tion  of  the  urethra  by  stone  or  otherwise:  hence  tliis  source  of  falhicv 
should  be  excluded  by  manual  examination  along  the  whole  course 
of  that  duct. 

Tnatnunt. — Treatment  is  only  applicable  in  cases  in  which  the  de- 
termining cause  can  be  abated.  In  remedial  sprains  of  the  back  or 
disease  of  the  spinal  cord  these  must  have  appropriate  treatment,  and 
the  urine  must  be  drawn  oti'  fre(iuently  with  a  catheter  to  prevent 
overdistention  and  injury  to  the  bladder.  If  the  paralysis  persists 
after  recovery  of  the  s]unal  cord,  oi-  if  it  continues  after  relief  of 
spasm  of  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  apply  a  pulp  of  mustard  and  water 
over  the  back  part  of  the  belly  in  front  of  the  udder,  and  cover  with 
a  rug  until  the  hair  stands  erect.  In  the  male  the  mustard  may  be 
applied  between  the  thighs  from  near  the  anus  downward.  Daily 
doses  of  2  drams  extract  of  belladonna  or  of  2  grains  powdered 
Spanish  fly  may  serve  to  rouse  the  lost  tone.  These  failing,  a  mild 
current  of  electricity  daily  may  succeed. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BLADDER  (CYSTITIS,  OR  UROCYSTITIS). 

Cystitis  may  be  slight  or  severe,  acute  or  chronic,  partial  or  gen- 
eral. It  may  be  caused  by  abuse  of  diuretics,  especially  such  as  are 
irritating  (cantharides,  turpentine,  copaiba,  resin,  etc.),  by  the  pres- 
ence of  a  stone  or  gi-avel  in  the  bladder,  the  irritation  of  a  catheter 
or  other  foreign  body  introduced  from  without,  the  septic  ferment 
(bacterium)  introduced  on  a  filthy  catheter,  the  overdistention  of  the 
bladder  by  retained  urine,  the  extrication  of  ammonia  from  retained 
decomposing  urine,  resulting  in  destruction  of  the  epithelial  cells  and 
iriitation  of  the  raw  surface,  and  a  too  concentrated  and  irritating 
urine.  The  application  of  Spanish  flies  or  turpentine  over  a  too  ex- 
tensive surface,  sudden  exposure  of  a  ^lersjiiring  and  tired  horse  to 
cold  or  wet,  and  the  pi-esence  of  acrid  jilants  in  the  fodder  may  cause 
cystitis,  as  they  may  nephritis.  Finally,  inflammation  may  extend 
from  a  diseased  vagina  or  urethra  to  the  bladder. 

i^t/mptom.s. — The  symptouis  are  slight  or  severe  colicky  jiains:  the 
animal  moves  his  hind  feet  uneasily  or  even  kicks  at  the  abdomen, 
looks  around  at  his  flank,  and  may  even  lie  down  and  rise  frequently. 
More  characteristic  are  fre(|uently  repeated  elTorts  to  urinate,  result- 
ing in  the  discharge  of  a  little  clear,  or  red,  or  more  connnonly  floc- 
culent  urine,  always  in  jets,  and  accompanied  with  signs  of  pain, 
which  persist  after  the  discharge,  as  shown  in  continued  straining, 
groaning,  and  perhaps  in  movements  of  the  feet  and  tail.  The  penis 
hangs  from  the  sheath,  or  in  the  mare  the  vulva  is  frequently  opened 
and  closed,  as  after  urination.    The  animal  winces  when  the  alxlomen 


150  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

is  pressed,  in  the  region  of  tlie  sheath  or  udder,  and  the  bladder  is 
found  to  be  sensitive  and  tender  when  pressed  with  tlie  oiled  hand 
introduced  through  the  rectum  or  vagina.  In  the  mare  the  thicken- 
ing of  the  walls  of  the  bladder  may  be  felt  by  introducing  one  finger 
through  the  urethra.  The  discharged  urine,  which  may  be  turbid  or 
even  oily,  contains  an  excess  of  mucus,  with  flat  shreds  of  membrane, 
with  scaly  epithelial  cells,  and  pus  corpuscles,  each  showing  two  or 
more  nuclei  when  treated  with  acetic  acid,  but  there  are  no  micro- 
scopic tubular  casts,  as  in  nephritis.  If  due  to  stone  in  the  bladder, 
that  will  be  found  on  examination  through  rectum  or  vagina. 

Ti'eaUnent  implies,  first,  the  removal  of  the  cause,  whether  poisons 
in  feed  or  as  medicine,  the  removal  of  Spanish  flies  or  other  blistering 
agents  from  the  skin,  or  the  extraction  of  stone  or  gravel.  If  the 
urine  has  been  retained  and  decomposed  it  must  be  completely  evacu- 
ated through  a  clean  catheter,  and  the  bladder  thoroughly  washed  out 
with  a  solution  of  1  dram  of  borax  in  a  quart  of  water.  This  must 
be  repeated  twice  daily  until  the  urine  no  longer  decomposes,  be- 
cause so  long  as  ammonia  is  developed  in  the  bladder  the  protecting 
layer  of  epithelial  cells  will  be  dissolved  and  the  surface  kept  raw 
and  irritable.  The  diet  must  be  light  (bran  mashes,  roots,  fresh 
grass),  and  the  drink  impregnated  with  linseed  tea,  or  solution  of 
slippery  elm  or  marsh  mallow.  The  same  agents  may  be  used  to 
inject  into  the  rectum,  or  they  may  even  be  used  along  with  borax 
andbpimn  to  inject  into  bladder  (gum  arabic  1  dram,  opium  1  dram, 
tepid  water  1  pint).  Fomentations  over  the  loins  are  often  of  great 
advantage,  and  these  may  be  followed  or  alternated  with  the  appli- 
cation of  mustard,  as  in  paralysis;  or  the  mustard  may  be  applied  on 
the  back  part  of  the  abdomen  below  or  between  the  thighs  from  the 
anus  downward.  Finally,  when  the  acute  symptoms  have  subsided, 
a  daily  dose  of  buchu  1 .  dram  and  nux  vomica  one-half  dram  will 
serve  to  restore  lost  tone. 

IRRITABLE  BLADDER. 

Some  horses,  and  especially  mares,  show  an  irritability  of  the  blad- 
der and  nerve  centers  presiding  over  it  by  frequent  urination  in  small 
quantities,  though  the  urine  is  not  manifestly  changed  in  character 
and  no  more  than  the  natural  quantity  is  passed  in  the  twenty-four 
hours.  The  disorder  appears  to  have  its  source  quite  as  frequently  in 
the  generative  or  nervous  system  as  in  the  urinary.  A  troublesome 
and  dangerous  form  is  seen  in  mares,  which  dash  off  and  refuse  all 
control  by  the  rein  if  driven  with  a  full  bladder,  but  usually  prove 
docile  if  the  bladder  has  been  emptied  before  hitching.  In  other 
cases  the  excitement  connected  with  getting  the  tail  over  the  reins  is 


DISEASES   OF    THE    URIXARV    ORGANS.  151 

a  powerful  determining  cause.     The  condilion  is  marked  in  many 
mures  during  tlie  period  of  heat. 

An  oleaginous  hixative  (castor  oil  1  pint)  will  serve  to  remove  any 
cause  of  irritation  in  the  digestive  organs,  and  a  careful  dieting  will 
avoid  continued  irritation  by  acrid  vegetable  agents.  The  bladder 
should  be  examined  to  see  tiiat  there  is  no  stone  or  other  cause  of  irri- 
tation, and  the  sheath  and  penis  should  be  washed  with  soapsuds,  any 
sebaceous  matter  removed  from  the  bilocular  cavity  at  the  end  of  the 
peni.>,  and  the  whole  lubiicated  with  sweet  oil.  Irritable  nuires 
should  be  induced  to  urinate  before  they  are  harnessed,  and  those 
that  clutch  the  lines  under  the  tail  may  have  the  tail  set  high  by 
cutting  the  cords  on  its  lower  surface,  or  it  may  be  pi^evented  from 
getting  over  the  reins  by  having  a  strap  carried  from  its  free  end  to 
the  breeching.  Those  proving  troublesome  when  "  in  heat"  may  have 
4-dram  doses  of  bromid  of  potassium,  or  they  may  be  served  by  the 
male  or  castrated.  Sometimes  irritability  may  be  lessened  by  daily 
doses  of  belladonna  extract  (1  dram),  or  a  better  tone  may  be  given 
to  the  parts  by  balsam  copaiba  (1  dram). 

DISEASED  GROWTHS  IN  THE  BLADDER. 

These  may  be  of  various  kinds,  malignant  or  simple.  In  the  horse 
I  have  found  villous  growth>  from  the  nuicous  membrane  especially 
troublesome.  They  may  be  attached  to  the  mucous  membrance  by  a 
narrow  neck  or  by  a  broad  l)ase  covering  a  great  part  of  the  organ. 

Si/f/ipfoms. — The  symptoms  are  frequent  straining,  passing  of  urine 
and  blood  with  occasionally  gravel.  An  examination  of  the  bladder 
with  the  hand  in  the  rectum  will  detect  the  new  growth,  which  may 
be  distinguished  from  a  hard,  resistant  stone.  In  mares,  in  which  the 
finger  can  be  inserted  into  the  bladder,  the  recognition  is  still  more 
satisfactory.  The  polyj)!  attached  by  narrow  necks  nuiy  be  removed 
by  surgical  operation,  init  for  those  with  broad  attachments  treatment 
is  eminently  unsatisfactory. 

DISCHARGE  OF  URINE  BY  THE  NAVEL,  OR  PERSISTENT  URACHUS. 

This  occurs  only  in  the  newborn,  and  consists  in  the  nonclosurt;  of 
the  natural  channel  (urachus),  through  which  the  urine  is  discharged 
into  the  outer  water  bag  (allantois)  in  fetal  life.  .\.t  that  early  stage 
of  the  animal  existence  the  bladder  re^sembles  a  long  tube,  which  is 
j>rolonged  through  the  navel  string  and  opens  into  the  outermost  of 
the  two  water  bags  in  which  the  fetus  floats.  In  this  way  the  mine 
is  prevented  from  entering  the  inner  water  bag  (anmion),  where  it 
would  mingle  with  the  liquids,  bathing  the  skin  of  the  fetus  and 
cause  irritation.    At  birth  this  channel  closes  up.  and  the  urine  takes 


152  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

the  course  normal  to  extrauterine  life.  Imperfect  closure  is  more  fre- 
quent in  males  than  in  females,  because  of  the  great  length  and  smiill 
caliber  of  the  male  urethra  and  its  consequent  tendency  to  obstruction. 
In  the  female  there  may  be  a  discharge  of  a  few  drops  only  at  a  time, 
while  in  the  male  the  urine  will  be  expelled  in  strong  jets  coincidently 
with  the  contractions  of  the  bladder  and  walls  of  the  abdomen. 

The  first  care  is  to  ascertain  whether  the  urethra  is  pervious  by 
passing  a  human  catheter.  This  determined,  the  open  urachus  may  be 
firmly  closed  by  a  stout,  waxed  thread,  carried  with  a  needle  through 
the  tissues  back  of  the  opening  and  tied  in  front  of  it  so  as  to  inclose 
as  little  skin  as  possible.  If  a  portion  of  the  naval  string  remains,  the 
tying  of  that  may  be  all  sufficient.  It  is  important  to  tie  as  early  as 
possible  so  as  to  avoid  inflammation  of  the  navel  from  contact  with 
the  urine.  In  summer  a  little  carbolic-acid  water  or  tar  water  may 
be  applied  to  keep  the  flies  off. 

EVERSION  OF  THE  BLADDER. 

This  can  occur  only  in  the  female.  It  consists  in  the  turning  of  the 
organ  outside  in  through  the  channel  of  the  urethra,  so  that  it  appears 
as  a  red,  pear-shaped  mass  hanging  from  the  floor  of  the  vulva  and 
protruding  externally  between  its  lips.  It  may  be  a  mass  like  the  fist, 
or  it  may  swell  up  to  the  size  of  an  infant's  head.  On  examining  its 
upper  surface  the  orifices  of  the  urethra  may  be  seen,  one  on  each  side, 
a  short  distance  behind  the  neck,  with  the  urine  oozing  from  them 
drop  by  drop. 

This  displacement  usually  supervenes  on  a  flaccid  condition  of  the 
bladder,  the  result  of  paralysis,  overdistention,  or  severe  compression 
duiing  a  difficult  parturition. 

The  protruding  organ  may  be  washed  with  a  solution  of  1  ounce  of 
laudanum  and  a  teaspoonful  of  carbolic  acid  in  a  quart  of  water,  and 
returned  by  pressing  a  smooth,  rounded  object  into  the  fundus  and 
directing  it  into  the  urethra,  while  careful  pressure  is  made  on  the 
surrounding  parts  with  the  other  hand.  If  too  large  and  resistant  it 
may  be  wound  tightly  in  a  strip  of  bandage  about  2  inches  broad 
to  express  the  great  mass  of  blood  and  exudate  and  diminish  the  bulk 
of  the  protruded  organ  so  that  it  can  be  easily  pushed  back.  This 
method  has  the  additional  advantage  of  protecting  the  organ  against 
bruises  arid  lacerations  in  the  effort  made  to  return  it.  After  the 
return,  straining  may  be  kept  in  check  by  giving  laudanum  (1  to  2 
ounces)  and  by  applying  a  truss  to  press  upon  the  lips  of  the  vulva. 
(See  Eversion  of  the  womb.)  The  patient  should  be  kept  in  a  stall  a 
few  inches  lower  in  front  than  behind,  so  that  the  action  of  gravity 
will  favor  retention. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  tiie  Horse. 


Iiu>.\f>/uitu  lu/fnitt.w  urti-  tuiil  fff/f/fa.s 


IMj^Vl-l^:    XI. 


ttlicllUl.\  <»/'m /«//<■///■  of  (lint 


:rt,i, :'./  '■■.■. ,  />•<  n-  >' 


/tiwiiit  itijtt^i.  Sfirnr  Hrf)ri\'rfl  t>f' 
frrttn  ff»r  ft/f,si'nrr  ofumir  rit  .irnlii 


ll,.in.t^<H   ifl.M   Itur.t.-;  !•  Vi ...  ■  i.i 


o\Lcn.rx\Nn  inswi'ment  for  nF..\" 


DISEASES    OF    THE    URINARY    ORGANS.  153 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  URETHRA   (URETHRITIS,  OR  GLEET). 

This  atfectiou  belongs  quite  as  much  to  the  generative  organs,  yet 
it  can  not  be  entirely  overlooked  in  a  treatise  on  urinary  disoiders. 
It  may  be  induced  by  the  same  causes  as  cystitis  (which  see)  :  by  the 
passage  and  temporary  arrest  of  small  stones,  or  gravel;  by  the  irri- 
tation caused  by  foreign  bodies  introduced  from  without:  by  blows 
on  the  penis  by  sticks,  stones,  or  by  the  feet  of  a  mare  that  kicks 
while  being  served;  by  an  infecting  inflammation  contracted  from  a 
mare  served  in  the  first  few  days  after  parturition  or  one  suflering 
from  leucorrhea ;  by  infecting  matter  introduced  on  a  dirty  catheter, 
or  by  the  extension  of  inflammation  from  an  irritated,  bilocular 
cavity  filled  with  hardened  sebaceous  nuitter.  or  from  an  uncleansed 
sheath. 

Sym.fifoms. — The  symptoms  are  swelling,  heat,  and  tenderness  of 
the  sheath  and  penis:  difficulty,  pain,  and  groaning  in  passing  urine, 
which  is  liable  to  sudden  temporary  arrests  in  the  course  of  micturi- 
tion, and  later  a  whitish,  mucopurulent  oozing  from  the  papilla  on 
the  end  of  the  penis.  There  is  a  tendency  to  erection  of  the  penis. 
and  in  cases  contracted  from  a  mare  the  outer  surface  of  that  organ 
"will  show  more  or  less  extensive  sores  and  ulcers.  Stallions  suffering 
in  this  way  will  refuse  to  mount  or,  having  mounted,  will  fail  to 
complete  the  act  of  coition.  If  an  entrance  is  effected,  infection  of 
the  mare  is  liable  to  follow. 

Treatment  in  the  early  stages  consists  in  a  dose  of  physic  (aloes  6 
drams)  and  fomentations  of  warm  wat^r  to  the  sheath  and  penis.  If 
there  is  reason  to  suspect  the  presence  of  infection,  inject  the  urethra 
twice  daily  with  borax  1  dram,  tepid  water  1  (piart.  When  the 
mucopurulent  discharge  indicates  the  supervention  of  the  second 
stage  a  more  astringent  injection  may  be  used  (nitrate  of  silver  '20 
grains,  water  1  quart),  and  the  same  may  be  applied  to  the  surface 
of  the  penis  and  inside  the  sheath.  Balsam  of  copaiba  (1  drani  daily) 
may  also  be  given  with  advantage  after  the  purulent  discharge  has 
appeared. 

Every  stallion  suffering  from  urethritis  should  be  withheld  from 
service,  as  should  mares  with  leucorrhea. 

STRICTURE  OF  THE  URETHRA. 

This  is  a  permanent  nanowing  of  the  urethra  at  a  given  point,  the 
result  of  previous  inflammation,  caused  by  the  passage  or  arrest  of  a 
stone,  or  gravel,  by  strong  astringent  injections  in  the  early  nonsecret- 
ing  stage  of  urethritis,  or  by  contraction  of  the  lining  membrane 
occurring  during  the  healing  of  ulcers  in  neglected  inflammations  of 
that  canal.  The  trouble  is  shown  by  the  passage  of  urine  in  a  fine 
sti-eara,  with  straining,  pain,  and  groaning,  and  by  frequent  painful 


154  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

erections.  It  must  be  remedied  by  mechanical  dilatation,  with  cathe- 
ters just  large  enough  to  pass  with  gentle  force,  to  be  inserted  once  a 
day,  and  to  be  used  of  larger  size  as  the  passage  wdll  admit  them. 
The  catheter  should  be  kept  perfectly  clean  and  washed  in  a  borax 
solution  and  well  oiled  before  it  is  introduced. 

URINARY  CALCULI  (STONE,  OR  GRAVEL). 

These  consist  in  some  of  the  solids  of  the  urine  that  have  been 
precipitated  from  the  urine  in  the  form  of  crystals,  which  remain 
apart  as  a  fine,  powdery  mass,  or  magma,  or  aggregate  into  calculi,  or 
stones,  of  varying  size.  (See  PL  XL)  Their  composition  is  there- 
fore determined  in  different  animals  by  the  salts  or  other  constitu- 
ents found  dissolved  in  the  healthy  urine,  and  by  the  additional  con- 
stituents which  may  be  thrown  off  in  solution  in  the  urine  in  disease. 
In  this  connection  it  is  important  to  observe  the  following  analysis 
of  the  horse's  urine  in  health : 

Water 918.  5 

Urea 13.  4 

Uric  acid  and  urates .  1 

Hippuric  acid 26.  4 

Lactic  acid  and  lactates 1.2 

Mucus  and  organic  matter 22.0 

Sulpliates   (alkaline) 1.2 

Phosphates  (lime  and  soda) . .2 

Chlorids   (sodium) 1.0 

Carbonates  (potash,  magnesia,  lime) 16.0 

1000.0 

The  carbonate  of  lime,  which  is  present  in  large  quantity  in  the 
urine  of  horses  fed  on  green  fodder,  is  practically  insoluble,  and 
therefore  forms  in  the  passages  after  secretion,  and  its  miscroscopic 
rounded  crystals  give  the  urine  of  such  horses  a  milky  whiteness.  It 
is  this  material  which  constitutes  the  soft,  white,  pultaceous  mass  that 
sometimes  fills  the  bladder  to  repletion  and  requires  to  be  washed 
out.  In  hay- fed  horses  carbonates  are  still  abundant,  while  in  those 
mainly  grain-fed  they  are  replaced  by  hippurates  and  phosphates — 
the  products  of  the  wear  of  tissues — ^the  carbonates  being  the  result 
of  oxidation  of  the  vegetable  acids  in  the  feed.  Carbonate  of  lime, 
therefore,  is  a  very  common  constituent  of  urinary  calculi  in  herbi- 
vora,  and  in  many  cases  is  the  most  abundant  constituent. 

Oxalate  of  lime,  like  carbonate  of  lime,  is  derived  from  the  burning 
up  of  the  carbonaceous  matter  of  the  feed  in  the  system,  one  impor- 
tant factor  being  the  less  perfect  oxidation  of  the  carbon.  Indeed, 
Fiistenberg  and  Schmidt  have  demonstrated  on  man,  horse,  ox,  and 
rabbit  that  under  the  full  play  of  the  breathing  (oxidizing)  forces 
oxalic  acid,  like  other  organic  acids,  is  resolved  into  carbonic  acid. 


DISEASES   OF   THE    URIXARV   ORGANS.  155 

In  keeping  with  this  is  the  observiition  of  I-.i'hiii:uin.  that  in  all  cases 
in  which  man  siitl'eiod  from  interference  with  the  Itreathing  oxalate 
of  lime  appeared  in  the  urine.  An  excess  of  oxalate  of  lime  in  the 
urine  may,  however,  claim  a  ditferont  origin.  Uric  and  hippuric 
acids  are  found  in  the  urine  of  carnivora  and  herbivora,  res[)octively, 
as  the  result  of  the  healthy  wear  (disassimilation)  of  nitrogenous  tis- 
sues. If  these  products  are  fully  oxidi/.ed,  however,  they  are  thrown 
out  in  the  form  of  the  more  soluble  urea  rather  than  as  these  acids. 
When  uric  acid  out  of  the  body  is  treated  with  peroxid  of  lead  it  is 
resolved  into  urea,  allantoin,  and  oxalic  acid,  and  AVu'hlcr  and  Frer- 
richs  found  that  the  atlministration  of  uric  acid  not  only  increased 
the  excretion  of  urea  but  also  of  oxalic  acid.  It  may  therefore  be 
infoired  that  oxalic  acid  is  not  produced  from  the  carbonaceous  feed 
aione  but  also  from  the  disintegration  of  the  nitrogenous  tissues  of 
the  body.  An  important  element  of  its  production  is,  however,  the 
imperfect  i)erformance  of  the  breathing  functions,  and  hence  it  is 
liable  to  re^iult  from  diseases  of  the  chest  (heuve«,  chronic  bronchitis, 
etc.).  This  is,  above  all,  liable  to  prove  the  case  if  the  subject  is  fed 
to  excess  on  highly  carbonaceous  feeds  (grass  and  green  feed  gener- 
ally, potatoes,  etc.). 

Carbonate  of  magnesia,  another  almost  constant  ingredient  of  the 
urinary  calculi  of  the  horse,  is  formed  the  same  way  as  the  carbo- 
nate of  lime — from  the  excess  of  carbonaceous  feed  (organic  acids) 
becoming  oxidized  into  carbon  dioxid,  which  unites  with  the  mag- 
nesia derived  from  the  feed. 

The  phosi^hates  of  lime  and  magnesia  are  not  abundant  in  urinary 
calculi  of  the  horse,  the  phosphates  being  present  to  excess  in  the 
urine  in  only  two  conditions — (a)  when  the  ration  is  excessive  and 
especially  rich  in  phosphorus  (wheat,  bran,  beans,  peas,  vetches,  rape 
cake,  oil  cake,  cottonseed  cake)  ;  and  {f^)  when,  through  the  morbid, 
destructive  changes  in  the  living  tissues,  and  especially  of  the  bones, 
a  great  quantity  of  phosphorus  is  given  off  as  a  waste  product, 
lender  these  conditions,  however,  the  phosphates  may  contribute  to 
the  formation  of  calculi,  and  this,  above  all,  is  liable  if  the  urine 
is  retained  in  the  bladder  until  it  has  undergone  decomposition  and 
given  off  ammonia.  The  anunonia  at  once  unites  with  the  phos- 
phate of  magnesia  to  form  a  double  salt — phosphate  of  ammonia 
and  magnesia — which,  being  insoluble,  is  at  once  jn'ecipitated.  The 
precipitation  of  this  Siilt  is,  however,  rare  in  the  urine  of  the  horse, 
though  much  more  frequent  in  that  of  man  and  sheep. 

These  are  the  chief  mineral  constituents  of  the  urine  which  form 
ingredients  in  the  horse's  calculi,  for  though  iron  and  manganese 
are  usually  present  it  is  only  in  minute  quantities. 


156  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

The  excess  of  mineral  matter  in  a  specimen  of  urine  unquestion- 
ably contributes  to  the  formation  of  calculi,  just  as  a  solution  of  siich 
matters  out  of  the  body  is  increasingly  disposed  to  throw  them  down 
in  the  form  of  crystals  as  it  becomes  more  concentrated  and  ap- 
proaches nearer  to  the  condition  of  saturation.  Hence,  in  consider- 
ing the  causes  of  calculi  we  can  not  ignore  the  factor  of  an  excessive 
ration,  rich  in  mineral  matters  and  in  carbonaceous  matters  (the 
source  of  carbonates  and  much  of  the  oxalates) ,  nor  can  we  overlook 
the  concentration  of  the  urine  that  comes  from  dry  feed  and  priva- 
tion of  water,  or  from  the  existence  of  fever  which  causes  suspension 
of  the  secretion  of  water.  In  these  cases,  at  least  the  usual  quantity 
of  solids  is  thrown  off  by  the  kidneys,  and  as  the  water  is  dimin- 
ished there  is  danger  of  its  approaching  the  point  of  supersatura- 
tion,  when  the  dissolved  solids  must  necessarily  be  thrown  down. 
Hence,  calculi  are  more  common  in  stable  horses  fed  on  dry  grain 
and  hay,  in  those  denied  a  sufficiency  of  water  or  that  have  water 
supplied  irregularly,  in  those  subjected  to  profuse  perspiration  (as 
in  summer),  and  in  those  suffering  from  a  watery  diarrhea.  On 
the  whole,  calculi  are  most  commonly  found  in  winter,  because  the 
horses  are  then  on  dry  feeding,  but  such  dry  feeding  is  even  more 
conducive  to  them  in  summer  when  the  condition  is  aggravated  by 
the  abundant  loss  of  water  by  the  skin. 

In  the  same  way  the  extreme  hardness  of  the  water  in  certain  dis- 
tricts must  be  looked  upon  as  contributing  to  the  concentration  of  the 
urine  and  correspondingly  to  the  production  of  stone.  The  carbon- 
ates, sulphates,  etc.,  of  lime  and  magnesia  taken  in  the  water  must  be 
agairi  thrown  out,  and  just  in  proportion  as  these  add  to  the  solids  of 
the  urine  they  dispose  it  to  precipitate  its  least  soluble  constituents. 
Thus  the  horse  is  very  subject  to  calculi  on  certain  limestone  soils, 
as  over  the  calcareous  formations  of  central  and  w^estern  New  York, 
Pennsylvania,  and  Ohio,  in  America;  of  Norfolk,  Suffolk,  Derbyshire, 
Shropshire,  and  Gloucestershire,  in  England ;  of  Poitou  and  Landes, 
in  France ;  and  Munich,  in  Bavaria. 

The  saturation  of  the  urine  from  any  or  all  of  these  conditions  can 
only  be  looked  on  as  an  auxiliary  cause,  however,  and  not  as  in  itself 
an  efficient  one,  except  on  the  rarest  occasions.  For  a  more  direct  and 
immediate  cause  we  must  look  to  the  organic  matter  which  forms  a 
large  proportion  of  all  urinary  calculi.  This  consists  of  mucus,  albu- 
men, pus,  hyaline  casts  of  the  uriniferous  tubes,  epithelial  cells,  blood, 
etc.,  mainly  agents  that  belong  to  the  class  of  colloid  or  noncrystalline 
bodies.  A  horse  may  live  for  months  and  years  with  the  urine  habit- 
ually of  a  high  density  and  having  the  mineral  constituents  in  excess 
without  the  formation  of  stone  or  gravel;  again,  one  with  dilute 
urine  of  low  specific  gravity  will  have  a  calculus. 


DISEASES   OF    THE    URINAHV    ORtJAXS.  157 

Rainey,  Oril,  aiul  others  fiirnisli  the  explanation.  Tliev  not  (inly 
show  that  a  colloid  body,  like  nineiis,  albiinien,  pus.  or  l)lo(nl.  ileter- 
niinetl  the  precipitation  or  the  crystalline  s;ilts  in  the  solution,  hut 
they  iletermined  the  preeijntation  in  the  form  of  o;lol)ules.  or  spheres, 
eapable  o(  developing  ity  furthei-  deposits  into  caleidi.  Heat  intensi- 
fies this  action  of  the  colloids,  and  a  colloid  in  a  slate  of  decomposition 
is  specially  active.  The  presence,  therefore,  of  de\eloping  fungi  and 
bacteria  nnist  be  looked  upon  as  active  factors  in  causing  calculi. 

In  looking,  therefore,  for  the  immediate  causes  of  calculi  \ve  niu.st 
consider  especially  all  thc\se  conditions  \vhi<h  deteimine  the  presence 
of  albumen,  blood,  and  excess  of  mucus,  pus,  etc.,  in  the  urine.  Thus 
diseases  of  distant  organs  leading  to  albuminuria,  diseases  of  the  kid- 
neys and  urinary  passages  causing  the  escai)c  of  blood  or  the  forma- 
tion of  mucus  or  pus,  l)ecome  direct  causes  of  calculi.  Foreign  bodies 
of  all  kinds  in  the  bladder  or  kidney  have  long  been  known  as  deter- 
mining causes  of  calculi  and  as  forming  the  central  nucleus.  This  is 
now  explained  b}'  the  fact  that  these  bodies  are  liable  to  carry  bac- 
teria into  the  passages  and  thus  determine  decomposition,  and  they 
are  further  liable  to  irritate  the  mucous  membrane  and  become  envel- 
oped in  a  coating  of  mucus,  pus,  and  perhaps  blood. 

The  fact  that  horses,  especially  on  the  magnesian  limestones,  the 
same  distiicts  in  which  they  suffer  from  goitei-.  appear  to  suffer  from 
calculi  may  be  similarly  explained.  The  unknown  poison  which  pro- 
duces goiter  presumably  leads  to  such  changes  in  the  blood  and  urine 
as  will  furnish  the  colloid  necessary  for  precipitation  of  the  urinary 
salts  in  the  form  of  calculi. 

CLASSIFICATION'    OF    URINARY    CALCULI. 

The.se  have  been  named  according  to  the  place  where  they  are 
f(»uiid,  renal  (kidney),  ureteric  (ureter),  vesical  (bladder),  urethral 
(urethra),  and  preputial  (sheath,  or  prepuce).  They  have  been 
otherwise  named  according  to  their  most  abundant  chemical  constit- 
uent, carbonate  of  lime,  oxalate  of  lime,  and  phosphate  of  lime  cal- 
culi. The  stones  formed  of  carbonates  or  phosphates  are  usually 
smooth  on  tlie  surface,  though  they  may  be  molded  into  the  shape  of 
the  cavity  in  which  they  have  been  formed;  thus  those  in  the  pelvis 
of  the  kidney  may  have  two  or  three  short  branchlike  prolongations, 
while  those  in  the  bladder  aie  nmnd,  oval,  or  i^lightly  flattened  upon 
each  other.  Calculi  containing  oxalate  of  lime,  on  the  other  hand, 
have  a  rough,  open,  crystalline  surface,  which  has  gained  for  them 
the  name  of  mulberry  calculi,  from  a  supposed  resemblance  to  tliat 
fruit.  These  are  usually  covered  witli  more  or  less  nnicus  or  blood, 
produced  by  the  irritation  of  the  mucous  membrane  by  their  rough 


158  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

surfaces.  The  color  of  calculi  varies  from  white  to  yellow  and  deep 
brown,  the  shades  depending  mainly  on  the  amount  of  the  coloriiig 
matter  of  blood,  bile,  or  urine  which  they  may  contain. 

Renal  calculi. — These  may  consist  of  minute,  almost  microscopic, 
deposits  in  the  uriniferous  tubes  in  the  substance  of  the  kidney,  but 
more  commonly  they  are  large  masses  and  lodged  in  the  pelvis.  The 
larger  calculi,  sometimes  weighing  12  to  24  ounces,  are  m.olded  in  the 
pelvis  of  the  kidney  into  a  cylindroid  mass,  with  irregular  rounded 
swellings  at  intervals.  Some  have  a  deep  brown,  rough,  crystalline 
surface  of  oxalate  of  lime,  while  others  have  a  smooth,  pearly  white 
aspect  from  carbonate  of  lime.  A  smaller  calculus,  which  has  been 
called  coralline,  is  also  cylindroid,  with  a  number  of  brown,  rough, 
crystalline  oxalate  of  lime  branches  and  whitish  depressions  of  car- 
bonate. These  vary  in  size  from  15  grains  to  nearly  2  ounces.  Less 
frequently  are  found  masses  of  very  hard,  brownish  white,  rounded, 
pealike  calculi.  These  are  smoother,  but  on  the  surface  crystals  of 
oxalate  of  lime  may  be  detected  with  a  lens.  Some  renal  calculi  are 
formed  of  more  distinct  layers,  more  loosely  adherent  to  one  another, 
and  contain  an  excess  of  mucus,  but  no  oxalate  of  lime.  Finally,  a 
loose  aggregation  of  small  masses,  forming  a  very  friable  calculus, 
is  found  of  all  sizes  within  the  limits  of  the  pelvis  of  the  kidney. 
These,  too,  are  in  the  main  carbonate  of  lime(  84  to  88  per  cent)  and 
without  oxalate. 

Symptoms  of  renal  calculi  are  violent,  colicky,  pains,  appearing  sud- 
denly, very  often  in  connection  with  exhausting  work  or  the  drawing 
cf  specially  heavy  loads,  and  in  certain  cases  disappearing  with  equal 
suddenness.  The  nature  of  the  colic  becomes  more  manifest  if  it  is 
associated  with  stiffness  of  the  back  and  hind  limbs,  frequent  passage 
of  urine,  and,  above  all,  the  passage  of  gravel  with  the  urine,  espe- 
cially at  the  time  of  the  access  of  relief.  The  passage  of  blood  and 
pus  in  the  urine  is  equally  significant.  If  the  irritation  of  the  kid- 
ney goes  on  to  active  inflammation,  then  the  symptoms  of  nephritis 
are  added. 

Ureteric  caZcvli. — These  are  so  called  because  they  are  found  in  the 
passage  leading  from  the  kidney  to  the  bladder.  They  are  simply 
small,  renal  calculi  which  have  escaped  from  the  pelvis  of  the  kidney 
and  have  become  arrested  in  the  ureter.  They  give  rise  to  symptoms 
almost  identical  with  those  of  renal  calculi,  with  this  difference,  that 
the  colicky  pains,  caused  by  the  obstruction  of  the  ureter  by  the 
impacted  calculus,  are  more  violent,  and  if  the  calculus  passes  on 
into  the  bladder  the  relief  is  instantaneous  and  complete.  If  the 
ureter  is  completely  blocked  for  a  length  of  time,  the  retained  urine 
may  give  rise  to  destructive  inflammation  in  the  kidney,  which  may 
end  in  the  entire  absorption  of  that  organ,  leaving  only  a  fibrous 


DISEASES   OF    THE    URINARY    ORCJANS.  159 

capsule  containin<j:  mi  luinuus  lluul.  If  botli  the  ureters  are  similarly 
blocked,  the  aiiinuil  will  die  of  uremic  poisoning;. 

Treatment  of  renal  and  ureteric  calculi. — Treatment  is  unsatisfac- 
tory, as  it  is  only  the  small  ealodi  that  can  pass  thr(»u<;h  the  ureters 
and  escape  into  the  bladder.  This  may  he  favored  l)y  ajjjents  which 
will  relax  the  walls  of  the  ureters  by  counteracting  their  spasm  and 
even  lesst>nin<2:  their  tone,  and  by  a  liberal  use  of  water  and  watery 
fluids  to  increase  the  urine  and  the  pressure  upon  the  calculus  from 
behind.  One  or  two  ounces  of  laudanum,  or  2  drams  of  extract  of 
belladonna,  may  be  given  and  repeated  as  it  may  be  necessarj^,  the 
ivlief  of  the  pain  being  a  fair  criterion  of  the  abating  of  the  spasm. 
To  the  same  end  use  wann  fomentations  across  the  loins,  and  these 
should  be  kept  up  persistently  until  relief  is  obtained.  These  act  not 
only  by  soothing  and  relieving  the  spasm  and  inflammation,  but  they 
also  favor  the  freer  secretion  of  a  more  watery  urine,  and  thus  tend  to 
carry  off  the  smaller  calculi.  To  accomplish  this  object  further  give 
cool  water  freely,  and  let  the  feed  be  only  such  as  contains  a  large  pro- 
portion of  liquid,  gruels,  mashes,  turnips,  beets,  apples,  pumpkins, 
ensilage,  succulent  grasses,  etc.  If  the  <icute  stage  has  passed  and 
the  presence  of  the  calculus  is  manifested  only  by  the  frequent  passage 
of  urine  with  gritty  particles,  by  stiffness  of  the  loins  and  hind  limbs, 
and  by  tenderness  to  pressure,  the  most  promising  resort  is  a  long  run 
at  pasture  where  the  grasses  are  fresh  and  succulent.  The  long- 
continued  secretion  of  a  watery  urine  will  sometimes  cause  the  break- 
ing down  of  a  calculus,  as  the  imbibition  of  the  less  den.se  fluid  by  the 
organic,  spongelike  framework  of  the  calculus  causes  it  to  swell  and 
thus  lessens  its  cohe.si<m.  The  SJime  end  is  sought  by  the  long-con- 
tinued use  of  alkalies  (carbonate  of  potassium),  and  of  acids 
(muriatic),  each  acting  in  a  different  way  to  alter  the  density  and 
cohesion  of  the  stone.  It  is  only  exceptionally,  however,  that  any  one 
of  these  methods  is  entirely  satisfactory.  If  inflammation  of  the 
kidneys  develop.s,  treat  as  advised  under  that  head. 

Stone  in  the  bladder  {vesical  calculus^  or  cystic  calculus). — These 
may  be  of  any  size  uj)  to  over  a  pound  in  weight.  One  variety  is 
rough  and  crystalline  and  has  a  yellowish-white  or  deep-brown  color. 
These  contain  about  87  per  cent  carbonate  of  lime,  the  remainder 
being  carbonate  of  magnesia,  oxalate  of  lime,  and  organic  matter. 
The  phosphatic  calculi  are  smooth,  white  and  formed  of  thin,  con- 
centric layere  of  great  hardness  extending  from  the  nucleus  out- 
ward. Besides  the  phosphate  of  lime  they  contain  the  carbonates  of 
lime  ami  magnesia  and  organic  matter.  In  some  ca.ses  the  bladder 
contains  and  may  be  even  distended  by  a  .soft,  pultaceous  mass  made 
u|)  of  minute,  round  gi-auules  of  cai-honates  of  lime  and  mngiu'sia. 
Tlii^,  when  remo\  ed  and  dried,  makes  a  firm,  white,  and  stonv  mass. 


160  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

Sometimes  this  magma  is  condensed  into  a  solid  mass  in  the  bladder 
by  reason  of  the  binding  action  of  the  mucus  and  other  organic  liiat- 
ter.  and  then  forms  a  conglomerate  stone  of  nearly  uniform  consist- 
ency and  without  stratification. 

Symptoms  of  stone  in  the  Jjladder. — The  symptoms  of  stone  in  the 
bladder  are  more  obvious  than  those  of  renal  calculus.  The  rough, 
mulberry  calculi  especially  lead  to  irritation  of  the  mucous  mem- 
brane and  frequent  passing  of  urine  in  small  quantities  and  often 
mingled  with  mucus  or  blood  or  containing  minute,  gritty  particles. 
At  times  the  flow  is  suddenly  arrested,  though  the  animal  continues 
to  strain  and  the  bladder  is  not  quite  emptied.  In  the  smooth,  phos- 
phatic  variety  the  irritation  is  much  less  marked  and  may  even  be 
altogether  absent.  With  the  pultaceous  deposit  in  the  bladder  there 
is  incontinence  of  urine,  which  dribbles  away  continually  and  keeps 
the  hair  on  the  inner  side  of  the  thighs  matted  with  soft  magma.  In 
all  cases  alike  the  calculus  may  be  felt  by  the  examination  of  the 
bladder  with  the  oiled  hand  in  the  rectum.  The  pear-shaped  outline 
of  the  bladder  can  be  felt  beneath,  and  within  it  the  solid,  oval  body. 
It  is  most  easih'  recognized  .if  the  organ  is  half  full  of  liquid,  as  then 
it  is  not  grasped  by  the  contracting  walls  of  the  bladder,  but  ma}'  be 
made  to  move  from  place  to  place  in  the  liquid.  If  a  pultaceous  mass 
is  present  it  has  a  soft,  doughy  feeling,  and  when  pressed  an  indenta- 
tion is  left. 

In  the  mare  the  hard  stone  may  be  touched  by  the  finger  introduced 
through  the  short  urethra. 

Treatment  of  stone  in  the  hladder. — The  treatment  of  stone  in  the 
bladder  consists  in  the  removal  of  the  offending  body;  in  the  mare 
this  is  easily  effected  with  the  lithotomy  forceps.  These  are  slightly 
warmed  and  oiled,  and  carried  forward  along  the  floor  of  the  passage 
of  the  vuh'a  for  4  inches,  when  the  orifice  of  the  uretlira  will  be  felt 
exactly  in  the  median  line.  Through  this  the  forceps  are  gi'adually 
pushed  with  gentle,  oscillating  movement  until  the}'^  enter  the  bladder 
and  strike  against  the  hard  surface  of  the  stone.  The  stone  is  now 
grasped  between  the  blades,  care  being  taken  to  include  no  loose  fold 
of  the  mucous  membrane,  and  it  is  gradually  withdrawn  with  the 
same  careful,  oscillating  motions  as  before.  Facility  and  safety  in 
seizing  the  stone  will  be  gi-eatly  favored  by  having  the  bladder  half 
full  of  liquid,  and  if  necessary  one  oiled  hand  may  be  introduced 
into  the  rectum  or  vagina  to  assist.  The  resulting  irritation  may  be 
treated  by  an  injection  of  laudanum,  1  ounce  in  a  pint  of  tepid  water. 

The  removal  of  the  stone  in  the  horse  is  a  much  more  difficult  pro- 
ceeding. It  consists  in  cutting  into  the  urethra  just  beneath  the  anus 
and  introducing  the  lithotomy  forceps  from  this  forward  into  the 
bladder,  as  in  the  mare.    It  is  needful  to  distend  the  urethra  with 


DISEASES    OF    THE    URINAHV    OHGANS.  101 

tepid  M'nter  or  to  insert  a  sound  or  catheter  to  furnish  a  guide  upon 
which  t!ie  incision  may  he  made,  and  in  case  of  a  huge  stone  it  may 
be  needful  to  enhirge  tlie  passage  hy  cutting  in  a  direction  upward 
and  outwaril  with  a  proho-pointed  knife,  the  hack  of  wliicli  is  slid 
along  in  the  groove  of  a  director  until  it  enters  the  hladder. 

The  horse  may  be  operated  upon  in  the  standing  position,  being 
simply  pressed  against  the  wall  by  a  pole  passed  from  before  back- 
ward along  the  other  side  of  the  body.  The  tepid  water  is  injected 
into  the  end  of  the  penis  until  it  is  felt  to  fluctuate  under  the  pressure 
of  the  finger,  in  the  median  line  over  the  bone  just  beneath  the  anus. 
The  incision  is  then  made  into  the  center  of  the  fluctuating  canal,  and 
from  above  downward.  When  a  sound  or  catheter  is  used  as  a  guide 
it  is  insei-ted  through  the  penis  until  it  can  be  felt  through  the  skin 
at  the  point  where  the  incision  is  to  be  made  beneath  the  anus.  The 
skin  is  then  rendered  tense  by  the  thumb  and  fingers  of  the  left  hand 
pressing  on  the  two  sides  of  the  sound,  while  the  right  hand,  armed 
with  a  scalpel,  cuts  downward  onto  the  catheter.  This  vertical  in- 
cision into  the  canal  should  escape  wounding  any  important  blood 
vessel.  It  is  in  making  the  obliquely  lateral  incision  in  the  subse- 
quent dilatation  of  the  urethra  and  neck  of  the  bladder  that  such 
danger  is  to  be  apprehended. 

If  the  stone  is  too  large  to  be  exti-acted  through  the  urethra,  it  may 
be  broken  down  with  the  lithotrite  and  extracted  piecemeal  with  the 
forceps.  The  lithotrite  is  an  instrument  composed  of  a  straight  stem 
bent  for  an  inch  or  more  to  one  side  at  its  free  end  so  as  to  form  an 
obtuse  angle,  and  having  on  the  same  side  a  sliding  bar  moving  in  a 
groove  in  the  stem  and  operated  by  a  screw  so  that  the  stone  may  be 
seized  between  the  two  blades  at  its  free  extremity  and  crushed  again 
and  again  into  pieces  small  enough  to  extract.  Extra  care  is  required 
to  avoid  injury  to  the  urethra  in  the  extracticm  of  the  angular  frag- 
ments,-and  the  gravel  or  powder  that  can  not  be  removed  in  this  way 
must  be  washed  out,  as  advised  below. 

When  a  pultaceotis  magnni  of  carbonate  of  lime  accumulates  in  the 
bladder  it  must  be  washed  out  by  injecting  water  through  a  catheter 
by  means  of  a  force  pump  or  a  funnel,  shaking  it  up  with  the  hand 
intr(»du(ed  through  the  rectum  and  allowing  the  muddy  li(|uid  to  flow 
out  through  the  tube.  This  is  to  be  repeated  until  the  bladder  is 
empty  and  the  water  come  away  clear.  A  catheter  with  a  double 
tube  is  sometimes  used,  the  injection  passing  in  through  the  one  tube 
and  escaping  through  the  othei-.  The  ad \  ant-age  is  more  apparent 
than  real,  however,  as  the  retention  of  the  water  until  the  magma  has 
been  .shaken  up  and  mixed  with  it  hastens  greatly  its  complete 
evacuation. 

36444°— Hi 11 


162  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

To  prevent  the  formation  of  a  new  deposit  any  fault  in  feeding 
(dry  grain  and  hay  with  privation  of  water,  excess  of  beans,  peas, 
■wheat  bran,  etc.)  and  disorders  of  stomach,  liver,  and  lungs  must 
be  corrected.  Give  abundance  of  soft  drinking  water,  encouraging 
the  animal  to  drink  by  a  handful  of  salt  daily.  Let  the  feed  be  laxa- 
tive, consisting  largely  of  roots,  apples,  pumpkins,  ensilage,  and  give 
daily  in  the  drinking  water  a  dram  of  either  carbonate  of  potash  or 
soda.  Powdered  gentian  root  (3  drams  daily)  will  also  serve  to 
restore  the  tone  of  the  stomach  and  system  at  large. 

Urethral  calculus  [stone  in  the  lirethra). — This  is  less  frequent  in 
horses  than  in  cattle  and  sheep,  owing  to  the  larger  size  of  the  urethra 
in  the  horse  and  the  absence  of  the  S-shaped  curve  and  vermiform 
appendix.  .  The  calculi  arrested  in  the  urethra  are  never  formed 
there,  but  consist  of  cystic  calculi  which  have  been  small  enough  to 
pass  through  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  but  are  too  large  to  pass 
through  the  whole  length  of  the  urethra  and  escape.  Such  calculi 
therefore  are  primarily  formed  either  in  the  bladder  or  kidney,  and 
have  the  chemical  composition  of  the  other  calculi  found  in  those 
organs.  They  may  be  arrested  at  any  point  of  the  urethra^  from  the 
neck  of  the  bladder  back  to  the  bend  of  the  tube  beneath  the  anus, 
and  from  that  point  down  to  the  extremity  of  the  penis.  I  have 
found  them  most  frequently  in  the  papilla  on  the  extreme  end  of  the 
penis,  and  immediately  behind  this. 

SymptoTns  of  urethral  calculus. — The  symptoms  are  violent  strain- 
ing to  urinate,  but  without  any  discharge,  or  with  the  escape  of  water 
in  drops  only.  Examination  of  the  end  of  the  penis  will  detect  the 
swelling  of  the  papilla  or  the  urethra  behind  it,  and  the  presence 
of  a  hard  mass  in  the  center.  A  probe  inserted  into  the  urethra  will 
strike  against  the  gritty  calculus.  If  the  stone  has  been  arrested 
higher  up,  its  position  may  be  detected  as  a  small,  hard,  sensitive 
knot  on  the  line  of  the  urethra,  in  the  median  line  of  the  lower  sur- 
face of  the  penis,  or  on  the  floor  of  pelvis  in  the  median  line  from 
the  neck  of  the  bladder  back  to  the  bend  of  the  urethra  beneath  the 
anus.  In  any  case  the  urethra  between  the  neck  of  the  bladder  and 
the  point  of  obstruction  is  liable  to  be  filled  with  fluid,  and  to  feel 
like  a  distended  tube,  fluctuating  on  pressure. 

TreatTTient  of  urethral  calculus  may  be  begun  by  an  attempt  to 
extract  the  calculi  by  manipulation  of  the  papilla  on  the  end  of  the 
penis.  This  failing,  the  calculus  may  be  seized  with  a  pair  of  fine- 
pointed  forceps  and  withdrawn  from  the  urethra ;  or,  if  necessary,  a 
probe-pointed  knife  may  be  inserted  and  the  urethra  slightly  dilated, 
or  even  laid  open,  and  the  stone  removed.  If  the  stone  has  been 
arrested  higher  up  it  must  be  extracted  by  a  direct  incision  through 
the  walls  of  the  urethra  and  down  upon  the  nodule.     If  in  the  free 


DISEASES    OF    TIFK    UHINAHV    ORCANS.  163 

(protractile)  portion  of  the  penis,  tliat  orj^aii  is  to  be  withdrawn  from 
its  sheatli  until  the  nodule  is  exposed  and  can  be  incised.  If  behind 
the  scrotum,  the  incision  must  be  made  in  the  median  line  between 
the  thi<j:hs  and  directly  over  the  nodule,  the  skin  havin<2^  been  rendered 
tense  by  the  lingers  and  tliunib  of  the  left  hand.  If  the  stone  has 
been  arrested  in  the  intrapelvic  portion  of  the  urethra,  the  incision 
must  be  made  beneath  the  anus  and  the  calculus  extracted  with  for- 
ceps, as  in  stone  in  the  bladder.  The  wound  in  the  urethra  may  be 
stitched  up,  and  usually  heals  slowly  but  satisfactt)rily.  Healing  will 
be  favored  by  washiuf]!:  two  or  three  times  daily  with  a  solution  of  a 
teaspoonful  of  carbolic  acid  in  a  pint  of  water. 

Preputial  calculus  (calculus  in  the  sheath^  or  hilocular  cavity). — 
These  are  concretions  in  the  sheath,  thou*;h  the  term  has  been  also 
applied  to  the  nodule  of  sebaceous  matter  which  accumulates  in  the 
blind  pouches  (bilocular  cavity)  by  the  sides  of  the  papilla  on  the 
end  of  the  penis.  Within  the  sheath  the  concretion  may  be  a  soft, 
cheesy-like  sebaceous  matter,  or  a  genuine  calculus  of  carbonate, 
oxalate,  phosphate  and  sulphate  of  lime,  carbonate  of  magnesia,  and 
organic  matter.  These  are  easily  removed  with  the  fingers,  after 
which  the  sheath  should  be  washed  out  with  castile  soap  and  warm 
water  and  smeared  with  sweet  oil. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  GENERATIVE  ORGANS. 

By  James  Law,  F.  R.  C,  V.  S., 
Formerly  Professor  of  Veterinary  Science,  etc.,  in  Cornell  University. 

CONGESTION   AND  INFLAMMATION   OF  THE   TESTICLES,    OR 

ORCHITIS. 

In  the  prime  of  life,  in  vigorous  health,  and  on  stimulating  feed, 
stallions  are  subject  to  congestion  of  the  testicles,  which  become 
swollen,  hot,  and  tender,  but  without  any  active  inflammation.  A 
reduction  of  the  grain  in  the  feed,  the  administration  of  1  or  2  ounces 
of  Glauber's  salt  daily  in  the  feed,  and  the  bathing  of  the  affected 
organs  daily  with  tepid  water  or  alum  Avater  Avill  usually  restore 
them  to  a  healthy  condition. 

When  the  factors  producing  congestion  are  extraordinarily  potent, 
when  there  has  been  frequent  copulation  and  heavy  grain  feeding, 
when  the  weather  is  warm  and  the  animal  has  had  little  exercise,  and 
when  the  proximity  of  other  horses  or  mares  excites  the  generative 
instinct  without  gratification,  this  congestion  may  grow  to  actual 
inflammation.  Among  the  other  causes  of  orchitis  are  blows  and 
penetrating  wounds  implicating  the  testicles,  abrasions  of  the  scro- 
tum by  a  chain  or  rope  passing  inside  the  thigh,  contusions  and 
frictions  on  the  gland  under  rapid  paces  or  heavy  draft,  compression 
of  the  blood  vessels  of  the  spermatic  cord  by  the  inguinal  ring  under 
the  same  circumstances,  and,  finally,  sympathetic  disturbance  in 
cases  of  disease  of  the  kidneys,  bladder,  or  urethra.  Stimulants  of 
the  generative  functions,  like  rue,  savin,  tansy,  cantharides,  and 
damiana,  may  also  be  accessory  causes  of  congestion  and  inflamma- 
tion. Finally,  certain  specific  diseases,  like  dourine,  glanders,  and 
tuberculosis,  localized  in  the  testicles,  w^ill  cause  inflammation. 

Symptoms. — Apart  from  actual  wounds  of  the  parts,  the  symp- 
toms of  orchitis  are  swelling,  heat,  and  tenderness  of  the  testicles, 
straddling  with  the  hind  legs  alike  in  standing  and  walking,  stiffness 
and  dragging  of  the  hind  limbs  or  of  the  liml)  on  the  affected  side, 
arching  of  the  loins,  abdominal  pain,  manifested  by  glancing  back 
at  the  flank,  more  or  less  fever,  elevated  body  temperature,  acceler- 
ated pulse  and  breathing,  lack  of  appetite,  and  dullness.  In  bad 
164 


DISEASES    OF    THE    CENEKATIVE    ORGANS.  165 

cases  tlie  scanty  urine  may  l)e  reddisli  and  the  swellinfj:  may  extend 
to  the  skin  and  envelopes  of  the  testicle,  which  may  become  thickened 
and  dou«;hy,  pittinof  on  pressure.  The  swelling  nuiy  be  so  much 
jrieatei-  in  the  convoluted  excretory  duct  alt>ng  the  upi)er  bordci-  of 
the  testicle  as  to  su<rf;est  I  he  presence  of  a  second  stone.  Even  in 
the  more  violent  attacks  the  intense  surt'ering  abates  somewhat  on  the 
second  ov  thiiil  day.  If  it  lasts  longer,  it  is  liable  to  give  rise  to  the 
formation  of  matter  (abscess).  In  exceptional  cases  the  testicle  is 
struck  with  gangrene,  or  death.  Improvement  may  go  on  slowly  to 
complete  recovery,  oi-  the  malady  uuiy  subside  into  a  subacute  and 
chronic  form  with  induration.  Matter  (abscess)  nuiy  be  recognized 
by  the  presence  of  a  soft  spot,  where  pressure  with  two  fingers  w  ill 
detect  fluctuation  from  one  to  the  other.  AVhen  there  is  licjuid  exu- 
dation into  the  scrotinn,  or  sac,  fluctuation  may  also  be  felt,  but 
the  liquid  can  be  made  out  to  be  around  the  testicle  and  can  be 
pressed  up  into  the  alxlomen  through  the  inguinal  canal.  AVhen 
abscess  occurs  in  the  cord  the  matter  may  escape  into  the  scrotal  s;ic 
and  cavity  of  the  abdomen  and  pyemia  may  follow. 

Treatment  consists  in  perfect  rest  and  quietude,  the  administration 
of  a  purgative  (1  to  1^  pounds  (ilauber's  salt),  and  the  local  appli- 
cation of  an  astringent  lotion  (acetate  of  lead  2  drams,  extract  of 
belladonna  2  drams,  and  water  1  quart)  upon  soft  rags  or  cotton  wool, 
kept  in  contact  with  the  part  by  a  suspensory  bandage.  This  band- 
age, of  great  value  for  supi)ort,  may  be  made  nearly  triangular  and 
tied  to  a  girth  aroinid  the  loins  and  to  the  upper  part  of  the  same  sur- 
cingle by  two  bands  carried  backward  and  upward  between  the 
thighs.  In  severe  cases  scarifications  one-fourth  inch  deep  serve  to 
relieve  vascular  tension.  When  abscess  is  threatened  its  formation 
may  be  favored  by  warm  fomentations  or  poultices,  and  on  the  occur- 
rence of  fluct tuition  the  knife  may  be  used  to  give  free  escape  to  the 
pus.  The  resulting  cavity  may  be  injected  daily  with  a  weak  car- 
bolic-acid lotion,  or  salol  may  be  introduced.  The  same  agents  may 
be  used  on  a  gland  threatened  with  gangrene,  but  its  i)rompt  removal 
by  castration  is  to  be  preferred,  antiseptics  being  applied  freely  to 
the  resulting  cavity. 

SARCOCELE. 

This  is  an  enlarged  and  indurated  conilition  of  the  gland,  icsulting 
from  chronic  inflammation,  though  it  is  often  a.ssociated  with  a 
specific  deposit,  like  glanders.  In  this  condition  the  natural  struc- 
ture of  the  gland  has  given  i)lace  to  embryonal  tissue  (small,  round 
cells,  with  a  few  fibrous  bundles),  and  its  restoration  to  health  is  very 
improbal)le.  Apart  from  active  inflammation,  it  may  increase  very 
slowly.    The  diseased  testicle  is  enlarged,  firm,  nonelastic  and  com- 


166  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

paratively  insensible.  The  skin  of  the  scrotum  is  tense,  and  it  may 
be  edematous  (pitting  on  pressure),  as  are  the  deeper  envelopes  avid 
spermatic  cord.  If  liquid  is  present  in  the  sac,  the  symptoms  are 
masked  somewhat.  As  it  increases  it  causes  awkward,  straddling, 
dragging  movement  of  the  hind  limbs,  or  lameness  on  the  affected 
side.  The  spermatic  cord  often  increases  at  the  same  time  with  the 
testicle,  and  the  inguinal  ring  being  thereby  stretched  and  enlarged, 
a  portion  of  intestine  may  escape  into  the  sac,  com.plicating  the 
disease  with  hernia. 

The  only  rational  and  effective  treatment  is  castration,  and  when 
the  disease  is  specific  (glanders,  tuberculosis),  even  this  may  not 
succeed. 

HYDROCELE,  OR  DROPSY  OF  THE  SCROTUM. 

This  may  be  merely  an  accompaniment  of  dropsy  of  the  abdomen, 
the  cavity  of  which  is  continuous  with  that  of  the  scrotum  in  horses. 
It  may  be  the  result,  however,  of  local  disease  in  the  testicle,  sper- 
matic cord,  or  walls  of  the  sac. 

&y'mft(yms. — The  symptoms  are  enlargement  of  the  scrotum,  and 
fluctuation  under  the  fingers,  the  testicle  being  recognized  as  floating 
in  water.  By  pressure  the  liquid  is  forced,  in  a  slow  stream  and  with 
a  perceptible  thrill,  into  the  abdomen.  Sometimes  the  cord  or  the 
scrotum  is  thickened  and  pits  on  pressure. 

Treatment  may  be  the  same  as  for  ascites,  yet  when  the  effusion  has 
resulted  from  inflammation  of  the  testicle  or  cord,  astringent  applica- 
tions (chalk  and  vinegar)  may  be  applied  to  these.  Then,  if  the 
liquid  is  not  reabsorbed  under  diuretics  and  tonics,  it  may  be  drawn 
off  through  the  nozzle  of  a  hypodermic  syringe  which  has  been  first 
passed  through  carbolic  acid.  In  geldings  it  is  best  to  dissect  out  the 
sacs. 

VARICOCELE. 

This  is  an  enlargement  of  the  venous  network  of  the  spermatic 
cord,  and  gives  rise  to  general  thickening  of  the  cord  from  the  tes- 
ticle up  to  the  ring.  The  same  astringent  dressings  may  be  tried  as 
in  hydrocele,  and,  this  failing,  castration  may  be  resorted  to. 

ABNORMAL  NUMBER  OF  TESTICLES. 

Sometimes  one  or  both  testicles  are  wanting;  in  most  such  cases, 
however,  they  are  merely  partially  developed,  and  retained  in  the 
inguinal  canal  or  abdomen  (cryptorchid).  In  rare  cases  there  may 
be  a  third  testicle,  the  animal  becoming  to  this  extent  a  double  mon- 
ster. Teeth,  hair,  and  other  indications  of  a  second  fetus  have  like- 
wise been  found  in  the  testicle  or  scrotum. 


DISEASES   OF    THE   GENERATIVE   ORGANS.  1G7 

DEGENERATION  OF  THE  TESTICLES. 

Tlie  testicles  may  betoine  tlie  seat  of  fibrous,  cakareous,  fatty, 
cartilaginous,  or  cystic  degeneration,  for  all  which  the  appropriate 
treatment  is  castration.  They  also  become  the  seat  of  cancer,  glan- 
ders, or  tuberculosis,  and  castration  is  requisite,  though  with  less 
hope  of  arresting  the  disease.  Finally,  they  may  bcconie  infested 
with  cystic  tapeworms  or  the  agamic  stage  of  a  strongyle  {Stromjh/uH 
edentatus). 

WARTS  ON  THE  PENIS. 

These  are  best  removed  by  twisting  them  off,  using  the  thumb 
and  forefinger.  They  may  also  be  cut  off  with  scissors  and  the  roots 
cauterized  with  nitrate  of  silver. 

DEGENERATION    OF    PENIS    (PAPILLOMA,    OR    EPITHELIOMA). 

The  penis  of  the  horse  is  subject  to  great  cauliflower-like  growths 
on  its  free  end,  which  extend  back  into  the  substance  of  the  organ, 
obstruct  the  passage  of  urine,  and  cause  very  fetid  discharges.  The 
only  resort  is  to  cut  them  off,  together  with  whatever  portion  of  the 
penis  has  become  diseased  and  indurated.  The  operation,  which 
should  be  performed  by  a  veterinary  surgeon,  consists  in  cutting 
through  the  organ  from  its  upper  to  its  lower  aspect,  twisting  or 
tying  the  two  dorsal  arteries,  and  leaving  the  urethra  longer  by  half 
an  inch  to  1  inch  than  the  adjacent  structures. 

EXTRAVASATION  OF  BLOOD  IN  THE  PENIS. 

As  the  result  of  kicks,  blows,  or  of  forcible  striking  of  the  penis 
on  the  thighs  of  the  mare  which  it  has  failed  to  enter,  the  ])enis 
may  become  the  .seat  of  effusion  of  blood  from  one  or  more  ruptured 
blood  vessels.  This  gives  rise  to  a  more  or  less  extensive  swelling 
on  one  or  more  sides,  followed  l)y  some  heat  and  inflaunnation,  and 
on  recovery  a  serious  curving  of  the  organ.  The  treatment  in  the 
early  stages  may  be  the  application  of  lotions,  of  alum,  or  other 
astringents,  to  limit  the  effusion  and  favor  absorption.  The  penis 
should  be  suspended  in  a  sling. 

PARALYSIS  OF  THE  PENIS. 

This  results  from  blows  and  other  injuries,  and  also  in  some  cases 
from  too  frequent  and  exhausting  service.  'J'he  penis  hangs  from 
the  sheath,  flaccid,  pendulous,  and  often  cold.  The  pa.ssage  of  urine 
occurs  with  lessened  force,  and  especially  without  the  final  jets.  In 
cases  of  local  injury  the  inflammation  .should  fiiMt  be  subdued  by 
astringent  and  emollient  lotions,  and  in  all  ca.ses  the  system  should 


168  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE, 

be  invigorated  by  nourishing  diet,  while  30-grain  doses  of  mix  vomica 
are  given  twice  a  da.y.  Finally,  a  weak  current  of  electricity  sent 
through  the  penis  from  just  beneath  the  anus  to  the  free  portion  of 
the  penis,  continued  for  10  or  15  minutes  and  repeated  daily,  may 
prove  successful. 

SELF-ABUSE,  OR  MASTURBATION. 

Some  stallions  acquire  this  vicious  habit,  stimulating  the  sexual 
instinct  to  the  discharge  of  semen  by  rubbing  the  penis  against  the 
belly  or  between  the  fore  limbs.  The  only  remedy  is  a  mechanical 
one,  the  fixing  of  a  net  under  the  penis  in  such  fashion  as  to  prevent 
the  extension  of  the  penis  or  so  prick  the  organ  as  to  compel  the 
animal  to  desist  through  pain. 

DOURINE. 

This  disease  is  discussed  in  the  chapter  on  "  Infectious  Diseases." 

CASTRATION. 

CASTRATION  OF  STALLIONS. 

This  is  usually  done  at  1  year  old,  but  may  be  accomplished  at  a 
few  weeks  old  at  the  expense  of  an  imperfect  development  of  the 
fore  parts.  The  simplicity  and  safety  of  the  operation  are  greatest 
in  the  young.  The  delay  till  2,  3,  or  4  years  old  will  secure 
a  better  development  and  carriage  of  the  fore  parts.  The  essential 
part  of  castration  is  the  safe  removal  or  destruction  of  the  testicle 
and  the  arrest  or  prevention  of  bleeding  from  the  spermatic  artery 
found  in  the  anterior  part  of  the  cord.  Into  the  many  methods  of 
accomplishing  this  limited  space  forbids  us  to  enter  here,  so  that  only 
the  method  most  commonly  adopted,  castration  by  clamps,  will  be 
noticed.  The  animal  having  been  thrown  on  his  left  side,  and  the 
right  hind  foot  drawn  up  on  the  shoulder,  the  exposed  scrotum, 
penis,  and  sheath  are  washed  with  soap  and  water,  any  concretion  of 
sebum  being  carefully  removed  from  the  bilocular  cavity  in  the  end 
of  the  penis.  The  left  spermatic  cord,  just  above  the  testicle,  is  now 
seized  in  the  left  hand,  so  as  to  render  the  skin  tense  over  the  stone, 
and  the  right  hand,  armed  with  the  knife,  makes  an  incision  from 
before  backward,  about  three-fourths  of  an  inch  from  and  parallel  to 
•  the  median  line  between  the  thighs,  deep  enough  to  expose  the  testicle 
and  long  enough  to  allow  that  organ  to  start  out  through  the  skin. 
At  the  moment  of  making  this  incision  the  left  hand  must  grasp  the 
cord  very  firmly,  otherwise  the  sudden  retraction  of  the  testicle  by 
the  cremaster  muscle  may  draw  it  out  of  the  hand  and  upw^ard 
through  the  canal  and  even  into  the  abdomen.     In  a  few  seconds. 


I 


DISEASES   OF   THE   (iENERATIVK    ORGANS.  169 

when  the  stru*r^!:li'  «nil  retraction  have  ceaseJ,  the  knife  is  inserted 
throufrh  the  cord,  between  its  anterior  and  posterior  portions,  and  th^ 
liittt'i',  tile  one  which  the  muscle  retracts,  is  cut  completely  thi-ou«:h. 
The  testicle  will  now  han<^  limp,  and  there  is  no  longer  any  tendency 
to  retraction.  It  should  he  |)ulled  down  until  it  will  no  longer  han.-^ 
loose  below  the  wound  and  the  clamps  apjdied  around  the  still  at- 
tached portion  of  the  cord,  close  np  to  the  skin.  The  clami)s.  whicli 
may  be  made  of  any  tough  wood,  are  grooved  along  the  center  of  tli" 
surfaces  opposed  to  each  other,  thereby  fulfilling  two  important  ii.- 
dications — (a)  enabling  the  clamps  to  hold  more  securely  and  (b) 
providing  for  the  application  of  an  antiseptic  to  the  cord.  For  this 
purpose  a  dram  of  suli)liate  of  copper  may  be  mixed  with  an  ounce 
of  vaseline  and  pressed  into  the  gioove  in  the  face  of  each  clamp. 
In  applying  the  clamp  over  the  cord  it  should  be  drawn  so  close  with 
l)incers  as  to  press  out  all  blood  from  the  compressed  cord  and  de- 
stroy its  vitality,  and  the  cord  applied  npon  the  comi)ressing  clamps 
should  be  so  hard-twined  that  it  will  not  stretch  later  and  slacken  the 
hold.  When  the  clamp  has  been  fixed  the  testicle  is  cut  off  one-half 
to  1  inch  below  it,  and  the  clamp  may  be  left  thus  for  24  hours;  then, 
by  cutting  the  cord  around  one  end  of  the  clamp,  the  latter  may  be 
opened  and  the  stump  liberated  without  any  danger  of  bleeding. 
Should  the  stump  hang  out  of  the  wound  it  should  be  pushed  inside 
with  the  finger  and  left  there.  The  wound  should  begin  to  discharge 
white  matter  on  the  second  day  in  hot  weather  or  the  third  in  cold, 
and  from  that  time  a  good  recovery  may  be  expected. 

The  young  horse  suffers  less  from  castration  than  the  old.  and  very 
rarely  perishes.  Good  health  in  the  subject  is  all  important.  Castra- 
tion should  never  be  attempted  during  the  prevalence  of  strangles, 
influenza,  catarrhal  fever,  contagious  pleurisy,  bronchitis,  pneumonia, 
purpura  hemorrhagica,  or  other  sjiecilic  disease,  nor  on  subjects  that 
have  been  kept  in  close,  ill-ventilated,  filthy  buildings,  where  the 
system  is  liable  to  have  been  charged  with  putrid  liacteria  or  other 
products.  Warm  weather  is  to  be  preferred  to  cold,  but  the  fly  time 
should  be  avoided  or  the  flies  kept  at  a  distance  by  the  application  of 
a  watery  solution  of  tar.  carbolic  acid,  or  camphor  to  the  wound. 

CASTRATION   OF   CRYPTORCHTDS    (RIDGLINGS). 

This  is  the  removal  of  a  testicle  or  testicles  that  have  failed  to 
descend  into  the  scrotum,  but  have  been  detained  in  the  inguinal 
canal  or  inside  the  abdomen.  The  manipulation  re<piires  an  accurate 
anatomical  knowledge  of  the  parts,  and  special  skill,  exj^erience,  and 
ruanual  dexterity,  and  can  not  be  made  clear  to  the  unprofessional 
mind  in  a  short  descrijition.  It  consists,  however,  in  the  discovery 
and  removal  of  the  missing  gland  by  exploring  through  the  natural 
channel  (the  inguinal  canal),  or,  in  case  it  is  absent,  through  the  in- 


170  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

guinal  ling  or  through  an  artificial  opening  made  in  front  and  above 
that  channel  between  the  abdominal  muscles  and  the  strong  fascia' on 
the  inner  side  of  the  thigh  (Poupart's  ligament).  Whatever  method 
is  used,  the  skin,  hands,  and  instruments  should  be  rendered  aseptic 
with  a  solution  of  mercuric  chlorid  1  part,  water  2,000  parts  (a  car- 
bolic-acid lotion  for  the  instruments),  and  the  spermatic  cord  is  best 
torn  through  by  the  ecraseur.  In  many  such  cases,  too,  it  is  desirable 
to  sew  up  the  external  wound  and  keep  the  animal  still,  to  favor  heal- 
ing of  the  wound  by  adhesion. 

CONDITIONS  FOLLOWING  CASTRATION. 

Pain  after  castration. — Some  horses  are  pained  and  very  restless 
for  several  hours  after  castration,  and  this  ma}'  extend  to  cramps  of 
the  bowels  and  violent  colic.  This  is  best  kept  in  check  by  carefully 
rubbing  the  patient  dry  when  he  rises  from  the  operation,  and  then 
leading  him  in  hand  for  some  time.  If  the  pain  still  persists  a 
dose  of  laudanum  (1  ounce  for  an  adult)  may  be  given. 

Bleeding  after  castration. — Bleeding  from  the  wound  in  the  scro- 
tum and  from  the  little  arter}^  in  the  posterior  portion  of  the  sper- 
matic cord  always  occurs,  and  in  warm  weather  may  appear  to  be 
quite  free.  It  scarcely  ever  lasts,  however,  more  than  15  minutes, 
and  is  easily  checked  by  dashing  cold  water  against  the  j)art. 

Bleeding  from  the  spermatic  artery  in  the  anterior  part  of  the  cord 
may  be  dangerous  when  due  precaution  has  not  been  taken  to  prevent 
it.  In  such  case  the  stump  of  the  cord  should  be  sought  for  and 
the  artery  twisted  with  artery  forceps  or  tied  with  a  silk  thread. 
If  the  stump  can  not  be  found,  pledgets  of  tow  wet  with  tincture  of 
muriate  of  iron  may  be  stuffed  into  the  canal  to  favor  the  formation 
of  clot  and  the  closure  of  the  artery. 

Strangulated  spermatic  cord. — If  in  castration  the  cord  is  left 
too  long,  so  as  to  hang  out  of  the  wound,  the  skin  wound  in  con- 
tracting grasps  and  strangles  it,  preventing  the  free  return  of  blood 
and  causing  a  steadily  advancing  swelling.  In  addition  the  cord 
becomes  adherent  to  the  lips  of  the  wound  in  the  skin,  whence  it 
derives  an  increased  supply  of  blood,  and  is  thereby  stimulated  to 
more  rapid  swelling.  The  subject  walks  stiffly,  with  a  straddling  gait, 
loses  appetite,  and  has  a  rapid  pulse  and  high  fever.  Examina- 
tion of  the  wound  discloses  the  partial  closure  of  the  skin  wound  and 
the  protrusion,  from  its  lips,  of  the  end  of  the  cord,  red,  tense,  and 
varj'ing  in  size  from  a  hazelnut  upward.  If  there  is  no  material  swell- 
and  little  protrusion,  the  wound  may  be  enlarged  with  the  loiife  and 
the  end  of  the  cord  broken  loose  from  anv  connection  with  the  skin 
and  pushed  up  inside.  If  the  swelling  is  larger,  the  mass  constitutes 
a  tumor  and  must  be  removed.      (See  below.) 


DISEASES    OF    THE    GENERATIVE    ORGANS.  171 

SicelUng  of  the  sheath,  penis,  and  abdonun. — This  occurs  in  cer- 
tain unhoaltliy  states  of  tlie  system,  in  iinliealthfiil  seasons,  as  the  re- 
sult of  operating  without  cleansing  the  sheath  and  penis,  or  of 
keeping  tlie  suhject  in  a  filthy,  inipuie  building,  as  the  result  of 
infecting  the  wounil  by  hands  or  instruments  bearing  sejitic  bacteiMa, 
or  as  the  result  of  premature  closure  of  the  wound,  and  im|)rison- 
ment  of  matter. 

Pure  air  and  ck'aiiline.ss  oi  gioiii  and  wound  are  to  be  oi)taine(l. 
Antiseptics,  like  the  mercuric-chlorid  lotion  (1  part  to  2,000)  are  to 
be  applied  to  the  parts:  the  wound,  if  closed,  is  to  be  opened  anew, 
any  accumulateil  matter  or  blood  washed  out,  and  the  antiseptic 
licpiid  freely  applied.  The  most  tense  or  dependent  parts  of  the 
swelling  in  sheath  or  iHMiis,  or  beneath  the  belly,  should  be  pricked  at 
intervals  of  '.\  or  4  inc-hes  to  a  depth  of  half  an  inch,  and  antiseptics 
freely  applied  to  the  surface.  Fomentations  with  waim  water  may 
also  be  used  to  favor  oozing  from  the  incisions  and  to  encourage 
the  formation  of  white  matter  in  the  original  wounds,  which  must  not 
be  allowed  to  close  again  at  once.  A  free,  creamlike  discharge  im- 
plies a  healthy  action  in  the  sore,  and  is  the  precursor  of  recovery. 

Phyniosis  and  paraphyniasls. — In  cases  of  swelling,  as  above,  the 
penis  may  be  imprisoned  within  the  sheath  (phymosis)  or  protruded 
and  swollen  so  that  it  can  not  be  retracted  into  it  (i)ai:»i)hymosis). 
In  these  cases  the  treatment  indicated  above,  and  especially  the  scarifi- 
cations, will  prove  a  useful  preliminary  resort.  The  use  of  astringent 
lotions  is  always  desirable,  and  in  case  of  the  protruded  penis  the 
application  of  an  elastic  or  simple  linen  bandage,  so  as  to  press  the 
blood  and  accumulated  fluid  out,  will  enable  the  operator  to  return  it. 

Tumors  on  the  spermatic  cord. — These  are  due  to  rough  handling 
or  dragging  upon  the  cord  in  castration,  to  strangulation  of  unduly 
long  cords  in  the  external  wound,  to  adhesion  of  the  end  of  the  cord 
to  the  skin,  to  inflammation  of  the  cord  succeeding  exposure  to  cold 
or  wet,  or  to  the  presence  of  infection  {iStnphylococcu^  hotrioniyccs). 
These  tumors  give  rise  to  a  stiff,  straddling  gait,  and  may  l)e  felt  as 
hanl  masses  in  the  groin  connected  above  with  the  coi-d.  They  may 
continue  to  grow  slowly  for  many  years  until  they  reach  a  weiglit  of 
15  or  20  pounds,  and  contract  adhesions  to  all  surrounding  parts.  I  f 
disconnected  from  the  skin  and  inguinal  cainil  they  may  be  removed 
in  the  siime  manner  as  the  testicle,  while  if  larger  anil  firndy  adherent 
to  the  skin  and  surrounding  parts  generally,  they  nui.st  be  carefully 
dissected  from  the  parts,  the  arteries  Ix'ing  tied  as  they  are  reached 
and  the  cord  finally  torn  through  with  an  ecraseur.  When  the  cord 
has  become  swollen  and  indurated  up  into  the  abdomen  such  removal 
is  impossible,  though  a  jiaitial  destruction  of  the  mass  may  .still  be 
attempted  by  passing  white  hot,  j)ointed  irons  upward  toward  the 
inguinal  ring  in  the  center  of  the  thickened  and  indurated  cord. 


172  DISEASES  OF   THE   HORSE. 

CASTRATION    BY   THE    COVERED    OPERATION. 

This  is  only  required  in  case  of  hernia  or  protrusion  of  bowels  "or 
omentum  into  the  sac  of  the  scrotum,  and  consists  in  the  return  of 
the  hernia  and  the  application  of  the  caustic  clamps  over  the  cord 
and  inner  walls  of  the  inguinal  canal,  so  that  the  walls  of  the  latter 
become  adherent  above  the  clamps,  the  canal  is  obliterated,  and  fur- 
ther protrusion  is  hindered.  For  the  full  description  of  this  and  of 
the  operation  for  hernia  for  geldings,  see  remarks  on  hernia. 

CASTRATION   OF   THE   MARE. 

Castration  is  a  much  more  dangerous  operation  in  the  mare  than  in 
the  females  of  other  domesticated  quadrupeds  and  should  never  be 
resorted  to  except  in  animals  that  become  unmanageable  on  the  recur- 
rence of  heat  and  that  will  not  breed  or  that  are  utterly  unsuited  to 
breeding.  Formerly  the  operation  was  extensively  practiced  in 
Europe,  the  incision  being  made  through  the  flank,  and  a  large  pro- 
portion of  the  subjects  perished.  By  operating  through  the  vagina 
the  risk  can  be  largely  obviated,  as  the  danger  of  unhealthy  inflam- 
mation in  the  wound  is  greatly  lessened.  The  animal  should  be 
fixed  in  a  trevis,  with  each  foot  fixed  to  a  post  and  a  sling  placed 
under  the  body,  or  it  may  be  thrown  and  put  under  chloroform. 
The  manual  operation  demands  special  professional  knowledge  and 
skill,  but  it  consists  essentially  in  making  an  opening  through  the 
roof  of  the  vagina  just  above  the  neck  of  the  womb,  then  following 
with  the  hand  each  horn  of  the  womb  until  the  ovary  on  that  side 
is  reached  and  grasped  between  the  lips  of  forceps  and  twisted  off. 
It  might  be  torn  off  by  an  ecraseur  especialh^  constructed  for  the 
purpose.  The  straining  that  follows  the  operation  may  be  checked 
by  ounce  doses  of  laudanum,  and  any  risk  of  protrusion  of  the  bowels 
ma}^  be  obviated  by  applying  the  truss  advised  to  prevent  eversion 
of  the  womb.  To  further  prevent  the  pressure  of  the  abdominal  con- 
tents against  the  v-aginal  wound  the  mare  should  be  tied  short  and 
high  for  twenty-four  or  forty-eight  hours,  after  which  I  have  found 
it  best  to  remove  the  truss  and  allow  the  privilege  of  lying  down. 
Another  important  point  is  to  give  bran  mashes  and  other  laxative 
diet  only,  and  in  moderate  quantity,  for  a  fortnight,  and  to  unload 
the  rectum  by  copious  injections  of  warm  water  in  case  impaction  is 
imminent. 

STERILITY. 

Sterility  may  be  in  the  male  or  in  the  female.  If  due  to  the  stal- 
lion, then  all  the  mares  put  to  him  remain  barren:  if  the  fault  is  in 
the  mare,  she  alone  fails  to  conceive,  while  other  mares  served  by  the 
same  stallion  get  in  foal. 

In  the  stallion  sterility  may  be  due  to  the  following  causes:  {a) 
Imperfect  development  of  the  testicles,  as  in  cases  in  which  they  are 


DISEASES   OF    THE   GENERATIVE   ORGANS.  173 

retained  witliiii  tlie  iilxloiiu'ii ;  (A)  inllaiiinialion  of  the  testicles,  re- 
sulting in  induration;  (c)  tatty  defeneration  of  tlie  testicles,  in  stal- 
lions liberally  fed  on  starchy  feed  and  not  sufficiently  exercised;  (d) 
fatty  degeneration  of  the  excretory  duets  of  the  testicles  {ruj^a  dtfe- 
renthi):  (<  )  inllannnation  or  ulceration  of  these  (hicts;  (/)  intlani- 
mation  or  ulceration  of  the  nuicous  nienihrane  covering  the  penis; 
{(j)  injui'ies  to  the  })enis  from  blows  (often  causing  paralysis)  ;  (h) 
uarty  growths  on  the  end  of  the  penis;  (/)  tumors  of  other  kinds 
(largely  pigmentary),  affecting  the  testicles  or  penis;  {j)  nervous 
diseases  "which  abolish  the  sexual  appetite  or  that  control  the  museles 
which  are  essential  to  the  act  of  coition;  (/.  )  azoturia  with  resulting 
weakness  or  paralysis  of  the  nniscles  of  the  loins  or  the  front  of  the 
thigh  (above  the  stifle)  ;  {I)  ossification  (anchylosis)  of  the  joints 
«d'  the  back  or  loins,  which  render  the  auinuil  unable  to  rear  or 
inount;  {m)  spavins,  ringbones,  or  other  painful  ati'ections  of  the 
hind  limbs,  the  pain  of  which  in  mounting  causes  the  animal  to  sur- 
denly  stop  short  in  the  act.  In  the  first  three  of  these  only  (a,  6, 
and  c)  is  there  real  sterility  in  the  sense  of  the  nondevelopment  or 
impei-fect  de\elo])ment  of  the  male  vivifying  eleuient  (spermatozoa). 
In  the  other  examples  the  secretion  may  be  imperfect  in  kind  and 
amount,  but  as  copulation  is  prevented  it  can  not  reach  and  imj^reg- 
nate  the  ovum. 

In  the  mare  barrenness  is  e(jually  ilue  to  a  variety  of  cause's.  In 
a  number  of  breeding  studs  the  proportion  of  sterile  mares  has 
\  aried  from  I'O  to  40  per  cent.  It  may  be  due  to :  {a)  Imperfect 
develoi)ment  of  the  ovary  and  nomnaturation  of  ova;  {h)  cystic 
or  other  tumors  of  the  ovary;  {c)  fatty  degeneration  of  the  ovary 
in  very  obese,  paujpered  mares;  {d)  fatty  degeneration  of  the  excre- 
tory tubes  of  the  ovaries  (Fallopian  tubes)  ;  {c)  catarrh  of  the  womb, 
with  mucopurulent  discharge;  (/)  irritable  condition  of  the  womb, 
with  profuse  secretion,  straining,  and  ejection  of  the  semen;  {y) 
nervous  irritability,  leading  to  the  same  expulsion  of  the  male  ele- 
ment; {h)  high  ccmdition  (plethora),  with  profuse  secretion  and 
excitement;  (/)  low  condition,  with  imperfect  maturation  of  the 
(ua  and  lack  of  sexual  desire;  {))  poor  feeding,  overwork,  and 
chronic  debilitating  diseases,  as  leading  to  the  condition  just  nauied; 
(A)  closure  of  the  neck  of  the  womb,  temporarily  by  spasm  or  per- 
manently by  inllammatiijii  and  induration;  (/)  closure  of  the  en- 
trance to  the  vagina  through  imperforate  hymen,  a  rare,  though  not 
unknown,  condition  in  the  mare;  (m,)  acquired  indisposition  to  breed, 
seen  in  old,  hard-worked  mares  which  are  first  put  to  the  stallion 
when  aged;  in)  change  of  climate  has  repeatedly  been  followed  l)v 
barrenness;  (o)  hybridity.  which  in  male  and  feuiale  alike  usually 
entails  sterilitv. 


174  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  the  majority  of  these  conditions 
will  be  found  dealt  with  in  other  parts  of  this  work,  so  that  it  is 
onh^  necessary  here  to  name  them  as  causes.  Some,  however,  must 
be  specially  referred  to  in  this  place.  Stallions  with  undescended 
testicles  are  beyond  the  reach  of  medicine,  and  should  be  castrated 
and  devoted  to  other  uses.  Indurated  testicles  may  sometimes  be 
remedied  in  the  early  stages  by  smearing  with  a  weak  iodin  ointment 
daily  for  a  length  of  time,  and  at  the  same  time  invigorating  the 
system  by  liberal  feeding  and  judicious  work.  Fatty  degeneration 
is  best  met  by  an  albuminoid  diet  (wheat  bran,  cottonseed  meal, 
rape  cake)  and  constant,  well-regulated  work.  Saccharine,  starchy, 
and  fatty  food  (potatoes,  wheat,  corn,  etc.)  are  to  be  specially 
avoided.  In  the  mare  one  diseased  and  irritable  ovary  should  be 
removed,  to  do  away  with  the  resulting  excitability  of  the  remainder 
of  the  generative  organs.  An  irritable  womb,  with  frequent  strain- 
ing and  the  ejection  of  a  profuse  secretion,  may  sometimes  be  cor- 
rected by  a  restricted  diet  and  full  but  well-regulated  work.  Even 
fatigue  will  act  beneficially  in  some  such  cases,  hence  the  practice  of 
the  Arab  riding  his  mare  to  exhaustion  just  before  service.  The 
perspiration  in  such  case,  like  the  action  of  a  purgative  or  the 
abstraction  of  blood  just  before  service,  benefits,  by  rendering  the 
blood  vessels  less  full,  by  lessening  secretion  in  the  womb  and  else- 
where, and  thus  counteracting  the  tendency  to  the  ejection  and  loss 
of  semen.  If  these  means  are  ineffectual,  a  full  dose  of  camphor  (2 
drams)  or  of  salicin  may  at  times  assist.  Low  condition  and  anemia 
demand  just  the  opposite  kind  of  treatment — ^rich,  nourishing,  al- 
buminoid feed,  bitter  tonics  (gentian),  sunshine,  gentle  exercise, 
liberal  grooming,  and  supporting  treatment  generally  are  here  in 
order. 

Spasmodic  closure  of  the  neck  of  the  womb  is  common  and  is 
easily  remedied  in  the  mare  by  dilatation  with  the  fingers.  The  hand, 
smeared  with  belladonna  ointment  and  with  the  fingers  drawn  into 
the  form  of  a  cone,  is  introduced  through  the  vagina  until  the  pro- 
jecting, roimded  neck  of  the  womb  is  felt  at  its  anterior  end.  This 
is  opened  by  the  careful  insertion  of  one  finger  at  a  time,  until  the 
fingers  have  been  passed  through  the  constricted  neck  into  the  open 
cavity  of  the  womb.  The  introduction  is  made  with  a  gentle,  rotary 
motion,  and  all  precipitate  violence  is  avoided,  as  abrasion,  lacera- 
tion, or  other  cause  of  irritation  is  likely  to  interfere  with  the 
retention  of  the  semen  and  consequently  with  impregnation.  If 
the  neck  of  the  womb  is  rigid  and  unyielding  from  the  induration 
which  follows  inflammation — a  rare  condition  in  the  mare,  though 
common  in  the  cow — more  force  Avill  be  requisite,  and  it  may  even 
be  needful  to  incise  the  neck  to  the  depth  of  one-sixth  of  an  inch 


DISEASES    OF    TUE    GENERATIVE    ORGANS.  175 

in  four  or  more  opposite  directions  prior  to  forcible  dihitation.  The 
incision  may  be  made  with  a  |)r()be-pointed  knife,  and  shoidd  be 
done  by  a  professional  man  if  possible.  The  subsequent  dilatation  may 
be  best  effected  by  the  slow  expansion  of  sponge  or  seaweed  tents 
inserted  into  the  narrow  canal.  In  such  cases  it  is  Ix'st  to  let  the 
wounds  of  the  neck  heal  before  putting  to  horse.  An  imperforate 
hymen  may  be  freely  incised  in  a  crucial  manner  until  the  passage 
will  admit  the  human  hand.  An  ordimiry  knife  may  be  used  foi-  this 
j)urpose,  and  after  the  operation  the  stallion  may  be  admitted  at 
once  or  oidy  after  the  Avounds  have  healed. 

PREGNANCY. 

INDICATIONS    OF    PREGNANCY. 

As  the  mere  fact  of  service  by  the  stallion  does  not  insure  preg- 
nancy, it  is  important  that  the  result  should  be  determined  to  save 
the  mare  from  unnecessary  and  dangerous  work  or  medication  when 
actually  in  foal  and  to  obviate  wasteful  and  needless  precautions 
when  she  is  not. 

The  cessation  and  nonrecurrence  of  the  symptoms  of  heat  (horsing) 
are  most  significant,  though  not  an  infallible,  sign  of  conception.  If 
the  sexual  excitement  speedily  subsides  and  the  mare  persistently 
refuses  the  stallion  for  a  month,  she  is  probably  ])regnant.  In  very 
exceptional  cases  a  mare,  though  i)regnant,  will  accept  a  second  or 
third  service  after  weeks  or  months,  and  some  mares  will  refuse  the 
horse  persistently,  though  conception  has  not  taken  place,  and  this  in 
spite  of  warm  weather,  good  condition  of  the  mare,  and  liberal  feed- 
ing. The  recurrence  of  heat  in  the  pregnant  mare  is  most  liable  to 
take  place  in  hot  weather.  If  heat  merely  ]^ersists  an  imdue  length 
of  time  after  service,  or  if  it  reappears  shortly  after,  in  warm 
weather  and  in  a  comparatively  idle  mare,  on  good  feeding,  it  is 
less  significant,  while  the  jiersistent  absence  of  heat  under  such  con- 
ditions may  be  usually  accepted  as  proof  of  conception. 

An  unwonted  gentleness  and  docility  on  the  part  of  a  previously 
irritable  or  vicious  mare,  and  supervening  on  service,  is  an  excellent 
indication  of  pregnancy,  the  genenitive  instinct  which  caused  the 
excitement  having  been  satisfied. 

An  increase  of  fat,  with  softness  and  (labbiness  of  muscle,  a  loss  of 
energy,  indisposition  for  active  work,  a  manifestation  of  laziness, 
indeed,  and  of  fatigue  early  and  easily  induced,  when  preceded  by 
service,  will  usually  imply  conception. 

P^nlargement  of  the  abdomen,  especially  in  its  lower  third,  with 
slight  falling  in  beneath  the  loins  and  hollowness  of  the  back  are  sig- 
nificant symptoms,  though  they  may  be  entirely   absent.     Swelling 


176  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

and  firmness  of  the  udder,  with  tlie  smoothing  out  of  its  wrinkles, 
is  a  suggestive  sign,  even  though  it  appears  only  at  intervals  during 
gestation. 

A  steady  increase  in  weight  (1^  pounds  daily)  about  the  fourth  or 
fifth  month  is  a  useful  indication  of  pregnancy.  So  is  a  swollen  and 
red  or  bluish-red  appearance  of  the  vaginal  mucous  membrane. 

From  the  seventh  or  eighth  month  onward  the  foal  may  be  felt  by 
the  hand  (palm  or  knuckles)  pressed  into  the  abdomen  in  front  of  the 
left  stifle.  The  sudden  push  displaces  the  foal  toward  the  opposite 
side  of  the  w^omb,  and  as  it  floats  back  its  hard  body  is  felt  to  strike 
against  the  hand.  If  the  pressure  is  maintained  the  movements  of 
the  live  foal  are  felt,  and  especially  in  the  morning  and  after  a  drink 
of  cold  water  or  during  feeding.  A  drink  of  cold  water  will  often 
stimulate  the  fetus  to  movements  that  may  be  seen  by  the  eye,  but 
an  excess  of  iced  water  may  prove  injurious,  even  to  the  causing  of 
abortion.  Cold  water  dashed  on  the  belly  has  a  similar  efi^ect  on  the 
fetus  and  is  equally  provocative  of  abortion. 

Examination  of  the  uterus  Avith  the  oiled  hand  introduced  into  the 
rectum  is  still  more  satisfactory,  and,  if  cautiously  conducted,  no 
more  dangerous.  The  rectum  must  be  first  emptied  and  then  the 
hand  carried  forward  until  it  reaches  the  front  edge  of  the  pelvic 
bones  beloAV,  and  pressed  downward  to  ascertain  the  size  and  outline 
of  the  womb.  In  the  unimpregnated  state  the  vagina  and  womb  can 
be  felt  as  a  single  rounded  tube,  dividing  in  front  to  two  smaller 
tubes  (the  horns  of  the  womb).  In  the  pregnant  mare  not  only  the 
body  of  the  womb  is  enlarged,  but  still  more  so  one  of  the  horns 
(right  or  left),  and  on  compression  the  latter  is  found  to  contain  a 
hard,  nodular  body,  floating  in  a  liquid,  which  in  the  latter  half  of 
gestation  may  be  stimulated  by  gentle  pressure  to  manifest  spon- 
taneous movements.  By  this  method  the  presence  of  the  fetus  may 
be  determined  as  early  as  the  third  month.  If  the  complete,  natural 
outline  of  the  virgin  womb  can  not  be  made  out,  careful  examination 
should  always  be  made  on  the  right  and  left  side  for  the  enlarged 
horn  and  its  living  contents.  Should  there  still  be  difficulty  the  mare 
should  be  placed  on  an  inclined  plane,  with  her  hind  parts  lowest, 
and  two  assistants,  standing  on  opposite  sides  of  the  body,  should 
raise  the  low^er  part  of  the  abdomen  by  a  sheet  passed  beneath  it. 
Finally  the  ear  or  stethoscope  applied  on  the  wall  of  the  abdomen 
in  front  of  the  stifle  may  detect  the  beating  of  the  fetal  heart  (one 
hundred  and  twenty-five  a  minute)  and  a  blowing  sound  (the  uterine 
sough),  much  less  rapid  and  corresponding  to  the  number  of  the 
pulse  of  the  dam.'  It  is  heard  most  satisfactorily  after  the  sixth  or 
eighth  month  and  in  the  absence  of  active  rumbling  of  the  bowels 
of  the  dam. 


UlSKASKS    OF    THE    OEXERATIVK    OlttiAN.S.  177 

DURATION    OF    PREGNANCY. 

Mares  usually  <?<)  about  eleven  uiontlis  with  youii<i^,  thoug;h  first 
pregnancies  often  last  a  year.  Foals  have  lived  when  born  at  the 
three  hundredth  day,  so  with  others  carried  till  the  four  hundiedth 
day.  A\'ith  the  lon'jjer  pregnancies  there  is  a  greater  probalulity  of 
male  otVsi)i-ing. 

HYGIENE   OF   THE   PREGNANT   MARE. 

The  pregnant  niaie  shouKl  not  be  exposed  to  teasing  by  a  young 
and  ardent  stallion,  nor  should  she  be  overworked  or  fatigued,  jiar- 
ticularly  under  the  saddle  or  on  une\en  giound.  Yet  exercise  is  bene- 
ficial to  both  mother  and  otlspring,  i\\\d  in  the  absence  of  moderate 
work  the  breeding  mare  should  be  kept  in  a  lot  where  she  can  take 
exercise  at  Avill. 

The  feed  should  be  liberal,  but  not  fattening — oats,  bran,  sound 
hay,  and  other  feeds  rich  in  the  principles  which  form  flesh  and  bone 
being  especially  indicated.  All  aliments  that  tend  to  indigestion  are 
to  be  especially  avoided.  Thus  rank,  acjueous,  rapidly  growing 
grasses  and  other  green  feed,  partially  ripe  rye  grass,  millet,  Hun- 
garian grass,  vetches,  peas,  beans,  or  nuiize  are  objectionable,  as  is 
overripe,  fibrous,  innutritions  hay,  or  that  which  has  l)een  injured 
and  rendered  musty  by  wet,  or  that  which  is  infested  with  smut  or 
ergot.  Feed  that  tends  to  costiveness  should  be  avoided.  Water 
given  often,  and  at  a  temperature  considerable  above  freezing,  will 
avoid  the  dangers  of  indigestion  and  abortion  which  result  from  tak- 
ing too  much  ice-cold  water  at  one  time.  Very  cold  or  frozen  feed  is 
olijectionable  in  the  same  sense.  Severe  surgical  operations  and 
medicines  that  act  violently  on  the  womb,  bowels,  or  kidneys  are  to  be 
avoided  as  being  liable  to  cause  abortion.  Constipation  should  be 
corrected,  if  possible,  by  bran  mashes,  carrots,  or  beets,  seconded  by 
exercise,  and  if  a  medicinal  laxative  is  required  it  should  be  olive 
oil  or  other  equally  bland  agent. 

The  stall  of  the  pregnant  mare  should  not  be  too  narrow,  so  as  to 
cramp  her  when  lying  down  or  to  entail  violent  effort  in  getting  up, 
and  it  should  lutt  slope  too  much  from  the  front  backward,  as  this 
throws  the  weight  of  the  uterus  back  on  the  jielvis  and  endangers 
protrusions  and  even  abortion.  Violent  mental  impressi(ms  are  to  be 
avoided,  for  though  most  nuires  are  not  afiected  thereby,  yet  a  cer- 
tain numljer  are  so  profoundly  impressed  that  peculiarities  and 
distortions  are  entailed  on  the  offspring;  hence,  there  is  wisdom 
shown  in  banishing  particolored  or  objectionaldy  tinted  animals,  and 
those  that  show  deformities  or  faulty  conformation.  Hence,  too,  the 
importance  of  preventing  prolonged,  acute  suffering  b}'  the  pregnant 
mare,  as  certain  troubles  of  the  eyes,  feet,  and  joints  in  the  foals  have 

3W44''— 16 12 


178  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

been  clearly  traced  to  the  concentration  of  the  mother's  mind  on  cor- 
responding injured  organs  in  herself.  Sire  and  dam  alike  tend:- to 
reproduce  their  individual  defects  which  predispose  to  disease,  but 
the  dam  is  far  more  liable  to  perpetuate  the  evil  in  her  progeny  whicli 
was  carried  while  she  was  individually  enduring  severe  suffering 
caused  by  such  defects.  Hence,  an  active  bone  spavin  or  ringbone, 
causing  lameness,  is  more  objectionable  than  that  in  which  the  in- 
flammation and  lameness  have  both  passed,  and  an  active  ophthalmia 
is  more  to  be  feared  than  even  an  old  cataract.  For  this  reason  all 
active  diseases  in  the  breeding  mare  should  be  soothed  and  abated 
as  early  as  possible. 

EXTRA-UTERINE  GESTATION. 

It  is  rare  in  the  domestic  animals  to  find  the  fetus  developed  else- 
where than  in  the  womb.  The  exceptional  forms  are  those  in  which 
the  sperm  of  the  male,  making  its  w^ay  through  the  womb  and  Fallo- 
pian tubes,  impregnates  the  ovum  prior  to  its  escape,  and  in  which 
the  now  vitalized  and  growing  ovum,  by  reason  of  its  gradually  in- 
creasing size,  becomes  imprisoned  and  fails  to  escape  into  the  womb. 
The  arrest  of  the  ovum  may  be  in  the  substance  of  the  ovary  itself 
(ovarian  pregnancy),  in  the  Fallopian  tube  (tubal  pregnancy),  or 
when  by  its  continuous  enlargement  it  has  ruptured  its  envelopes  so 
that  it  escapes  into  the  cavity  of  the  abdomen,  it  may  become  attached 
to  any  part  of  the  serous  membrane  and  draAV  its  nourishment  di- 
rectly from  that  (abdominal  pregnancy).  In  all  such  cases  there  is 
an  increase  and  enlargement  of  the  capillary  blood  vessels  at  the 
point  to  which  the  embryo  has  attached  itself  so  as  to  furnish  the 
needful  nutriment  for  the  growing  offspring. 

All  appreciable  symptoms  are  absent,  unless  from  the  death  of  the 
fetus,  or  its  interference  with  normal  functions,  general  disorder  and 
indications  of  parturition  supervene.  If  these  occur  later  than  the 
natural  time  for  parturition,  they  are  the  more  significant.  There 
may  be  general  malaise,  loss  of  appetite,  elevated  temperature,  acceler- 
ated pulse,  with  or  without  distinct  labor  pains.  Examination  with 
the  oiled  hand  in  the  rectum  will  reveal  the  w^omb  of  the  natural, 
unimpregnated  size  and  shape  and  with  both  horns  of  one  size.  Fur- 
ther exploration  may  detect  an  elastic  mass  apart  from  the  womb,  in 
the  interior  of  which  may  be  felt  the  characteristic  solid  body  of  the 
fetus.  If  the  latter  is  still  alive  and  can  be  stimulated  to  move,  the 
evidence  is  even  more  perfect.  The  fetus  may  die  and  be  carried 
for  years,  its  soft  structures  becoming  absorbed  so  as  to  leave  only  the 
bones,  or  by  pressure  it  may  form  a  fistulous  opening  through  the 
abdominal  walls,  or  less  frequently  through  the  vagina  or  rectum.  In 
the  latter  cases  the  best  course  is  to  favor  the  expulsion  of  the  foal  and 
to  wash  out  the  resulting  cavity  with  a  solution  of  carbolic  acid  1  part 


DISEASES    OF    THE    GENERATIVE    ORGANS.  179 

to  water  50  piiFts.  This  may  l)e  repeated  daily.  When  there  is  no 
spontaneous  opening  it  is  injudicious  to  interfere,  as  tht'  (hinder  from 
the  retention  of  the  fetus  is  less  than  that  from  septic  fermentation 
in  the  enormous  fetal  sac  when  that  has  been  opened  to  the  air. 

MOLES.  OR  ANIDIAN  MONSTERS. 

These  are  evidently  ])r()ilucts  (rf  conception,  in  which  the  imprep^- 
nated  ovum  has  failed  to  develop  naturally,  and  presents  only  a  cha- 
otic mass  of  skin,  hair,  bones,  muscles,  etc.,  attached  to  the  inner 
surface  of  the  woml)  by  an  umbilical  cord,  which  is  itself  often  shriv- 
eleil  and  wasted.  They  are  usually  accompanied  with  a  well-devel- 
oped fetus,  so  that  the  mole  may  be  looked  upon  as  a  twin  which  has 
undergone  arrest  and  vitiation  of  development.  They  are  expelled 
by  the  ordinary  process  of  parturition,  and  usually  at  the  same  time 
with  the  normally  developed  oflfspring. 

CYSTIC   DISEASE   OF   THE   WALLS   OF   THE   WOMB,   OR   VESICULAR   MOLE. 

This  condition  appears  to  be  attributable  to  hypertrophy  (enlarge- 
ment) of  the  villi  on  the  inner  surface  of  the  womb,  which  become 
greatly  increased  in  number  and  hollowed  out  internally  into  a  series 
of  cysts,  or  pouches,  containing  liquid.  Unlike  the  true  mole,  there- 
fore, they  appear  to  be  disease  of  the  maternal  structure  of  the  womb 
rather  than  of  tlie  product  of  conception.  Rodet,  in  a  case  of  this 
kind,  which  had  produced  active  labor  pains,  quieted  the  disorder 
with  anodynes  anrl  effected  a  recovery.  When  this  can  not  be  done, 
attempts  may  be  made  to  remove  the  mass  with  the  ecraseur  or  other- 
wise, following  it  up  with  antiseptic  injections,  as  advised  under  the 
last  heading. 

DROPSY  OF  THE  WOMB. 

This  appears  as  a  result  of  some  disease  of  the  walls  of  the  womb, 
but  has  been  frequently  observed  as  the  result  of  infection  after  sex- 
ual congress,  and  has,  therefore,  been  confounded  with  pregnancy. 
The  symptoms  are  those  of  pregnancy,  but  without  any  movements  of 
the  fetus  and  without  the  detection  of  any  solid  body  in  the  womb 
when  examined  with  the  oiled  hand  in  the  rectum.  At  the  end  of 
four  or  eight  months  there  are  signs  of  parturition  or  of  freciuent 
straining  to  pass  urine,  and  after  a  time  the  liquid  is  di.scharged  clear 
and  watery,  or  muddy,  thick,  and  fetid.  The  hand  introduced  into 
the  womb  can  detect  neither  fetus  nor  fetal  membrane.  If  the  neck 
of  the  womb  closes,  the  liquid  may  accumulate  a  second  time,  or  even 
a  third,  if  no  means  are  taken  to  disinfect  it  or  to  correct  the  tend- 
ency. The  l)est  resort  is  to  remove  any  diseased  product  that  may  l)e 
found  attached  to  the  walls  of  the  womb  and  to  inject  it  daily  with  a 
warm  solution  of  carbolic  acid  2  drams,  chlori«l   of  zinc  one-half 


180  DISEASES   OP   THE    HORSE. 

dram,  water  1  quart.  A  course  of  bitter  tonics  (gentian  2  drams, 
sulphate  of  iron  2  drams,  daily)  should  be  given,  and  a  nutritious, 
easily  digested,  and  slightly  laxative  diet  allowed. 

DROPSY  OF  THE  AMNION. 

This  differs  from  simple  dropsy  of  the  Avomb  in  that  the  fluid  col- 
lects in  the  inner  of  the  two  water  bags  (that  in  which  the  foal  floats) 
and  not  in  the  otherwise  void  cavity  of  the  womb.  This  affection 
can  occur  onh^  in  the  pregnant  animal,  while  dropsy  of  the  womb 
occurs  in  the  unimpregnatecl.  The  blood  of  the  pregnant  mare  con- 
tains an  excess  of  water  and  a  smaller  proportion  of  albumen  and  red 
globules,  and  when  this  condition  is  still  further  aggravated  by  poor 
feeding  and  other  unhygienic  conditions  there  is  developed  the  tend- 
ency to  liquid  transudation  from  the  vessels  and  dropsy.  As  the 
watery  condition  of  the  blood  increases  with  advancing  pregnancy, 
so  dropsy  of  the  amnion  is  a  disease  of  the  last  four  or  five  months  of 
gestation.  The  abdomen  is  large  and  pendulous,  and  the  swelling 
fluctuates  under  pressure,  though  the  solid  body  of  the  fetus  can  still 
be  felt  to  strike  against  the  hand  pressed  into  the  swelling.  If  the 
hand  is  introduced  into  the  vagina,  the  womb  is  found  to  be  tense  and 
round,  with  the  projecting  rounded  neck  effaced,  while  the  hand  in 
the  rectum  will  detect  the  rounded,  swollen  mass  of  the  womb  so  firm 
and  tense  that  the  body  of  the  fetus  can  not  be  felt  within  it.  The 
mare  moves  weakly  and  unsteadily  on  her  limbs,  having  difficulty  in 
supporting  the  great  weighty  and  in  bad  cases  there  may  be  loss  of 
appetite,  stocking  (drops}')  of  the  hind  limbs,  difficult  breathing,  and 
colicky  pains.  The  tension  may  lead  to  abortion,  or  a  slow,  labo- 
rious parturition  may  occur  at  the  usual  time. 

Treatment  consists  in  relieving  the  tension  and  accumulation  by 
puncturing  the  fetal  membrane  with  a  cannula  and  trocar  introduced 
through  the  neck  of  the  womb  and  the  withdrawal  of  the  trocar  so 
as  to  leave  the  cannula  in  situ,  or  the  membranes  may  be  punctured 
with  the  finger  and  the  excess  of  liquid  allowed  to  escape.  This  may 
bring  on  abortion,  or  the  womb  may  close  and  gestation  continue  to 
the  full  term.  A  course  of  tonics  (gentian  root  2  drams,  sulphate  of 
iron  2  drams,  daily)  will  do  much  to  fortify  the  system  and  counter- 
act further  excessive  effusion. 

DROPSY   OF   THE   LIMBS,   PERINEUM,   AND   ABDOMEN. 

The  disposition  to  dropsy  often  shows  itself  in  the  hind  and  even 
in  the  fore  limbs,  around  and  beneath  the  vulva  (perineum),  and  be- 
neath the  abdomen  and  chest.  The  affected  parts  are  swollen  and 
pit  on  pressure,  but  are  not  especially  tender,  and  subside  more  or 
less  perfectly  under  exercise,  hand  rubbing,  and  bandages.  In  ob- 
stinate cases  rubbing  with  the  following  liniment  may  be  resorted  to: 


I 


DISEASES    OF    THE    (;ENERATIVE    ORGANS.  181 

Compound  tiiKture  of  iodin,  li  oiim-es;  taniiif  aciil.  one-half  ilrani; 
water,  10  oiintt's.  It  does  not  last  nioi«'  than,  a  day  oi-  two  after 
parturition. 

CRAMPS    OF   THE    HIND    LIMBS. 

The  i)ressure  of  the  distentled  wonih  on  the  nerves  and  blood  \  e.ssels 
of  the  })el\  is,  besides  eon(hKin«>;  to  dropsy,  occasionally  causes  cramps 
of  the  hind  limbs.  The  limb  is  raised  without  flexiiifj^  the  joints,  tho 
front  of  the  h(K)f  bein<::  directed  toward  the  ijfrouiul.  or,  the  spasms 
occurring  intermittently,  the  foot  is  kicked  violently  against  the 
ground  several  times  in  rapid  succession.  The  inust^les  are  felt  to  be 
liini  and  rigid.  The  cramp  may  be  i)romptly  relieved  by  active  rub- 
bing or  by  walking  the  animal  about,  and  it  does  not  reappear  after 
parturition. 

CONSTIPATION. 

This  may  result  from  compression  by  gra\id  woml),  and  is  best 
corrected  by  a  graduated  allowance  of  boiled  flax.seed. 

PARALYSIS. 

The  pressure  on  the  nerves  of  the  pelvis  is  liable  to  cause  paralysis 
of  the  hind  limbs  or  of  the  nerve  of  sight.  These  are  obstinate  until 
after  parturition,  when  they  recover  spontaneously,  or  under  a 
course  of  nux  vomica  and  (local)  stimulating  liniments. 

PROLONGED  RETENTION   OF  THE   FETUS    (FOAL). 

Though  far  less  fre(juently  than  in  the  ca.se  of  the  cow,  parturition 
may  not  be  completed  at  term,  and  the  jnare,  to  her  serious  and  even 
fatal  injury,  may  carry  the  foal  in  the  womb  for  a  number  of  months. 
Hamon  records  one  case  in  which  the  mare  died  after  carrying  the 
fetus  for  17  months,  and  Caillier  a  similar  result  after  it  had  been 
carricxl  22  months.  In  these  cases  the  fetus  retained  its  natural  form, 
but  in  one  reported  l)y  (lohier  the  bones  only  woic  left  in  the  womb 
amid  a  mass  of  apparently  purulent  matter. 

Cause. — The  cause  may  be  any  effective  obstruction  to  the  act  of 
parturition,  stich  as  lack  of  contractile  jxjwcr  in  the  womb,  undidv 
strong  (inllammatory )  adhesions  between  the  womb  and  the  fetal 
membranes,  wrong  presentation  of  the  fetus,  contracted  pelvis  (from 
fracture  or  disease  of  the  Ixmes),  or  disea.se  and  induration  of  (he 
neck  of  the  womb. 

The  mere  prolongatiim  of  ge.-tation  does  not  necessarily  entail  the 
death  of  the  foal;  hence  the  latter  has  been  born  alive  at  the  four 
himdredth  day.  P^ven  when  the  foal  has  ))erished  j)Utrefaction  does 
not  set  in  unle.ss  the  membranes  (water  bags)  have  been  ruptured  and 
septic  bacteria  have  been  admitted  to  the  interior  of  the  womb.  In 
the  latter  case  a  fetid  decomposition  advances  rapidly,  and  the  mare 
usually  perishes  from  poisoning  with  the  putrid  matters  absorbed. 


182  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

At  the  natural  period  of  parturition  preparations  are  apparently 
made  for  that  act.  The  vulva  swells  and  discharges  much  mucus,  the 
udder  enlarges,  the  belly  becomes  more  pendent,  and  the  animal 
strains  more  or  less.  No  progress  is  made,  however;  there  is  not 
even  opening  of  the  neck  of  the  womb,  and  after  a  time  the  symptoms 
subside.  The  mare  usually  refuses  the  male,  yet  there  are  exceptions 
to  this  rule.  If  the  neck  of  the  womb  has  been  opened  and  putrefy- 
ing changes  in  its  contents  have  set  in,  the  mare  loses  appetite  and 
condition,  pines,  discharges  an  offensive  matter  from  the  generative 
passages,  and  dies  of  inflammation  of  the  womb  and  putrid  infection. 
In  other  cases  there  is  a  slow  wearing  out  of  the  strength,  and  she 
finally  dies  of  exhaustion. 

The  treatment  is  such  as  will  facilitate  the  expulsion  of  the  fetus 
and  its  membranes  and  the  subsequent  washing  out  of  the  womb  with 
disinfectants.  So  long  as  the  mouth  of  the  womb  is  closed  time 
should  be  allowed  for  its  natural  dilatation,  but  if  this  does  not  come 
about  after  a  day  or  two  of  straining,  the  opening  may  be  smeared 
with  extract  of  belladonna,  and  the  oiled  hand,  with  the  fingers  and 
thumb  drawn  into  the  form  of  a  cone,  may  be  inserted  by  slow  oscil- 
lating movements  into  the  interior  of  the  womb.  The  water  bags 
may  now  be  ruptured,  any  malpresentation  rectified  (see  "Difficult 
parturition"),  and  delivery  effected.  After  removal  of  the  mem- 
branes wash  out  the  womb  first  with  tepid  water  and  then  with  a  solu- 
tion of  2  ounces  of  borax  in  half  a  gallon  of  water. 

This  injection  may  have  to  be  repeated  if  a  discharge  sets  in.  The 
same  course  may  be  pursued  even  after  prolonged  retention.  If  the 
soft  parts  of  the  fetus  have  been  absorbed  and  the  bones  only  left, 
these  must  be  carefully  sought  for  and  removed,  and  subsequent  daily 
injections  wall  be  required  for  some  time.  In  such  cases,  too,  a  course 
of  iron  tonics  (sulphate  of  iron,  2  drams  daily)  will  be  highly  bene- 
ficial in  restoring  health  and  vigor. 

ABORTION. 

Abortion  is,  strictly  speaking,  the  expulsion  of  the  impregnated 
ovum  at  any  period  from  the  date  of  impregnation  until  the  foal  can 
survive  out  of  the  womb.  If  the  foal  is  advanced  enough  to  live,  it 
is  premature  parturition,  and  in  the  mare  this  may  occur  as  early  as 
the  tenth  month  (three  hundredth  day). 

The  mare  may  abort  by  reason  of  almost  any  cause  that  very  pro- 
foundly disturbs  the  system;  hence,  very  violent  inflammations  of 
important  internal  organs  (bowels,  kidneys,  bladder,  lungs)  may  in- 
duce abortion.  Profuse  diarrhea,  whether  occurring  from  the  reck- 
less use  of  purgatives,  the  consumption  of  irritants  in  the  feed,  or  a 
simple  indigestion,  is  an  effective  cause.  No  less  so  is  acute  indiges- 
tion with  evolution  of  gas  in  the  intestines  (bloating).    The  presence 


DISEASES    OF    THE    GENERATIVE    ORGANS.  183 

of  stone  in  tlio  kitlnoys,  uterus,  bladder,  or  urethra  may  induce  so 
much  sympathetic  disorder  in  the  >Yomb  as  to  induce  abortion.  In 
exceptional  cases  wherein  mares  come  in  heat  during  gestation,  service 
by  the  stallion  may  cause  abortion.  Blows  or  pressure  on  the  abdo- 
men, rapid  driving  or  riding  of  the  pregnant  mare,  especially  if  she 
is  soft  and  out  of  condition  from  idleness,  the  brutal  use  of  the  spur 
or  whip,  and  the  jolting  and  straining  of  travel  by  rail  or  boat  are 
prolific  causes.  Bleeding  the  pregnant  mare,  a  painful  surgical  op- 
eration, and  the  throwing  and  constraint  resorted  to  for  an  operation 
are  other  causes.  Traveling  on  heavy,  muddy  roads,  slips  and  falls 
on  ice,  and  jumping  must  be  added.  The  stimulation  of  the  abdom- 
inal organs  by  a  full  drink  of  iced  water  may  precipitate  a  miscar- 
riage, as  may  exposure  to  a  cold  rainstorm  or  a  very  cold  night  after  a 
warm  day.  Irritant  poisons  that  act  on  the  urinary  or  generative 
organs,  such  as  Spanish  flies,  rue,  savin,  tansy,  cotton-root  bark,  ergot 
of  rye  or  other  grasses,  the  snnit  t)f  maize  and  other  grain,  and 
various  fungi  in  musty  fodder  are  additional  causes.  Frosted  or 
indigestible  feed,  and,  above  all,  green  succulent  vegetables  in  a 
frozen  state,  have  proved  effective  factors,  and  filthy,  stagnant  water 
is  datigerous.  Low  condition  in  the  dam  and  plethora  have  in  oppo- 
site ways  caused  aborticm,  and  hot,  relaxing  stables  and  lack  of 
exercise  strongly  conduce  to  it.  The  exhaustion  of  the  sire  by  too 
frequent  service,  entailing  debility  of  the  offspring  and  disease  of 
the  fetus  or  of  its  envelopes,  must  be  recognized  as  a  further  cause. 

The  symptoms  vary  mainly  according  as  the  abortion  is  earl}'  or 
late  in  pregnancy.  In  the  first  month  or  two  of  pregnancy  the  mare 
may  miscarry  without  observable  symptoms,  and  the  fact  appears 
only  by  her  coming  in  heat.  If  more  closely  observed  a  small  clot 
of  blood  may  be  found  behind  her,  in  which  a  careful  search  reveals 
the  rudiments  of  the  foal.  If  the  occurrence  is  somewhat  later  in 
gestation,  there  will  be  some  general  disturl)ance,  loss  of  appetite, 
neighing,  and  straining,  and  the  small  body  of  the  fetus  is  expelled, 
enveloped  in  its  membranes.  Abortions  during  the  later  stages  of 
pregnancy  are  attended  with  greater  constitutional  disturbance,  and 
the  process  resembles  normal  parturition,  with  the  aggravation  that 
more  effort  and  straining  is  requisite  to  force  the  fetus  through  the 
comparatively  undilatable  mouth  of  the  wouib.  There  is  the  swelling 
(;f  the  vulva,  with  mucus  or  even  bloody  discharge;  the  abdomen 
droops,  the  flanks  fall  in,  the  udder  fills,  the  mare  looks  at  her  flanks, 
paws  with  the  fore  feet  and  kicks  with  the  hind,  switches  the  tail, 
moves  around  uneasily,  lies  down  and  rises,  strains,  and.  as  in  n;itural 
foaling,  expels  first  mucus  and  blood,  then  the  waters,  and  finally  the 
fetus.  This  may  occupy  an  hour  or  two,  or  it  may  be  prolonged  for 
a  day  or  more,  the  symptoms  subsiding  for  a  time,  only  to  reappear 
with  renewed  energy.     If  there  is  malpresentation  of  the  fetus  it  will 


184  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOKSE. 

hinder  progress  until  rectified,  as  in  difficult  parturition.  Abortion 
may  also  be  followed  by  the  same  accidents,  as  flooding,  retention  of 
the  placenta,  and  leucorrhea. 

The  most  important  object  in  an  impending  abortion  is  to  recog- 
nize it  at  as  early  a  stage  as  possible,  so  that  it  may,  if  possible,  be 
cut  short  and  prevented.  Any  general,  indefinable  illness  in  a  preg- 
nant mare  should  lead  to  a  close  examination  of  the  vulva  as  regards 
swelling,  vascularity  of  its  mucous  membrane,  and  profuse  mucus 
secretion,  and,  above  all,  any  streak  or  staining  of  blood;  also  the 
condition  of  the  udder,  if  that  is  congested  and  swollen.  Any  such 
indication,  with  colicky  pains,  straining,  however  little,  and  active 
movement  of  the  fetus  or  entire  absence  of  movement,  are  suggestive 
symptoms  and  should  be  duly  counteracted. 

The  changes  in  the  vulva  and  udder,  with  a  soiled  and  bloody  con- 
dition of  the  tail,  may  suggest  an  abortion  already  accomplished,  and 
the  examination  with  the  hand  in  the  vagina  may  detect  the  mouth 
of  the  womb  soft  and  dilatable  and  the  interior  of  the  organ  slightly 
filled  with  a  bloody  liquid. 

Treatment  should  be  preventive  if  possible,  and  would  embrace  the 
avoidance  of  all  causes  mentioned,  and  particularly  of  such  as  may 
seem  to  be  particularly  operative  in  the  particular  case.  If  abortions 
have  already  occurred  in  a  stud,  the  especial  cause  in  the  matter  of 
feed,  water,  exposure  to  injuries,  overwork,  lack  of  exercise,  etc., 
may  often  be  identified  and  removed.  A  most  important  point  is  to 
avoid  all  causes  of  constipation,  diarrhea,  indigestion,  bloating,  vio- 
lent purgatives,  diuretics  or  other  potent  medicines,  painful  opera- 
tions, and  slippery  roads,  unless  well  frosted. 

When  abortion  is  imminent,  the  mare  should  be  placed  alone  in  a 
roomy,  dark,  quiet  stall,  and  have  the  straining  checked  by  some 
sedative.  Laudanum  is  usually  at  hand  and  may  be  given  in  doses  of 
1  or  2  ounces,  according  to  size,  and  repeated  after  two  or  three  houre, 
and  even  daily  if  necessary.  Chloroform  or  chloral  hydrate,  3  drams, 
may  be  substituted  if  more  convenient.  These  should  be  given  in  a 
pint  or  quart  of  water,  to  avoid  burning  the  mouth  and  throat.  Or 
Vihurnmn  prunlfoh'mn  (black  haw),  1  ounce,  may  be  given  and  re- 
peated if  necessary  to  prevent  straining. 

When  all  measures  fail  and  miscarriage  proceeds,  all  that  can  be 
done  is  to  assist  in  the  removal  of  the  fetus  and  its  membranes,  as  in 
ordinary  parturition.  As  in  the  case  of  retention  of  the  fetus,  it  may 
be  necessary  after  delivery  to  employ  antiseptic  injections  into  the 
womb  to  counteract  putrid  fermentation.  This,  however,  is  less  nec- 
essary in  the  mare  than  in  the  cow,  in  which  the  prevalent  contagious 
abortion  must  be  counteracted  by  the  persistent  local  use  of  antisep- 
tics. After  abortion  a  careful  hygiene  is  demanded,  especially  in  the 
matter  of  pure  air  and  easily  digestible  feed.     The  mare  should  not 


DISEASKS    OF    TlIK    CKNKRATIVK    OltCAXS.  186 

be  served  airain  for  a  month  oi-  loiifrer,  and  in  no  ca>e  nntil  after  all 
disc-haige  from  the  vulva  has  ceased. 

INFECTIOUS    ABORTION    IN    MARES. 

This  disease  is  disiMisst'd  in  the  i-haptei"  on  *' Jiifect  ioiis   I  )i>.c;isi's."' 

PARTURITION. 

SYMPTOMS  OF  PARTURITION. 

A.S  the  period  of  partuiition  approaches,  the  swellinf;  of  the  udder 
bespeaks  the  coming  event,  the  engorgement  in  exceptional  cases 
extending  forward  on  the  lower  sui'face  of  the  alxloinen  and  even  into 
the  hind  limbs.  Fur  about  a  week  a  serous  iluid  oozes  from  the  teat 
and  concretes  as  a  yellow,  Avaxlike  mass  around  its  orifice.  About 
'24  houi's  before  the  birth  this  gives  place  to  a  whitish,  milky  li(|uid, 
which  falls  upon  and  mats  the  hairs  on  the  inner  sides  of  the 
legs.  Another  symptom  is  enlargement  of  the  vulva,  with  redness 
of  its  lining  membrane,  and  the  escape  of  glairy  mucus.  The  belly 
droops,  the  tlanks  fall  in,  and  the  loins  may  even  become  depressed. 
Finally  the  mare  becomes  uneasy,  stops  feeding,  looks  anxious, 
whisks  her  tail,  and  may  lie  down  and  rise  again.  In  many  mares 
this  is  not  repeated,  but  they  remain  down;  violent  contractions  of 
the  abdominal  muscles  ensue;  after  two  or  three  pains  the  water 
bags  appear  and  burst,  followed  by  the  fore  feet  of  the  foal,  with 
the  nose  between  the  knees,  and  by  a  few  more  throes  the  fetus  is 
expelled.  In  other  cases  the  act  is  accomplished  standing.  The 
whole  act  may  not  occupy  more  than  5  or  10  minutes.  This,  together 
with  the  disposition  of  the  mare  to  avoid  observation,  renders  the 
act  one  that  is  rarely  seen  by  the  attendants* 

The  navel  string,  which  connects  the  foal  to  the  membranes,  is 
ruptured  when  the  fetus  falls  to  the  ground,  or  when  the  mare  rises, 
if  she  has  been  down,  and  the  membranes  are  expelled  a  few  minutes 
later. 

NATURAL    PRESENTATION. 

A\'hen  there  is  a  single  foal,  the  common  and  desiiable  presentation 
is  with  the  fore  feet  first,  the  nose  iK'tween  the  knee.s,  and  with  the 
front  of  the  hoofs  and  knees  and  the  forehead  directed  upward  toward 
the  anus,  tail,  and  croup.  (Plate  XII,  fig.  1.)  In  this  way  the 
natural  curvature  of  the  body  of  the  fetus  corresponds  to  the  curve 
of  the  womb  and  genital  passages,  and  particularly  of  the  bony 
pelvis,  and  the  foal  pasi^es  with  much  greater  ease  than  if  placed 
with  its  back  downward  toward  the  udder.  When  there  is  a  twin 
birth  the  second  foal  usually  comes  with  its  hind  feet  first,  and  the 
backs  of  the  legs,  the  points  of  the  hock.s,  and  the  tail  and  croup  are 
turned  upward  toward  the  anus  and  tail  of  the  mare.     (Plate  XII, 


186  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

fig.  2.)  In  this  way,  even  with  a  posterior  presentation,  the  curva- 
ture of  the  body  of  the  foal  still  corresponds  to  that  of  the  passages, 
and  its  expulsion  may  be  quite  as  easy  as  in  anterior  presentation. 
Any  presentation  aside  from  these  two  may  be  said  to  be  abnormal 
and  will  be  considered  under  "  Difficult  parturition." 

PREMATURE    LABOR    PAINS. 

These  may  be  brought  on  by  any  violent  exertion,  use  under  the 
saddle,  or  in  heavy  draft,  or  in  rapid  paces,  or  in  travel  by  rail  or  sea, 
blows,  kicks,  crushing  by  other  animals  in  a  doorway  or  gate.  Ex- 
cessive action  of  purgative  or  diuretic  agents,  or  of  agents  that  irri- 
tate the  bowels  or  kidneys,  like  arsenic,  paris  green,  all  caustic  salts 
and  acids,  and  acrid  and  narcotico-acrid  vegetables,  is  equally  in- 
jurious. Finally,  the  ingestion  of  agents  that  stimulate  the  action  of 
the  gravid  womb  (ergot  of  rye  or  of  other  grasses,  smut,  various 
fungi  of  fodders,  rue,  savin,  cotton  root,  etc.)  may  bring  on  labor 
pains  prematurel3^ 

Besides  the  knowledge  that  parturition  is  not  yet  due,  there  will  be 
less  enlargement,  redness,  and  swelling  of  the  vulva,  less  mucous  dis- 
charge, less  filling  of  the  udder,  and  fewer  appearances  of  wax  and 
probably  none  of  milk  from  the  ends  of  the  teats.  The  oiled  hand 
introduced  into  the  vulva  will  not  enter  with  the  ease  usual  at  full 
term,  and  the  neck  of  the  womb  will  be  felt  not  only  closed,  but  with 
its  projecting  papillae,  through  which  it  is  perforated,  not  yet  flat- 
tened down  and  effaced,  as  at  full  term.  The  symptoms  are,  indeed, 
those  of  threatened  abortion,  but  at  such  an  advanced  stage  of  gesta- 
tion as  is  compatible  Avith  the  survival  of  the  offspring. 

TreatTnent. — The  treatment  consists  in  the  separation  of  the  mare, 
in  a  quiet,  dark,  seclude<i  place,  from  all  other  animals,  and  the  free 
use  of  antispasmodics  and  anodynes.  Opium  in  dram  doses  every 
two  hours,  or  laudanum  in  ounce  doses  at  similar  intervals,  will  often 
suffice.  "^^Hien  the  more  urgent  symptoms  have  subsided  these  doses 
may  be  repeated  thrice  a  day  till  all  excitement  passes  off  or  until  the 
passages  have  b3come  relaxed  and  prepared  for  parturition.  Vibum- 
um>  prunifolimn  (black  haw),  in  ounce  doses,  may  be  added  if  neces- 
sary. Should  parturition  become  inevitable,  it  may  be  favored  and 
any  necessary  assistance  furnished. 

DIFFICULT    PARTURITION. 

"With  natural  presentation  this  is  a  rare  occurrence.  The  great 
length  of  the  fore  limbs  and  face  entail,  in  the  anterior  presentation, 
the  formation  of  a  long  cone,  which  dilates  and  glides  through  the 
passages  with  comparatiA^e  ease.  Even  with  the  hind  feet  first  a  simi- 
lar conical  form  is  presented,  and  the  process  is  rendered  easy  and 


DISEASES   OF    THE   GENERATIVE   ORGANS.  187 

quick.  Difficulty  and  danger  arise  mainly  from  the  act  being  hrouglit 
on  prematurely  before  the  passages  are  sufficiently  dilated,  from  nar- 
rowing of  the  pelvic  bones  or  other  mechanical  obstruction  in  the 
passages,  from  monstrous  distortions  or  dui)licati()ns  in  the  fetus, 
or  from  the  turning  back  of  one  t)f  the  members  so  that  the  elongated 
conical  or  wedge-shaped  outline  is  done  away  with.  Prompt  as  is  the 
noinial  parturition  in  the  mare,  however,  difficult  and  delayed  ])ar- 
turitiuns  are  surrounded  by  s[)ccial  dangers  and  recjuire  unusual 
precautions  and  skill.  From  the  proclivity  of  the  mare  to  unhealthy 
inflammations  of  the  peritoneum  and  other  abdominal  organs,  pene- 
trating wounds  of  the  womb  or  vagina  are  liable  to  prove  fatal. 
The  contractions  of  the  womb  and  abdominal  walls  are  so  powerful 
as  to  exhaust  and  benmnb  the  arm  of  the  assistant  and  to  endanger 
penetrating  wounds  of  the  genital  organs.  By  reason  of  the  looser 
connection  of  the  fetal  membranes  with  the  womb,  as  compared  with 
those  of  ruminants,  the  violent  throes  early  detach  these  membranes 
throughout  their  whole  extent,  and  the  foal,  being  thus  separated 
from  the  mother  and  thrown  on  its  own  resources,  dies  at  an  early 
stage  of  any  protracted  parturition.  The  foal  rarely  survives  four 
hours  after  the  onset  of  parturient  throes.  From  the  great  length 
of  the  limbs  and  neck  of  the  foal  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  secure 
and  bring  up  limb  or  head  which  has  been  turned  back  when  it 
should  have  been  presented.  When  assistance  must  be  rendered, 
the  operator  should  don  a  thick  woolen  undershirt  with  the  sleeves 
cut  out  at  the  shoulders.  This  protects  the  body  and  leaves  the  whole 
arm  free  for  manipulation.  Before  inserting  the  arm  it  should  be 
smeared  with  lard.  This  protects  the  skin  against  septic  infection 
and  favors  the  introduction  of  the  hand  and  arm.  The  hand  should 
be  inserted  with  the  thumb  and  fingers  drawn  together  like  a  cone. 
Whether  standing  or  lying,  the  mare  should  be  turned  with  head 
downhill  and  hind  parts  raised  as  much  as  possilde.  The  contents 
of  the  abd(jmen  gra\itating  forward  leave  much  more  room  for 
manipulation.  Whatever  part  of  the  foal  is  presented  (head,  foot) 
should  be  secured  with  a  cord  and  running  noose  before  it  is  pushed 
back  to  search  for  tiie  other  missing  paits.  Even  if  a  mi.ssing  part 
is  reached,  no  attempt  should  be  made  to  bring  it  up  during  a  labor 
pain.  Pinching  the  back  will  sometimes  check  the  ]>ains  and  allow 
the  operat<»r  to  secure  and  bring  up  the  missing  member.  In  inti-act- 
able  cases  a  large  dose  of  chloral  hydrate  (1  ounce  in  a  (piart  of 
water)  or  tlie  inhalation  of  chlorofoini  aiul  air  (equal  pro|)orti(»ns) 
to  insensibility  may  secure  a  respite,  during  which  the  missing 
membei-s  may  be  replaced.  If  the  waters  have  been  discharged  and 
the  mucus  dried  up,  the  g«'nital  passages  and  body  of  the  fetus 
should  be  lubricated  with  lard  or  oil  In'fore  any  attemjH  at  extrac- 
tion is  made.     AXHien  the  missing  member  has  been  brought  up  into 


188  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

position  and  presentation  has  been  rendered  natural,  traction  on 
the  fetus  must  be  made  only  during  a  labor  pain.  If  a  mare-js 
inclined  to  kick,  it  may  be  necessary  to  apply  hobbles  to  protect  the 
operator. 

Difficult  parturition  from  narrow  pelvis. — A  disproportion 
between  the  fetus  got  by  a  large  stallion  and  the  pehns  of  a  small 
dam  is  a  serious  obstacle  to  parturition,  sometimes  seen  in  the  mare. 
This  is  not  the  rule,  however,  as  the  foal  up  to  birth  usually  accommo- 
dates itself  to  the  size  of  the  dam,  as  illustrated  in  the  successful 
crossing  of  Percheron  stallions  on  mustang  mares.  If  the  dispro- 
joortion  is  too  great  the  only  resort  is  embrj^otomy. 

Fractured  hip  bones. — More  commonly  the  obstruction  comes 
from  distortion  and  narrowing  of  the  pelvis  as  the  result  of  fractures. 
(Plate  XIII,  fig.  2.)  Fractures  at  any  point  of  the  lateral  wall  or 
floor  of  the  pelvis  are  repaired  with  the  formation  of  an  extensiAe 
bony  deposit  bulging  into  the  passage  of  the  pelvis.  The  displace- 
ment of  the  ends  of  the  broken  bone  is  another  cause  of  constriction, 
and  between  the  two  conditions  the  passage  of  the  fetus  may  be  ren- 
dered impossible  without  embryotomy.  Fracture  of  the  sacrum  (the 
continuation  of  the  backbone  forming  the  croup)  leads  to  the  de- 
pression of  the  posterior  part  of  that  bone  in  the  roof  of  the  pelvis 
and  the  narrowing  of  the  passage  from  above  downward  by  a  bony 
ridge  presenting  its  sharp  edge  forward. 

In  all  cases  in  which  there  has  been  injuiy  to  the  bones  of  the  pelvis 
the  obvious  precaution  is  to  withhold  the  mare  from  breeding  and  to 
use  her  for  work  only. 

If  a  mare  with  a  pelvis  thus  narrowed  has  got  in  foal  inadvert- 
ently, abortion  may  be  induced  in  the  early  months  of  gestation  by 
slowly  introducing  the  oiled  finger  through  the  neck  of  the  womb 
and  following  this  by  the  other  fingers  until  the  whole  hand  has 
been  introduced.  Then  the  water  bags  may  be  broken,  and  with  the 
escape  of  the  liquid  the  womb  will  contract  on  the  solid  fetus  and 
labor  pains  will  ensue.    The  fetus  being  small  will  pass  easily. 

Tumors  in  ti^e  vagina  and  pelvis. — Tumors  of  various  kinds  may 
form  in  the  vagina  or  elsewhere  within  the  pelvis,  and  when  large 
enough  will  obstruct  or  prevent  the  passage  of  the  fetus.  Gray  mares, 
vrhich  are  so  subject  to  black  pigment  tumors  (melanosis)  on  the 
tail,  anus,  and  vulva,  are  the  most  liable  to  suffer  from  this.  Still 
more  rarely  the  wall  of  the  vagina  becomes  relaxed,  and  being  pressed 
by  a  mass  of  intestines  will  protrude  through  the  lips  of  the  vulva 
as  a  hernial  sac,  containing  a  part  of  the  bowels.  If  a  tumor  is  small 
it  may  only  retard  and  not  absolutely  prevent  parturition.  A  hernial 
protrusion  of  the  wall  of  the  vagina  may  be  pressed  back  and 
emptied,  so  that  the  body  of  the  fetus  engaging  in  the  passage  may 


DISEASES   OF    TUB   GENERATIVE   ORGANS.  189 

find  no  further  obstacle.  When  a  tumor  is  too  hu^re  to  allow  delivery 
the  only  resort  is  to  remove  it.  hut  before  proceed inj:;  it  nuist  be 
clearly  made  out  that  the  obstruction  is  a  mass  of  diseased  tissue,  and 
not  a  sac  containiu*;  intestines.  If  the  tiuuor  han«j:s  by  a  neck  it  can 
usually  bo  nu)st  safely  remo\ed  by  the  ("'craseui-,  the  chain  being 
passed  around  the  pedicel  and  iriadually  tijrhtciicd  until  that  is  torn 
throu<rh. 

Hkkma  or  Tin;  wo.mu. — Tlie  ruptuiv  ol"  the  niusculo-librous  llocti-  of 
the  lielly  and  the  escape  of  the  <:;ia\id  womb  into  a  sac  formed  by 
the  peritoneum  aiul  skin  han<;in<j^  toward  the  gi'ound  is  desciibed  by 
all  \eterinary  ol>stetiicians,  yet  it  is  very  rarel}'  seen  in  the  Jmire. 
The  form  of  the  fetus  can  be  felt  through  the  walls  of  the  sac,  so 
that  it  is  easy  to  recognize  the  condition.  Its  cause  is  usually  extei'- 
nal  violence,  though  it  may  start  from  an  umbilical  hernia.  A\'hen 
the  period  of  parturition  arrives,  the  first  effort  should  be  lo  return 
the  fetus  within  the  ])i-oper  abdominal  cavity,  and  this  can  sometimes 
be  accomplishetl  with  the  aid  of  a  stout  blanket  gradually  tightened 
around  the  belly.  This  failing,  the  mare  may  be  placed  on  her  side 
or  back  and  gravitation  brought  to  the  aid  of  manipulation  in  elFect- 
ing  ttie  return.  Even  after  the  hernia  has  been  reduced  the  relaxed 
state  of  the  womb  and  abdominal  walls  may  serve  to  hinder  parturi- 
tion, in  which  case  the  oiled  hand  must  be  introducecl  thi-ough  the 
vagina,  the  fetus  brought  into  p-osition,  and  traction  cointiih-nt  with 
the  labor  pains  employed  to  produce  delivery. 

Twisting  of  the  neck  of  the  womii. — This  condition  is  very 
uncommon  in  the  mare,  though  occasi<mally  seen  in  the  cow,  owing 
to  the  greater  laxity  of  the  broad  ligaments  of  the  womb  in  that 
animal.  It  consists  in  a  revolution  of  the  womb  on  its  own  axis, 
so  that  its  right  or  left  side  will  be  turned  upward  ((juarter  revolu- 
tion), or  the  lower  surface  may  be  turned  upward  and  the  upper 
surface  downward  (half  revolution).  The  elFect  is  to  throw  the 
narrow  neck  of  the  womb  into  a  series  of  spiral  folds,  turning  in 
the  direction  in  which  the  womb  has  revolved,  closing  the  neck  and 
rendering  distention  and  dilatation  impossible. 

The  period  and  pains  of  i)arturition  arri\e.  but  in  spite  of  contin- 
ued efforts  no  progress  is  made,  neither  water  bags  nor  liquids 
appearing.  The  oiled  hand  introduced  into  the  closed  neck  of  the 
womb  will  i-ea<lily  detect  the  spiiiil  direction  of  the  folds  on  its  inner 
surface. 

The  nu'thod  of  iidud'  whu-h  1  ha\e  suci-essfully  adoi)leil  in  tlie 
cow  nuiy  be  e<jually  effective  in  the  mare.  The  dam  is  placed  (with 
her  head  uphill)  on  her  right  side  if  the  upper  folds  of  the  spiral 
turn  toward  the  right,  and  on  her  left  side  if  tlu'V  turn  toward  the 
left,  and  the  oileil  hand  is  introduced  through  the  neck  of  the  womb 
and  a   limb  or  other  part  of  the  body  of  the  fetus  is  seized  and 


190  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOKSE. 

pressed  against  the  wall  of  the  womb,  while  two  or  three  assistants 
turn  the  animal  over  on  her  back  toward  the  other  side.  The  object 
is  to  keep  the  womb  stationary  while  the  animal  is  rolling.  If  suc- 
cess attends  the  effort,  the  constriction  around  the  arm  is  suddenly 
relaxed,  the  spiral  folds  are  effaced,  and  the  water  bags  and  fetus 
press  forward  into  the  passage.  If  the  first  attempt  does  not  succeed, 
it  may  be*  repeated  again  and  again  until  success  crowns  the  effort. 
Among  my  occasional  causes  of  failure  have  been  the  prior  death 
and  decomposition  of  the  fetus,  with  the  extrication  of  gas  and  over- 
distention  of  the  womb,  and  the  supervention  of  inflammation  and 
inflammatory  exudation  around  the  neck  of  the  womb,  which  hinders 
untwisting.  The  first  of  these  conditions  occurs  early  in  the  horse 
from  the  detachment  of  the  fetal  membranes  from  the  wall  of  the 
womb ;  and  as  the  mare  is  more  subject  to  fatal  peritonitis  than  the 
cow,  it  may  be  concluded  that  both  these  sources  of  failure  are  more 
probable  in  the  former  subject. 

^Mien  the  case  is  intractable,  though  the  hand  may  be  easily  intro- 
duced, the  instrument  shown  in  Plate  XIV,  figure  7,  may  be  used. 
Each  hole  at  the  small  end  of  the  instrument  has  passed  through  it 
a  stout  cord  with  a  running  noose,  to  be  passed  around  two  feet  or 
other  portion  of  the  fetus  which  it  may  be  possible  to  reach.  'The 
cords  are  then  drawn  tight  and  fixed  around  the  handle  of  the  instru- 
ment ;  then,  by  using  the  cross  handle  as  a  lever,  the  fetus  and  womb 
may  be  rotated  in  a  direction  opposite  to  that  causing  the  obstruction. 
During  this  process  the  hand  must  be  introduced  to  feel  when  the 
twist  has  been  undone.  This  method  may  be  supplemented,  if  neces- 
sary, by  rolling  the  mare  as  described  above. 

Effusion  of  blood  in  the  vaginal  walls. — This  is  common  as 
a  result  of  difficult  parturition,  but  it  may  occur  from  local  injury 
before  that  act,  and  may  seriously  interfere  with  it.  This  condition 
is  easily  recognized  by  the  soft,  doughy  swelling  so  characteristic 
of  blood  clots,  and  by  the  dark-red  color  of  the  mucous  membrane. 
T  have  laid  open  such  swellings  with  the  knife  as  late  as  10  days 
before  parturition,  evacuated  the  clots,  and  dressed  the  wound  daily 
with  an  astringent  lotion  (sulphate  of  zinc  1  dram,  carbolic  acid 
1  dram,  water  1  quart).  A  similar  resort  might  be  had,  if  necessary, 
during  parturition. 

Calculus  (  stone  )  and  tumor  in  the  bladder. — The  pressure  upon 
the  bladder  containing  a  stone  or  a  tumor  may  prove  so  painful  that 
the  mare  will  voluntarily  suppress  the  labor  pains.  Examination 
of  the  bladder  with  the  finger  introduced  through  the  urethra  will 
detect  the  offending  agent.  A  stone  should  be  extracted  with  forceps. 
(See  "Lithotomy.")  The  large  papillary  tumors  which  I  have  met 
with  in  the  mare's  bladder  have  been  invariablv  delicate  in  texture 


DISEASES   OF    THE   GENERATIVE   ORGANS.  191 

nul  could  be  removed   piecemeal   by   forcei)s.     Foituniitely,   mares 
all'ected  in  tliis  w.iy  rarely  breed. 

Fecal  impaction  of  the  rectum. — In  some  animals,  w  ith  more  or 
less  paralysis  or  ^veakness  of  the  tail  and  reetiim,  the  rectum  may  be- 
come so  impacted  with  solid  feces  that  the  mare  is  iinahle  to  discharire 
them,  and  the  accumulation  both  by  reason  of  the  mechanical  ob- 
struction and  the  pain  caused  by  pressure  uj)on  it  will  im|)('l  the 
animal  to  cut  short  all  labor  i)ains.  The  rounded  swelling  surround- 
ing the  anus  will  at  once  suggest  the  condition,  when  the  obstruction 
may  be  removed  by  the  well-oiled  or  well-soaped  hand. 

Spasm  of  the  neck  of  the  womb. — This  occurs  in  the  mare  of 
specially  excitable  temperament,  or  under  particular  causes  of  irrita- 
tion, local  or  general.  Labor  pains,  though  continuing  for  some  time, 
produce  no  dilatatiim  of  the  neck  of  the  womb,  which  will  be  found 
firmly  closed  so  as  to  admit  but  one  or  two  fingers;  this,  although  the 
projection  at  the  mouth  of  the  womb  may  have  been  entirely  effaced, 
so  that  a  simple  round  opening  is  left,  with  rigid  nuirgins. 

The  simplest  treatment  consists  in  smearing  this  part  with  i^olid 
extract  of  belhuhmna,  and  after  an  interval  inserting  the  hand  with 
fingers  and  thumb  drawn  into  the  form  of  a  cone,  rupturing  the 
membranes  and  bringing  the  fetus  into  position  for  extraction,  as 
advised  under  "  Prolonged  retention  of  the  fetus."  Another  mode 
is  to  insert  through  the  neck  of  the  womb  an  ovoid  rubber  bag, 
empty,  and  furnished  with  an  elastic  tube  12  feet  long.  Carry  the 
free  end  of  this  tube  upward  to  a  height  of  R,  10,  or  12  feet,  insert 
a  filler  into  it,  and  proceed  to  distend  the  bag  with  t^pid  or  warm 
water. 

Fibrous  bands  constricting  or  crossing  the  neck  of  the  womb. — 
These,  occurring  as  the  result  of  disease,  have  been  several  times 
observed  in  the  mare.  They  may  exist  in  the  cavity  of  the  abdomen 
and  compress  and  obstruct  the  neck  of  the  womb,  or  they  may  extend 
from  side  to  side  of  the  vagina  across  and  just  behind  the  neck  of  tlu* 
womb.  In  the  latter  position  they  may  be  felt  and  quickly  remedied 
by  cutting  them  across.  In  the  abdomen  they  can  be  reached  only  by 
incision,  and  two  alternatives  are  pi-esented  :  ( 1 )  To  perform  embry- 
otomy and  extract  the  fetus  piecemeal,  and  (2)  to  make  an  incision 
into  the  abdomen  and  extract  by  the  Ca'sai'can  opeiation,  or  simply  to 
cut  the  constricting  band  and  attempt  delivery  by  the  usual  chatHM'l. 

Fibrous  constriction  of  vaoina  or  vulva. — This  is  probably  al- 
ways the  result  of  direct  mechanical  injury  and  the  formation  of 
rigid  cicatrices  which  fail  to  dilate  with  the  remainder  of  the  pa.s- 
sages  at  the  approach  of  parturition.  Tin-  presentation  of  the  fetus 
in  the  natural  way  and  the  occunence  of  successive  and  active  labor 
pains  without  any  favorable  lesult  will  direct  attention  to  the  rigid 
and  unyielding  cicatrices  which  may  be  incised  at  one.  two.  or  more 


19ii  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

points  to  a  depth  of  half  an  inch  or  more,  after  which  the  natural 
expulsive  efforts  will  usually  prove  effective.  The  resulting  wounds 
may  be  washed  frequently  with  a  solution  of  1  part  of  carbolic  acid 
to  50  parts  of  water,  or  of  1  part  of  mercuric  chlorid  to  1,000  parts 
of  water. 

Fetus  adherext  to  the  walls  of  the  womb. — In  inflammation  of 
the  mucous  membrane  lining  the  cavity  of  the  womb  and  implicat- 
ing the  fetal  membranes  the  resulting  embryonic  tissue  sometimes 
establishes  a  medium  of  direct  continuity  between  the  womb  and  fetal 
membranes;  the  blood  vessels  of  the  one  communicate  freely  with 
those  of  the  other  and  the  fibers  of  the  one  are  prolonged  into  the 
other.  This  causes  retention  of  the  membranes  after  birth,  and  a 
special  risk  of  bleeding  from  the  womb,  and  of  septic  poisoning.  In 
exceptional  cases  the  adhesion  is  more  extensive  and  binds  a  portion 
of  the  body  of  the  foal  firml}^  to  the  womb.  In  such  cases  it  hag 
repeatedly  been  found  impossible  to  extract  the  foal  until  such  ad- 
hesions were  broken  down.  If  they  can  be  reached  with  the  hand 
and  recognized,  they  may  be  torn  through  with  the  fingers  or  with 
a  blunt  hook,  after  which  delivery  may  be  attempted  with  hope  of 
success. 

Excessive  size  of  fetus. — It  would  seem  that  a  small  mare  may 
usually  be  safely  bred  to  a  large  stallion,  yet  this  is  not  always  the 
case,  and  when  the  small  size  is  an  individual  rather  than  a  racial 
characteristic  or  the  result  of  being  very  young,  the  rule  can  not 
be  expected  to  hold.  There  is  always  great  danger  in  breeding  the 
young,  small,  and  undeveloped  female,  and  the  dwarfed  representa- 
tive of  a  larger  breed,  as  the  offspring  tend  to  partake  of  the  large 
race  characteristics  and  to  show  them  even  prior  to  birth.  When 
impregnation  has  occurred  in  the  very  young  or  in  the  dwarfed 
female  there  are  two  alternatives — to  induce  abortion  or  to  wait  until 
there  are  attempts  at  parturition  and  to  extract  by  embryotomy  if 
impracticable  otherwise. 

Constriction  or  a  member  by  the  navel  string. — In  man  and 
animals  alike  the  winding  of  the  umbilical  cord  around  a  member 
of  the  fetus  sometimes  leads  to  the  amputation  of  the  latter.  It  is 
also  known  to  get  wound  around  the  neck  or  a  limb  at  birth,  bat  in 
the  mare  this  does  not  seriously  impede  parturition,  as  the  loosely 
attached  membranes  are  easily  separated  from  the  "^'Omb  and  no 
strangulation  or  retarding  occurs.  The  foal  may,  however,  die  from 
the  cessation  of  the  placental  circulation  unless  it  is  speedily  de- 
livered. 

Water  in  the  head  (hydrocephallts)  of  the  foal. — This  consists 
in  the  excessive  accumulation  of  liquid  in  the  ventricles  of  the  brain 
so  that  the  cranial  cavity  is  enlarged  and  constitutes  a  great,  p.roject- 
ing,  rounded  mass  occupying  the  space  from  the  eyes  upward.     (See 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture.  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


i-i.-vrj-.    XII. 


.iTlrrM.  II,.,,... 

Virl.hnt   .Sa.'r,,/  f,r,.<.,„Oii,i.n 


-i L-    '.^ 


SiUiM.W       \>\{\    .SIX  lATIONv, 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture.  Diseases  of  the  Horso. 


iT 


v^. 


__i 


N'  DIFFl' 


DISEASES   OF    THE   CiENKRATIVE   ORGANS.  193 

Plate  XIIT,  fig.  J5.)  AVith  an  anterior  presentation  (fore  feet  and 
nose)  this  presents  an  insuperable  dbstac-le  t<»  progress,  as  the  dis- 
eased cranium  is  too  hirjje  to  enter  the  pelvis  at  the  same  time  with 
the  fore  arms.  With  a  i)osterior  presentation  (liind  feet)  all  goes  well 
until  the  body  and  shoulders  have  ])assed  out,  when  progress  is  sud- 
denly arrested  by  the  great  bulk  of  the  head.  In  the  first  ease,  the 
oiled  hand  introduced  along  the  face  detects  the  enormous  size  of 
the  head,  which  may  be  diminished  by  puncturing  it  with  a  knife  or 
trocar  and  cannula  in  the  median  line,  evacuating  the  water  and 
pressing  in  the  thin,  bony  walls.  With  a  i)osterior  presentation,  the 
same  course  must  be  followed;  the  hand  passed  along  the  neck  will 
detect  the  cranial  swelling,  which  may  be  punctured  with  a  knife  or 
trocar.  Oftentimes  with  an  anterior  presentation  the  great  size 
of  the  head  leads  to  its  disi>lacement  backward,  and  thus  the  fore 
limbs  alone  engage  in  the  passages.  Here  the  first  object  is  to  seek 
and  bring  u}>  the  missing  head,  and  tlien  jiuncture  it  as  above  sug- 
gested. 

AsciTKS,  OR  DitorsY  OF  THE  AnooMEN  IX  THE  FOAL. — The  accumula- 
tion of  liquid  in  the  abdominal  cavity  of  the  fetus  is  less  frecjuent, 
but  when  present  it  may  arrest  parturition  as  completely  as  will 
hydrocephalus.  With  an  anterior  presentation  the  foal  may  pass  as 
far  as  the  shoulders,  but  behind  this  all  efforts  fail  to  effect  a  further 
advance.  With  a  posterior  presentation  the  hind  legs  as  far  as  the 
thighs  may  be  expelled,  but  at  this  point  all  progress  ceases.  In 
either  case  the  oiled  hand,  passed  inward  by  the  side  of  the  foal, 
will  detect  the  enormous  distension  of  the  abdomen  and  its  soft,  fluc- 
tuating contents.  The  only  course  is  to  puncture  the  cavity  and  evac- 
uate the  liquid.  With  the  anterior  presentation  this  may  be  done 
with  a  long  trocar  and  cannula,  introduced  through  the  chest  and 
diaphragm,  or  with  a  knife  an  incision  may  be  made  between  the 
first  two  ribs  and  the  lungs  and  heart  cut  or  torn  out,  when  the 
diaphragm  will  be  felt  i)rojecting  strongly  forward,  and  may  be 
easily  j)unctured.  Shoukl  there  not  i)e  room  to  introduce  the  hand 
through  the  chest,  the  oiled  hand  may  be  passed  along  beneath  the 
breast  bone  and  the  adbomen  punctured.  With  a  posterior  presen- 
tation the  adbonien  must  be  punctured  in  the  same  way,  the  hand. 
armed  witii  a  knife  protected  in  its  palm,  being  passed  along  tiie  side 
of  the  flank  or  In'tween  the  hind  limbs.  It  should  l»e  added  that 
moderate  dropsy  of  the  abilomen  is  not  incompatible  with  natural 
delivery,  the  liijuid  being  at  fii*st  crowded  back  into  the  poition  of 
the  belly  still  engaged  in  the  womb,  and  passing  slowly  from  that 
into  the  advanced  portion  as  soon  as  that  has  cleai('<l  the  narrow 
passage  of  the  pelvis  and  pas.sed  out  where  it  can  exj^and. 

General  nHorsv  of  the  fkti  s. — In  this  case  the  tissues  generally 
are  distended  with  rujuid,  and  the  skin  is  found  at  all  points  tense 
36444°— 16 1^ 


194  DISEASES  OF    THE   HORSE. 

and  rounded,  and  pitting  on  pressure  with  the  fingers.  In  some 
such  cases  delivery  may  be  effected  after  the  skin  has  been  punctured 
at  narrow  intervals  to  allow  the  escape  of  the  fluid  and  then  liberally 
smeared  with  fresh  lard.  More  commonly,  however,  it  can  not  be 
reached  at  all  points  to  be  so  punctured  nor  sufficiently  reduced  to  be 
extracted  whole,  and  resort  must  be  had  to  embryotomy. 

Emphysema,  or  savilling  of  the  fetus  with  gas. — ^This  has  been 
described  as  occuring  in  a  living  fetus,  but  I  have  met  with  it 
only  in  the  dead  and  decomposing  foal  after  futile  efforts  had  been 
made  for  several  days  to  effect  delivery.  These  cases  are  very  diffi- 
cult, as  the  foal  is  inflated  to  such  extent  that  it  is  impossible  to 
advance  it  into  the  passages,  and  the  skin  of  the  fetus  and  the  walls 
of  the  womb  and  vagina  have  become  so  dry  that  it  is  impracticable 
to  cause  the  one  to  glide  on  the  other.  The  hair  comes  off  any  part 
that  may  be  seized,  and  the  case  is  rendered  the  more  offensive  and 
dangerous  by  the  very  fetid  liquids  and  gases.  The  only  resort  is 
embryotomy,  by  which  I  have  succeeded  in  saving  a  valuable  mare 
that  had  carried  a  colt  in  this  condition  for  four  days. 

Contractions  of  muscles. — The  foal  is  not  always  developed 
symmetrically,  but  certain  groups  of  muscles  are  liable  to  remain 
short,  or  to  shorten  because  of  persistent  spasmodic  contraction,  so 
that  even  the  bones  become  distorted  and  twisted.  This  is  most 
common  in  the  neck.  The  bones  of  this  part  and  even  of  the  face 
are  drawn  to  one  side  and  shortened,  the  head  being  held  firmly  to 
the  flank  and  the  jaws  being  twisted  to  the  right  or  left.  In  other 
cases  the  flexor  muscles  of  the  fore  limbs  are  contracted  so  that  the 
latter  are  strongly  'bent  at  the  knee.  In  neither  of  these  cases  can 
the  distorted  part  be  extended  and  straightened,  so  that  body  or 
limbs  must  necessarily  present  double,  and  natural  delivery  is  ren- 
dered impossible.  The  bent  neck  may  sometimes  be  straightened 
after  the  muscles  have  been  cut  on  the  side  to  which  it  is  turned,  and 
the  bent  limbs  after  the  tendons  on  the  back  of  the  shank  bone  have 
been  cut  across.  Failing  to  accomplish  this,  the  next  resort  is 
embryotomy. 

Inclosed  ovum,  or  tumors  of  the  fetus. — Tumors  or  diseased 
growths  may  form  on  any  part  of  the  foal,  internal  or  external,  and 
by  their  size  impede  or  hinder  parturition.  In  some  cases  what 
appears  as  a  tumor  is  an  imprisoned  and  imdeveloped  ovum  which 
has  grafted  itself  on  the  fetus.  These  are  usuall.y  sacculated,  and 
may  contain  skin,  hair,  muscle,  bone,  and  other  natural  tissues.  The 
only  course  to  be  pursued  in  such  cases  is  to  excise  the  tumor,  or,  if 
this  is  not  feasible,  to  perform  embryotomy. 

Monstrosities. — Monstrosity  in  the  foal  is  an  occasional  cause  of 
difficult  parturition,  especially  such  monsters  as  show  excessive  de- 
velopment of  some  part  of  the  body,  a  displacement  or  distortion  of 


DISEASES    OF    THE    GENERATIVE    ORGANS.  195 

parts,  or  a   rediimlaiicy  of  i)arts,  as  in  doiiWlo  monsters.     Monsters 
may  be  ili\  iileil  into — 

(1)  Monsters  with  absence  of  i)arts — absence  of  head,  limb,  or 
otlier  organ. 

(2)  Monsters  with  some  part  abnormally  small — dwarfed  liead, 
limb,  trunk,  etc. 

(3)  Monsters  through  unnatural  ilivision  of  parts — cleft  head, 
trunk,  limbs,  etc. 

(4)  Monsters  through  absence  of  natural  divisions — absence  of 
mouth,  nose,  eye>,  anus,  confluent  digits,  etc. 

(5)  Monsters  through  fusion  of  parts — one  central  eye,  one  nasal 
opening,  etc. 

((■))  Monsters  through  abnormal  position  or  form  of  parts — curved 
spine,  face,  limb,  etc. 

(7)  Monsters  through  excess  of  formation — enormous  head,  super- 
numerary digits,  etc. 

(8)  Monsters  through  imperfect  dili'erentiation  of  se.xual  organs — - 
hermaphrodites. 

(9)  Double  monsters — double-headed,  double-bodied,  extra  limbs, 
etc. 

Causes. — The  causes  of  monstrosities  appear  to  be  very  varied. 
Some  monstrosities,  like  extra  digits,  absence  of  horns  or  tail,  etc., 
run  in  families  and  are  produced  almost  as  certainly  as  color  or  form. 
Othei-s  are  associated  with  too  close  breeding,  the  powers  of  symmet- 
rical develoj)ment  being  interfered  with,  just  as  in  other  cases  a  sex- 
ual incompatibility  is  developed,  near  relatives  failing  to  breed  with 
each  other.  Mere  arrest  of  development  of  a  part  may  arise  from 
accidental  disease  of  the  embryo;  hence  vital  organs  are  left  out,  or 
portions  of  organs,  like  the  dividing  walls  of  the  heart,  are  omitted. 
Sometimes  an  older  fetus  is  inclosed  in  the  body  of  another,  each 
having  started  indejiendently  from  a  separate  ovum,  but  the  one 
having  become  embedded  in  the  semitluid  mass  of  the  other  anil  hav- 
ing developed  there  simultaneously  with  it,  but  not  so  largely  nor 
l)erfectly.  In  many  cases  of  redundance  of  ])arts  the  extra  part  or 
member  has  manifestly  developed  from  the  same  ovinn  and  nutrient 
center  with  the  normal  member  to  which  it  remains  adherent,  just  as 
a  new  tail  will  grow  out  in  a  newt  when  the  former  has  been  cut  otf. 
In  the  early  embryo,  w  ith  its  great  powers  of  deveh)pment,  this  fac- 
tor can  operate  to  far  greater  purpose  than  in  the  adult  animal.  Its 
influence  is  .seen  in  the  fact  pointed  out  by  St.  Ililaire  that  such 
reilundant  parts  are  nearly  always  connected  with  the  corresponding 
jiortions  in  the  normal  fetus.  Thus  superfluous  legs  or  digits  are 
attached  to  the  normal  ones,  double  heads  or  tails  are  connected  to  a 
common  neck  or  rumi).  and  double  l)odies  are  attached  to  each  other 
by  corresi)onding  points,  navel  to  navel,  breast  to  breast,  back  to 


196  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

back.  All  this  suggests  the  development  of  extra  parts  from  the 
same  primary  layer  of  the  impregnated  and  developing  ovum.  The 
eli'ect  of  disturbing  conditions  in  giving  such  wrong  directions  to 
the  developmental  forces  is  well  shown  in  the  experiments  of  St. 
Hilaire  and  Valentine  in  varnishing,  shaking,  and  otherwise  break- 
ing up  the  natural  connections  in  eggs,  and  thereby  determining  the 
formation  of  monstrosities  at  will.  So,  in  the  mammal,  blows  and 
other  injuries  that  detach  the  fetal  membranes  from  the  walls  of. the 
womb  or  that  modify  their  circulation  by  inducing  inflammation  are 
at  times  followed  by  the  development  of  a  monster.  The  excitement, 
mental  and  physical,  attendant  on  fright  occasionally  acts  in  a  simi- 
lar way,  acting  probably  through  the  same  channels. 

The  monstrous  forms  liable  to  interfere  with  parturition  are  such 
as,  from  contracted  or  twisted  limbs  or  spine,  must  be  presented 
double:  where  supernumerary  limbs,  head,  or  body  must  approach 
the  passages  with  the  natural  ones;  where  a  head  or  other  member 
has  attained  to  an  unnatural  size;  where  the  body  of  one  fetus  has 
become  inclosed  in  or  attached  to  another,  etc. 

Extraction  is  sometimes  possible  by  straightening  the  members 
and  obtaining  such  a  presentation  as  will  reduce  the  presenting  mass 
to  its  smallest  and  most  wedgelike  dimensions.  To  effect  this  it 
may  be  needful  to  cut  the  flexor  tendons  of  bent  limbs  or  the  muscles 
on  the  side  of  a  twisted  neck  or  body:  one  or  more  of  the  manipu- 
lations necessary  to  secure  and  bring  up  a  missing  member  may  be 
required.  In  most  cases  of  monstrosity  by  excess,  however,  it  is 
needful  to  remove  the  superfluous  parts,  in  which  case  the  general 
principles  employed  for  embryotomy  must  be  followed.  The  Ca'sa- 
rean  section,  by  which  the  fetus  is  extracted  through  an  incision  in 
the  walls  of  the  abdomen  and  womb,  is  inadmissible,  as  it  prac- 
tically entails  the  sacrifice  of  the  mare,  which  should  never  be  done 
for  the  sake  of  a  monster.     (See  "  Embryotomy,"'  p.  202.) 

Entrance  of  twins  into  the  passage  at  once. — Twins  are  rare  in 
the  mare,  and  still  more  rare  is  the  impaction  of  both  at  once  into 
the  pelvis.  The  condition  would  be  easily  recognized  by  the  fact 
that  two  fore  limbs  and  two  hind  would  occupy  the  passage  at  once, 
the  front  of  the  hoofs  of  the  fore  feet  being  turned  upward  and 
those  of  the  hind  feet  downward.  If  both  belonged  to  one  foal,  they 
would  be  turned  in  the  same  direction.  Once  recognized,  the  con- 
dition is  easily  remedied  by  passing  a  rope  with  a  running  noose 
round  each  foot  of  the  foal  that  is  furthest  advanced  or  that  prom- 
ises to  be  most  easily  extracted,  and  to  push  the  members  of  the 
other  fetus  back  into  the  depth  of  the  womb.  As  soon  as  the  one 
fetus  is  fully  engaged  into  the  passage  it  will  hold  its  place  and  its 
delivery  will  proceed  in  the  natural  way. 


DISEASES  OF   THE  GENERATIVE   ORGANS. 


197 


ABNORMAL  PRESENTATIONS. 

(I'ls.  XV-X\111.) 

AbnoiiiKil  presentations  may  be  tabulated  as  follows: 


Fore  limbs. 


Anterior    pree- 
eutations. 


Posterior    pres- 
entations. 


Head. 


Incompletely  extended.     Flexor  tendons  shortr 
ened. 

fronted  over  the  neck. 

IU»nt  biuk  at  the  kneo. 

IkMit  l)U(  k  fniin  tlu'  nliouldcr. 

Ik'Ut  do\m\\aril  on  the  ne<k. 

Head  and  lu-^k  turned  back  beneath  the  breast. 

Turned  to  one  side. 

Turned  upward  and  b;u'kwanl  on  the  back. 

Hind  limb.s Hind  feet  engaged  in  the  pelvis. 

Transverse Iia<k  of  foal  to  Ride  of  pelvis. 

Inverted Ba<k  of  foal  to  floor  of  pelvis. 

Uind  limbs |}|^""J  on  itself  at  the  hock. 

|.nent  at  tlie  hip. 

Transverse liack  of  foal  to  side  of  pelvis. 

Inverted Back  of  foal  to  lloor  of  pelvis. 


TraJl8^'e^8e  presentation  of  body. 


fWitli  back  and  loin.s  presented. 
"\With  breast  and  belly  presented. 


Fore  limbs  incompletely  extended. — In  cases  of  this  kind,  hot 
only  are  the  back  tendons  behind  the  knee  and  shank  bone  unduly 
short,  but  the  sinew  extending  from  the  front  of  the  shoulder  blade 
over  the  front  of  the  elbow  and  down  to  the  head  of  the  shank  bone 
is  al.'^o  shortened.  The  re.sidt  is  that  the  fore  limb  is  bent  at  the  knee 
and  the  elbow  is  also  rigidly  bent.  The  condition  obstructs  parturi- 
tion by  the  feet  becoming  pressed  against  the  floor  of  the  pelvis  or 
by  the  elbow  pressing  on  its  anterior  brim.  Kelief  is  to  be  obtained 
by  forcible  extension.  A  rope  with  a  running  noose  is  pas.^ed  around 
each  fetlock  and  a  repeller  (see  Plate  XIV)  planted  in  the  breast 
is  pre.s.sed  in  a  direction  upward  and  backward  while  active  traction 
is  made  on  the  ropes.  If  the  feet  are  not  thereby  raised  from  the 
floor  of  the  pelvis  the  palm  of  the  hand  may  be  placed  beneath  them 
to  protect  the  mucous  membrane  until  they  have  advanced  sulli- 
ciently  to  obviate  this  danger.  In  the  al).sence  of  a  repeller,  a  smooth 
rounded  fork  handle  may  be  employed.  If  the  shortening  is  too 
great  to  allow  of  the  extension  of  the  limbs  in  this  way,  the  ten.se 
tendons  may  be  cut  across  behind  the  shank  bone  and  in  frotit  of 
the  elbow,  and  the  limb  will  be  easily  straightened  out.  This  is 
mo.st  easily  done  with  an  embryotomy  knife  furnished  with  a  ring 
for  the  middle  finger,  so  that  the  bhule  may  be  protected  in  the 
palm  of  the  hand.     (See  Plate  XIII,  fig.  4.) 

Fork  li.mh  ruossKu  <»vkk  h.\«  k  of  ne(  k. — AVith  the  long  fore  limbs 
of  the  foal  this  readily  occiu's,  and  the  resulting  increase  in  thickness, 
both  at  the  head  and  shoulder,  offers  ft  serious  obstacle  to  progress. 
(See  Plate  XV,  fig.  2.)  The  hand  iiitrodu<»'<l  into  the  passage  de- 
tects the  head  and  one  fore  foot,  ami  farther  back  on  the  same  side 
of  the  head  the  second  foot,  from  which  the  limb  may  be  traced 
obliquely  across  the  back  of  the  neck. 


198  DISEASES   OF   THE    HORSE. 

If  parturition  continues  to  make  progress  the  displaced  foot  may 
bruise  and  lacerate  the  vagina.  By  seizing  the  limb  above  the  fetlosk 
it  may  be  easily  pushed  over  the  head  to  the  proper  side,  when  partu- 
rition will  proceed  normally. 

Fore  limb  bent  at  knee. — The  nose  and  one  fore  foot  present,  and 
on  examination  the  knee  of  the  missing  fore  limb  is  found  farther 
back.  (Plate  XV,  fig.  1.)  First  place  a  noose  each  on  the  pre- 
senting pastern  and  lower  jaw,  and  push  back  the  body  of  the  fetus 
with  a  repeller,  while  the  operator  seizing  the  shank  of  the  bent 
limb  extends  it  so  as  to  press  back  the  knee  and  bring  forward  the 
fetlock  and  foot.  As  progress  is  made  little  by  little  the  hand  is 
slid  down  from  the  region  of  the  knee  to  the  fetlock,  and  finally 
that  is  secured  and  brought  up  into  the  passage,  when  parturition 
Avill  proceed  without  hindrance.  If  both  fore  limbs  are  bent  back 
the  head  must  be  noosed  and  the  limbs  brought  up  as  above,  one  after 
the  other.  It  is  usually  best  to  employ  the  left  hand  for  the  right 
fore  limb,  and  the  right  hand  for  the  left  fore  limb. 

Fore  limb  turned  back  from  shoulders. — In  this  case,  on  explora- 
tion by  the  side  of  the  head  and  presenting  limb,  the  shoulder  only 
can  be  reached  at  fu-st.  (Plate  XV,  fig  4.)  By  noosing  the  head  and 
presenting  fore  limb,  they  may  be  drawn  forward  into  the  pelvis, 
and  the  oiled  hand  being  carried  along  the  shoulder  in  the  direction 
of  the  missing  limb  is  enabled  to  reach  and  seize  the  forearm  just 
below  the  elbow.  The  body  is  now  pushed  back  by  the  assistants 
pressing  on  the  head  and  presenting  limb  or  on  a  repeller  planted 
in  the  breast  until  the  knee  can  be  brought  up  into  the  pelvis,  after 
which  the  procedure  is  the  same  as  described  in  the  last  paragraph. 

Head  bent  down  between  fore  limbs. — This  may  be  so  that  the 
poll  or  nape  of  the  neck,  with  the  ears,  can  be  felt  far  back  between 
the  fore  limbs,  or  so  that  only  the  upper  border  of  the  neck  can  be 
reached,  head  and  neck  being  bent  back  beneath  the  body.  With  the 
head  only  bent  on  the  neck,  noose  the  two  presenting  limbs,  then  in- 
troduce the  hand  between  them  until  the  nose  can  be  seized  in  the 
palm  of  the  hand.  Xext  have  the  assistants  push  back  the  present- 
ing limbs,  while  the  nose  is  strongly  lifted  upward  over  the  brim 
of  the  pelvis.  This  accomplished,  it  assumes  the  natural  position  and 
parturition  is  easy. 

When  both  head  and  neck  are  bent  downward  it  may  be  impossible 
to  reach  the  nose.  If,  however,  the  labor  has  only  commenced,  the 
limbs  may  be  drawn  upon  until  the  operator  can  reach  the  ear,  by 
dragging  on  which  the  head  may  be  so  far  advanced  that  the  fingers 
may  reach  the  orbit;  traction  upon  this  while  the  limbs  are  being 
pushed  back  may  bring  the  head  up  so  that  it  bends  on  the  neck  only, 
and  the  further  procedure  will  be  as  described  in  the  last  paragraph. 


DISEASES   OP    THE   GENERATIVE   ORGANS.  199 

If  the  labor  has  been  lonj^  in  progress  and  the  fetus  is  jammed  into 
the  pelvis,  the  womb  emptied  of  the  waters,  and  firmly  contracted  on 
its  .solid  contents,  the  case  is  incomi)aral)ly  more  dillicult.  The  mare 
may  be  chloroformed  and  turned  on  her  back  with  hind  parts  ele- 
Aated,  and  the  womb  may  be  injected  witli  sweet  oil.  Then,  if  the 
ear  can  be  reached,  the  correction  of  the  malpresentation  may  be  at- 
tempted as  above  described.  Should  this  fail,  one  or  more  sharp 
hut>lvs  may  be  inserted  in  the  neck  as  near  the  head  as  can  be  readied, 
and  ropes  attached  to  these  may  be  dragged  on,  while  the  body  of  the 
foal  is  pushed  back  by  the  fore  limbs  or  by  a  repeller.  Such  repul- 
sion should  be  made  in  a  direction  obliquely  upward  toward  the  loins 
of  the  mother,  so  as  to  rotate  the  fetus  in  such  a  way  as  to  bring  the 
head  up.  As  this  is  accomplished  a  hold  sliould  be  secured  nearer 
and  nearer  to  the  nose,  with  hand  or  hook,  until  the  head  can  be 
straightened  out  on  the  neck. 

All  means  failing,  it  becomes  necessary  to  remove  the  fore  limbs 
(embryotomy)  so  as  to  make  more  space  for  bringing  up  the  heail. 
If,  even  then,  this  can  not  be  accomplished,  it  may  be  possible  to 
push  the  body  backward  and  upward  with  the  repeller  until  the  hind 
limbs  are  brought  to  the  passage,  when  they  may  be  noosed  and 
delivery  effected  with  the  posterior  presentation. 

Head  turned  on  shoulders. — In  this  case  the  fore  feet  present, 
and  the  oiled  hand  passed  along  the  fore  arms  in  search  of  the  missing 
head  finds  the  side  of  the  neck  turned  to  one  side,  the  head  being  per- 
haps entirely  out  of  reach.  (Plate  XVIII,  fig.  1.)  To  bring  the  head 
forward  it  may  be  desirable  to  lay  the  mare  on  the  side  opposite  to 
that  to  Avhich  tlie  head  is  turned,  and  even  to  give  chloroform  or 
ether.  Then  the  feet  being  noosed,  the  body  of  the  fetus  is  puslied 
by  the  hand  or  repeller  forward  and  to  the  side  opposite  to  that 
t>ccupied  by  the  head  until  the  head  comes  within  reach,  near  the 
entrance  of  the  pelvis.  If  such  displacement  of  the  fetus  is  difficult, 
it  may  be  facilitated  by  a  free  use  of  oil  or  lard.  When  the  nose 
can  be  seized  it  can  l)e  brought  into  the  passjige,  as  when  the  head  is 
turned  down.  If  it  can  not  be  reached,  the  orbit  may  be  availed  of  to 
draw  the  head  forward  until  the  nose  can  be  seized  or  tlie  lower  jaw 
noosi'd.  In  very  dillicult  cases  a  rope  may  be  passed  around  the  neck 
by  the  hand  or  with  the  aid  of  a  curved  carrier  (Plate  XIV),  and 
traction  may  be  made  upon  this  while  the  body  is  being  rotated  to 
the  other  side.  In  the  same  way  in  bad  cases  a  hook  may  be  fixed  in 
the  orbit  or  even  between  the  bones  of  the  lower  jaw  to  assist  in 
bringing  the  head  up  into  position.  Should  all  fail,  the  amputation 
of  the  fore  limbs  may  he  resorted  to,  as  advised  under  the  la>t 
heading. 

Head  turxed  upward  on  rack. — This  differs  from  the  last  mal- 
presentation only  in  the  direction  of  the  head,  which  has  to  be  sought 


200  DISEASES   OF   THE   HOKSE. 

above  rather  than  at  one  side,  and  is  to  be  secured  and  brought  for- 
ward in  a  similar  manner.     (Plate  XVIII.  fig.  '2.)     If  a  rope  can  be' 
passed  around  the  neck  it  will  prove  most  effectual,  as  it  naturally 
slides  nearer  to  the  head  as  the  neck  is  straightened  and  ends  by 
bringing  the  head  within  easy  reach. 

HixD  FEET  ENGAGED  IX  PELVIS. — In  this  case  fore  limbs  and  head 
present  naturall}^,  but  the  hind  limbs  bent  forward  from  the  hip  and 
the  loins  arched  allow  the  hind  feet  also  to  enter  the  passages,  and 
the  further  labor  advances  the  more  firmly  does  the  body  of  the  foal 
become  wedged  into  the  pelvis  (Plate  XVII,  fig.  2.)  The  condition 
is  to  be  recognized  by  introducing  the  oiled  hand  along  the  belly  of 
the  fetus,  when  the  hind  feet  will  be  felt  advancing.  An  attempt 
should  at  once  be  made  to  push  them  back,  one  after  the  other,  over 
the  brim  of  the  pelvis.  Failing  in  this,  the  mare  may  be  turned  on 
her  back,  head  downhill,  and  the  attempt  renewed.  If  it  is  possible 
to  introduce  a  straight  rope  carrier,  a  noose  passed  through  this  may 
be  put  on  the  fetlock  and  the  repulsion  thereby  made  more  effective. 
In  case  of  continued  failure  the  anterior  presenting  part  of  the  body 
may  be  skinned  and  cut  off  as  far  back  toward  the  pelvis  as  possible 
(see  "Embryotomy")  ;  then  nooses  are  placed  on  the  hind  fetlocks 
and  traction  is  made  upon  these  while  the  quarters  are  pushed  back 
into  the  womb.  Then  the  remaining  portion  is  brought  away  by  the 
posterior  presentation. 

Anterior  presentation  with  back  turned  to  one  side. — The 
diameter  of  the  axis  of  the  foal,  like  that  of  the  pelvic  passages,  is 
from  above  downward,  and  when  the  fetus  enters  the  pelvis  with 
this  greatest  diameter  engaged  transversely  or  in  the  narrow  diame- 
ter of  the  pelvis,  parturition  is  rendered  difficult  or  impossible.  In 
such  a  case  the  pasterns  and  head  may  be  noosed,  and  the  passages 
and  engaged  portion  of  the  foal  freely  lubricated  with  lard,  the 
limbs  may  be  crossed  over  each  other  and  the  head,  and  a  movement 
of  rotation  effected  in  the  fetus  until  its  face  and  back  are  turned 
up  toward  the  croup  of  the  mother;  then  parturition  becomes! 
natural. 

Back  or  eoal  turned  to  floor  of  pelvis. — In  a  roomy  mare  this 
is  not  an  insuperable  obstacle  to  parturition,  yet  it  may  seriously 
impede  it,  by  reason  of  the  curvature  of  the  body  of  the  foal  being 
opposite  to  that  of  the  passages,  and  the  head  and  withers  being 
liable  to  arrest  against  the  border  of  the  pelvis.  Lubrication  of  the 
passage  with  lard  and  traction  of  the  limbs  and  head  will  usually 
suffice  with  or  without  the  turning  of  the  mare  on  her  back. 

In  obstinate  cases  two  other  resorts  are  open:  First,  to  turn  the 
foal,  pushing  back  the  fore  parts  and  bringing  up  the  hind  so  as  to 
make  a  posterior  presentation,  and,  second,  the  amiDutation  of  the 
fore  limbs,  after  w^hich  extraction  will  usually  be  easy. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


pr^jvTE       x\'r. 


7'rifi*.ii'i'/\-;t    itri'.-n  li./fffitjii  'f  'tij/it'  iv/*i 


\ 
\i  ;  X(  »  1<  MAI.     r  l<  K  S  !•:  .VTATM  ;N"S 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture.  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  tlie  Horse. 


pla-xp:   xa  III., 


iritfrior-  fii-fSf/i/tintni    flr-rtii  Ounfil  on   liofl. 


Al )  X(^  K  M,\  [ .     P  K  I :  S  1 .  X  1'  \  n  ( )  N  s 


DISEASES   OF   THE   GENERATIVE   ORGANS.  201 

IIlXD    PRESENTATION    WITH    LECJ    BENT    AT    IK>CK. lu    tluS    foriU    till' 

(juart<?rs  of  the  foal  with  the  hind  lejjs  bout  up  beneath  them  pievsent, 
but  can  not  ndvani-e  throu^di  the  pelvis  by  reason  ol"  their  bulk. 
(PlateXV,  fig.  3.)  The  oiled  hand  introduced  can  recognize  the  out- 
line of  the  buttocks,  with  the  tail  and  anus  in  the  center  and  the 
shai'p  points  of  the  hocks  beneath.  Fii'st  pass  a  rope  around  each 
limb  at  the  hock,  then  with  hand  or  rei^eller  push  the  buttocks  back- 
ward and  upward,  until  the  feet  can  be  brought  up  into  the  passages. 
T()  this  the  great  h'ugth  of  the  shank  and  pastern  in  the  foal  is  a 
serious  obstacle,  and  in  all  cases  the  foot  should  be  protected  in  the 
palm  of  the  hand  while  being  brought  up  over  the  bi'im  of  the  pelvis; 
othei-wise  the  womb  nuiy  be  torn.  When  the  pains  are  too  violent 
and  constant  to  allow  effective  manipulation,  some  respite  may  be 
obtained  by  the  use  of  chloroform  or  morphin  and  by  turning  the 
mare  on  her  back,  but  too  often  the  operator  fails  and  the  foal  must 
be  sacrificed.  Two  courses  are  still  open:  First,  to  cut  through  the 
cords  behind  and  above  the  hock  and  extend  the  upper  part  of  the 
limb,  leaving  the  hock  bent,  and  extract  in  this  way,  and,  second,  to 
amputate  the  hind  limbs  at  the  hip  joint  and  remove  them  separately, 
after  which  the  body  may  be  extracted. 

Ill  NO   PRESENTATION    WITH   LE<;s   BENT  FORWARD   FROM    HIP. Thls   IS 

merely  an  aggravated  form  of  the  presentation  last  described.  (Plate 
XVTT.  fig.  1.)  If  the  mare  is  roomy,  a  rope  may  be  passed  around 
each  thigh  and  the  body  pushed  upward  and  forward,  so  as  to  Itiing 
the  hocks  and  heels  upward.  If  this  can  be  accomplished,  nooses 
are  placed  on  the  limb  further  and  furthei-  down  until  the  fetlock 
is  reached  and  brought  into  position.  If  failure  is  met  with,  then 
amputation  at  the  hips  is  the  last  resort. 

lIlXD  PRESENTATIONS  WITH  nA(  K  TrUNED  sn)EWAYS  OR  DOWN  WARD. 

These  are  the  counterparts  of  similar  anterior  presentations  and 
ai-e  to  be  managed  in  the  same  way. 

Presentation  of  the  back. — This  is  rare,  yet  not  unknown,  tho 
foal  being  bent  upon  itself  with  the  back,  recognizable  by  its  sharp 
row  of  spines,  presented  at  the  entrance  of  the  pelvis  and  the  head 
and  all  four  feet  turned  back  into  the  womb.  (TMatc  XVI,  fig.  1.) 
The  body  of  the  fetus  may  be  extended  across  the  opening  trans- 
versely, so  that  the  head  corresponds  to  one  side  (right  or  left), 
or  it  may  be  vertical,  with  the  head  above  or  below. 

In  any  such  position  the  object  should  be  to  push  the  body  of  the 
fetus  forward  and  upward  or  to  one  side,  as  may  best  promise  to  bring 
up  the  fore  or  hind  extremities,  and  bring  the  latter  into  the  pas- 
sage so  as  to  constitute  a  normal  anterior  or  posterior  presentation. 
This  turning  of  the  fetus  may  be  favored  by  a  given  position  of  the 
mother,  by  the  free  use  of  oil  or  lard  on  the  surface  of  the  fetus,  and 
by  the  use  of  :i  pi'ojieller. 


202  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

Presentation  or  breast  and  abdomen. — This  is  tlie  reverse  of  the 
back  presentation,  the  foal  being  extended  across  in  front  of  the 
pelvic  opening,  but  with  the  belly  turned  toward  the  passages  and 
with  all  four  feet  engaged  in  the  passage.  (Plate  XVI,  fig.  2.) 
The  most  promising  course  is  to  secure  the  hind  feet  with  nooses  and 
then  push  the  fore  feet  forward  into  the  womb.  As  soon  as  the  fore 
feet  are  pushed  forward  clear  of  the  brim  of  the  pelvis,  traction 
is  made  on  the  hind  feet  so  as  to  bring  the  thighs  into  the  passage 
and  prevent  the  reentrance  of  the  fore  limbs.  If  it  proves  difficult 
to  push  the  fore  limbs  back,  a  noose  may  be  passed  around  the  fetlock 
of  each  and  the  cord  drawn  through  the  eye  of  a  rope  carrier,  by 
means  of  which  the  members  may  be  easily  pushed  back. 

EMBRYOTOMY. 

Embryotomy  consists  in  the  dissection  of  the  fetus,  so  as  to  reduce 
its  bulk  and  allow  of  its  exit  through  the  pelvis.  The  indications  for 
its  adoption  have  been  furnished  in  the  foregoing  pages.  The  op- 
eration will  vary  in  different  cases  according  to  the  necessity  for  the 
removal  of  one  or  more  parts  in  order  to  secure  the  requisite  reduc- 
tion in  size.  Thus  it  may  be  needful  to  remove  head  and  neck,  one 
fore  limb  or  both,  one  hind  limb  or  both,  to  remove  different  parts 
of  the  trunk,  or  to  remove  superfluous  (monstrous)  parts.  Some  of 
the  simplest  operations  in  embryotomy  (incision  of  the  head  in 
hydrocephalus,  incision  of  the  belly  in  dropsy)  have  already  been 
described.  It  remains  to  notice  the  more  difficult  procedures  which 
can  be  best  undertaken  by  the  skilled  anatomist. 

Amputation  of  the  head. — This  is  easy  when  both  fore  limbs  are 
turned  back  and  the  head  alone  has  made  its  exit  in  part.  It  is  more 
difficult  when  the  head  is  still  retained  in  the  passages  or  womb,  as 
in  double-headed  monsters.  The  head  is  secured  by  a  hook  in  th& 
lower  jaw,  or  in  the  orbit,  or  by  a  halter,  and  the  skin  is  divided 
circularly  around  the  lower  part  of  the  face  or  at  the  front  of  the 
ears,  according  to  the  amount  of  head  protruding.  Then  an  incision 
is  made  backward  along  the  line  of  the  throat,  and  the  skin  dissected 
from  the  neck  as  far  back  as  possible.  Then  the  muscles  and  other 
soft  parts  of  the  neck  are  cut  across,  and  the  bodies  of  two  vertebra3 
(neck  bones)  are  severed  by  cutting  completely  across  the  cartilage 
of  the  joint.  The  bulging  of  the  ends  of  the  bones  will  serve  to  indi- 
cate the  seat  of  the  joint.  The  head  and  detached  portion  of  the 
neck  may  now  be  removed  by  steady  pulling.  If  there  is  still  an 
obstacle,  the  knife  may  be  again  used  to  sever  any  obstinate  con- 
nections. In  the  case  of  a  double-headed  monster,  the  whole  of  the 
second  neck  must  be  removed  with  the  head.  When  the  head  has 
been  detached,  a  rope  should  be  passed  through  the  eyeholes,  or 


DISEASES   OF    THE   GENERATIVE   ORGANS.  203 

through  an  artificial  opening  in  the  skin,  and  tied  firmly  around 
the  skin,  to  be  employed  as  a  means  of  traction  when  tlie  uiissing 
limbs  or  the  second  head  have  been  brought  up  into  position. 

A?npiitafio7i  of  the  h'tnti  limb. — This  may  be  requiretl  when  there 
are  extra  hind  limbs  or  when  the  hind  limbs  are  bent  forward  at  hock 
or  hip  joint.  In  the  former  condition  the  procedure  resembles  that 
for  removal  of  a  fore  limb,  but  requires  more  anatomical  knowledge. 
Having  noosed  the  pastern,  a  circular  incision  is  made  through  the 
skin  around  the  fetlock,  and  a  longitudinal  one  from  that  up  to  the 
groin,  and  the  skin  is  dissected  froui  the  limb  as  high  up  as  can  bo 
reached,  over  the  croup,  if  possible.  Then  cut  through  the  muscles 
around  the  hip  joint,  and,  if  possible,  the  two  interarticular  liga- 
ments  of  the  joint  (pubofemoral  and  round),  and  extract  the  liml) 
by  strong  dragging. 

Amputation  of  the  fore  Umhs. — This  may  usually  be  begun  on  the 
fetlock  of  the  limb  projecting  from  the  vulva.  An  embryotomy 
knife  is  desirable.  This  knife  consists  of  a  blade  with  a  sharp, 
slightly  hooked  point,  and  one  or  two  rings  in  the  back  of  the  blade 
large  enough  to  fit  on  the  middle  finger,  while  the  blade  is  protected 
in  the  palm  of  the  hand.  (See  Plate  XIII,  fig.  4.)  Another  form 
has  the  blade  inserted  in  a  mortise  in  the  handle,  from  which  it  is 
pushed  out  by  a  movable  button  when  wanted.  First  place  a  noose 
around  the  fetlock  of  the  limb  to  be  amputated,  cut  the  skin  circu- 
larly entirely  around  the  fetlock,  then  make  an  incision  on  the  inner 
side  of  the  limb  from  the  fetlock  up  to  the  breastbone.  Next  dissect 
the  slvin  from  the  limb,  from  the  fetlock  up  to  the  breastl)one  on  the 
inner  side,  and  as  far  up  on  the  shoulder  blade  as  possible  on  the 
outer  side.  Finally,  cut  through  the  muscles  attachiug  the  limb  to 
the  breastbone,  and  employ  strong  traction  on  the  limb,  so  as  to 
drag  out  the  whole  limb,  shoulder  blade  included.  The  muscles 
around  the  ujiper  part  of  the  shouhler  blade  are  easily  torn  through 
and  need  not  be  cut,  even  if  that  were  possible.  In  no  case  should 
the  fore  limb  be  removed  unless  the  shoulder  blade  is  taken  with  it, 
as  that  furnishes  the  greatest  obstruction  to  delivery,  above  all  when 
it  is  no  longer  advanced  by  the  extension  of  the  fore  limb,  but  is 
pressed  back  so  as  to  increase  the  already  thickest  i)osterior  portion 
of  the  chest.  The  preservation  of  the  skin  from  the  wliole  limb  is 
advantageous  in  various  ways;  it  is  easier  to  cut  it  circularly  at  the 
fetlock  than  at  the  shoulder;  it  covers  the  hand  and  knife  in  making 
the  needful  incisions,  thus  acting  as  a  protection  to  the  womb;  and 
it  atFords  a  means  of  traction  on  the  body  after  the  limb  has  been 
removed.  In  dissecting  the  skin  from  the  limb  the  knife  is  not 
needful  at  all  points:  umch  of  it  may  be  stripped  off  with  the  fingers 
or  knuckles,  or  by  a  bhmt,  iron  spud  pushed  up  inside  the  hide, 
which  is  meanwhile  held  tense  to  render  the  spud  effective. 


204  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

In  case  the  limb  is  bent  forward  at  the  hock,  a  rope  is  passed  round 
that  and  pulled  so  as  to  bring  the  point  of  the  hock  between  the  lips 
of  the  vulva.  The  hamstring  and  the  lateral  ligaments  of  the  hock 
are  now  cut  through,  and  the  limbs  extended  by  a  rope  tied  round  the 
lower  end  of  the  long  bone  above  (tibia).  In  case  it  is  still  needful 
to  remove  the  upper  part  of  the  limb,  the  further  procedure  is  the 
same  as  described  in  the  last  paragraph. 

In  case  the  limb  is  turned  forward  from  the  hip,  and  the  fetus  so 
wedged  into  the  passage  that  turning  is  impossible,  the  case  is  very- 
difficult.  I  have  repeatedly  succeeded  by  cutting  in  on  the  hip  joint 
and  disarticulating  it,  then  dissecting  the  muscles  back  from  the 
upper  end  of  the  thigh  bone.  A  noose  was  placed  around  the  neck  of 
the  bone  and  pulled  on  forcibly,  while  any  unduly  resisting  struc- 
tures were  cut  with  the  knife. 

Cartwright  recommends  to  make  free  incisions  round  the  hip  joints 
and  tear  through  the  muscles  when  they  can  not  be  cut;  then  with 
cords  round  the  joelvic  bones,  and  hooks  inserted  in  the  openings  in 
the  floor  of  the  pelvis  to  drag  out  the  pelvic  bones;  then  put  cords 
around  the  heads  of  the  thigh  bones  and  extract  them;  then  remove 
the  intestines;  finally,  by  means  of  the  loose,  detached  skin,  draw  out 
the  body  with  the  remainder  of  the  hind  limbs  bent  forward  be- 
neath it. 

Eeuff  cuts  his  way  into  the  pelvis  of  the  foal,  and  with  a  knife 
separates  the  pelvic  bones  from  the  loins,  then  skinning  the  quarter 
draws  out  these  pelvic  bones  by  means  of  ropes  and  hooks,  and  along 
with  them  the  hind  limbs. 

The  hind  limbs  having  been  removed  by  one  or  the  other  of  these 
procedures,  the  loose  skin  detached  from  the  pelvis  is  used  as  a  means 
of  traction  and  delivery  is  effected.  In  case  of  a  monstrosity  with 
extra  hind  limbs,  it  may  be  possible  to  bring  these  up  into  the  passage 
and  utilize  them  for  traction. 

Removal  of  the  abdorrdnal  viscera. — In  case  the  belly  is  unduly 
large,  from  decomposition,  tumors,  or  otherwise,  it  may  be  needful 
to  lay  it  open  with  the  knife  and  cut  or  tear  out  the  contents. 

Removal  of  the  thoracic  viscera. — To  diminish  the  bulk  of  the  chest 
it  has  been  found  advisable  to  cut  out  the  breastbone,  remove  the 
heart  and  lungs,  and  allow  the  ribs  to  collapse  with  the  lower  free 
ends  overlapping  each  other. 

Dissection  of  the  trunk. — In  case  it  becomes  necessary  to  remove 
other  portions  of  the  trunk,  we  should  follow  the  general  rule  of 
preserving  the  skin  so  that  all  manipulations  can  be  made  inside  this 
as  a  protector,  that  it  may  remain  available  as  a  means  of  exercising 
traction  on  the  remaining  part  of  the  body,  and  as  a  covering  to 
protect  the  vaginal  walls  against  injuries  from  bones  while  such 
part  is  passing. 


DISEASES   OF   THE   GENERATIVE   ORGANS.  205 

FLOODING,  OR  BLEEDING  FROM  THE  WOMB. 

This  is  rare  in  the  mare,  but  not  unknown,  in  connection  ^'ith  a 
faihire  of  the  Avonib  to  contract  on  its^elf  after  parturition,  or  with 
eversion  of  tiie  womb  (casting  the  withers),  and  congestion  or  hicera- 
tion.  If  tlie  bh)0(l  accumuhites  in  the  flaccid  womb,  the  condition 
may  be  suspected  only  by  reason  of  the  rapiiUy  advancing  weaknes?^, 
swaying,  unsteady  gait,  hanging  head,  paleness  of  the  eyes  and  other 
mucous  membranes,  and  weak,  snuill,  failing  pulse.  The  hand  in- 
tri.'duced  into  the  womb  detects  the  presence  of  the  blood  partly 
clotted.    If  the  blood  escapes  by  the  vulva,  the  condition  is  evident. 

Tiratimtit  consists  in  evacuating  the  womb  of  its  blood  clots,  giv- 
ing a  large  dose  of  powdered  ergot  of  rye,  and  in  the  application  of 
cold  water  or  ice  to  the  loins  and  external  generative  organs.  Besides 
this,  a  si:)onge  imi)regnated  with  a  strong  solution  of  alum,  or,  still 
better,  with  tincture  of  nuiriate  of  iron,  may  be  introduced  into  the 
womb  and  scjueezed  so  as  to  bring  the  liquid  in  contact  with  the 
walls  generally. 

EVERSION  OF  THE  WOMB. 

If  the  womb  fails  to  contract  after  difficult  parturition,  the  after- 
pains  will  sometimes  lead  to  the  fundus  passing  into  the  body  of  the 
organ  and  passing  through  that  and  the  vagina  imtil  the  whole 
inverted  organ  appears  externally  and  hangs  down  on  the  thighs. 
The  residt  is  rapid  engorgement  and  swelling  of  the  organ,  impaction 
of  the  rectum  w  ith  feces,  and  distention  of  the  bladder  with  urine,  all 
of  which  conditions  seriously  interfere  with  the  return  of  the  mass. 
In  returning  the  womb  the  standing  is  preferable  to  the  recumbent 
])osition,  as  the  abdomen  is  more  pendent  and  there  is  less  obstruc- 
tion to  the  return.  It  may,  however,  be  necessary  to  put  hobbles  on 
the  hind  limbs  to  prevent  the  mare  from  kicking.  A  clean  sheet 
should  Ix'  held  beneath  the  womb,  and  all  filth,  straw,  and  foreign 
bodies  washed  from  its  surface.  Then  with  a  broad,  elastic  (india- 
rubber)  band,  or  in  default  of  that  a  long  strip  of  wilico  4  or  5  inches 
wide,  wind  the  womb  as  tightly  as  j^ossible,  l)eginning  at  its  most 
dependent  pail  (the  extremity  of  the  horn).  This  serves  two  good 
ends.  It  squeezes  out  into  the  general  circulation  the  enormous  mass 
of  blood  which  engorged  and  enlarged  the  organ,  and  it  furnishes  a 
strong  protective  covering  for  the  now  delicate,  friable  organ,  througii 
which  it  may  be  safely  manipulated  without  danger  of  laceration. 
The  next  step  may  be  the  pressure  on  the  general  mass  whik'  those 
portions  next  the  vulva  are  gradually  pusiied  in  with  the  hands:  or 
the  extreme  lowest  point  (the  end  of  the  horn)  may  l)e  turned  within 
itself  and  jiushed  forward  int<»  the  vngina  by  the  closed  fist,  the 
return  being  assisted  by  mani|)ulations  ity  the  other  hand,  and  even 
by  those  of  assistants.     By  either  mode  the  manipulations  may  be 


206  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

made  with  almost  perfect  safety  so  long  as  the  organ  is  closely 
wrapped  in  the  bandage.  Once  a  portion  has  been  introduced  intg 
the  vagina  the  rest  will  usually  foUoAv  with  increasing  ease,  and  the 
operation  should  be  completed  with  the  hand  and  arm  extended  the 
full  length  Avithin  the  womb  and  moved  from  point  to  point  so  as  to 
straighten  out  all  parts  of  the  organ  and  insure  that  no  portion  still 
remain  inverted  within  another  portion.  Should  anj^  such  partial 
inversion  be  left  it  will  give  rise  to  straining,  under  the  force  of  which 
it  will  gi'adually  increase  until  the  whole  mass  will  be  protruded  as 
before.  The  next  step  is  to  apply  a  truss  as  an  effectual  me- 
chanical barrier  to  further  escape  of  the  womb  through  the  vulva. 
The  simplest  is  made  with  two  1-inch  ropes,  each  about  18  feet  long, 
each  doubled  and  interwoven  at  the  bend,  as  seen  in  Plate  XIV, 
figure  4.  The  ring  formed  by  the  interlacing  of  the  two  ropes  is 
adjusted  around  the  vulva,  the  two  ends  of  the  one  rope  are  carried 
up  on  the  right  and  left  of  the  tail  and  along  the  spine,  being  wound 
around  each  other  in  their  course,  and  are  finally  tied  to  the  upper 
part  of  the  collar  encircling  the  neck.  The  remaining  two  ends, 
belonging  to  the  other  rope,  are  carried  downward  and  forward  be- 
tween the  thighs  and  thence  forward  and  upward  on  the  sides  of 
the  belly  and  chest  to  be  attached  to  the  right  and  left  sides  of  the  col- 
lar. These  ropes  are  drawn  tightly  enough  to  keep  closely  applied  to 
the  opening  without  chafing,  and  will  fit  still  more  securely  when  the 
mare  raises  her  back  to  strain.  It  is  desirable  to  tie  the  mare  short  so 
that  she  may  be  unable  to  lie  down  for  a  day  or  two,  and  she  should 
be  kept  in  a  stall  with  the  hind  parts  higher  than  the  fore.  Violent 
straining  may  be  checked  by  full  doses  of  opium  (one-half  dram), 
and  any  costiveness  or  diarrhea  should  be  obviated  by  a  suitable  laxa- 
tive or  binding  diet. 

In  some  mares  the  contractions  are  too  violent  to  allow  of  the  return 
of  the  womb,  and  full  doses  of  opium  one-half  dram,  laudahum  2 
ounces,  or  chloral  hydrate  1  ounce,  may  be  demanded,  or  the  mare 
must  be  rendered  insensible  by  ether  or  chloroform. 

RUPTURE,  OR  LACERATION,  OF  THE  WOMB. 

This  may  occur  from  the  feet  of  the  foal  during  parturition,  or 
from  ill-directed  efforts  to  assist,  but  it  is  especially  liable  to  take 
place  in  the  everted,  congested,  and  friable  organ.  The  resultant 
dangers  are  bleeding  from  the  wound,  escape  of  the  bowels  through 
the  opening  and  their  fatal  injury  by  the  mare's  feet  or  otherwise,  and 
peritonitis  from  the  extension  of  inflammation  from  the  wound  and 
from  the  poisonous  action  of  the  septic  liquids  of  the  womb  escaping 
into  the  abdominal  cavity.  The  first  object  is  to  close  the  wound, 
but  unless  in  eversion  of  the  womb  this  is  practically  impossible.  In 
the  last-named  condition  the  wound  must  be  carefully  and  accurately 


DISEASES  OF   THE   GENERATIVE  ORGANS.  207 

sewed  up  before  the  woinb  is  retiiined.  After  its  letiiin.  the  womb 
must  be  iiijecteil  daily  with  an  autise[)tic  solution  (borax,  one-half 
ounce,  or  carbolic  acid,  3  drams  to  a  (juart  of  tepid  water).  If  iti- 
llammation  threatens,  the  abilomen  may  be  bathed  continuously  with 
hot  water  by  means  of  a  hea\y  woolen  ra«^,  and  hu<^e  doses  of  opium 
(one-half  dram)  nuiy  be  given  twice  or  thrice  daily. 

RUPTURES  OF  THE  VAGINA. 

These  are  attended  with  dangers  similar  to  those  belonging  to  riii)- 
ture  of  the  womb,  and  in  addition  by  the  risk  of  protrusion  of  the 
bladder,  which  ai)pears  through  the  lips  of  the  vulva  as  a  red,  pyri- 
form  mass.  Sometimes  such  lacerations  extend  downward  into  the 
bladder,  and  in  others  upward  into  the  terminal  gut  (rectum).  In 
still  other  cases  the  anus  is  torn  so  that  it  forms  one  common  orifice 
with  the  vulva. 

Too  often  such  cases  prove  fatal,  or  at  least  a  recovery  is  not  at- 
tained, and  urine  or  feces  or  both  escape  freely  into  the  vagina.  The 
simple  laceration  of  the  anus  is  easily  sewed  up,  but  the  ends  of  the 
muscular  fibers  do  not  reunite  and  the  control  over  the  lower  bowel 
is  never  fully  reac(|uired.  The  successful  stitching  up  of  the  wound 
conmiunicating  with  the  bladder  or  the  rectum  requires  unusual  skill 
and  care,  and  though  I  have  succeeded  in  a  case  of  the  latter  kind,  I 
can  not  advise  the  attempt  by  unprofessional  persons. 

BLOOD  CLOTS  IN  THE  WALLS  OF  THE  VAGINA. 

(See  '•  Eflfusion  of  blood  in  the  vaginal  walls,"  p.  190.) 

LAMINITIS.  OR  FOUNDER.  FOLLOWING  PARTURITION. 

This  sometimes  follows  on  inflaiumation  of  the  womb,  as  it  fre- 
(juently  does  on  disorder  of  the  stomach.  Its  symptoms  agree  with 
those  of  the  common  form  of  founder,  and  treatment  need  not  dillVr. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  WOMB  AND  PERITONEUM. 

Thest>  may  result  from  injuries  sustained  by  the  womb  during  oi- 
after  parturition,  from  exposure  to  cold  or  wet,  or  from  the  irritant 
infective  acti(m  of  putrid  products  within  the  woini>.  Under  the 
inflammation  the  womb  remains  dilated  and  flaccid,  and  decomposi- 
tion of  its  secretions  almost  always  tx^curs,  so  that  the  inflammation 
tends  to  assume  a  ])utrid  character  and  general  septic  infe<tion  is 
likely  to  occur. 

Si/tnptam«. — The  symptoms  are  ushered  in  by  shivering,  staring 
coat,  small,  rapid  pulse,  elevated  tempiMature,  accelerated  breathing, 
loss  of  appetite,  with  arched  back,  stiff  movement  of  the  body,  look- 
ing back  at  the  flanks,  and  uneasy  motions  of  the  hind  limbs,  dis- 
charge from  the  vulva  of  a  li(|uid  at  first  watery,  reddish,  or  yellow- 
ish, and  later  it  may  be  whitish  or  glairy,  and  fetid  or  not  in  dif- 
ferent  cases.     Tenderness   of  the   abdomen    shown   on   pressure   is 


208  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

especially  characteristic  of  cases  aifecting  the  peritoneum  or  lining 
of  the  belly,  and  is  more  marked  lower  down.  If  the  animal  sur- 
vives, the  inflammation  tends  to  become  chronic  and  attended  by  a 
whitish  mucopurulent  discharge.  If,  on  the  contrary,  it  proves 
fatal,  death  is  preceded  by  extreme  prostration  and  weakness  from 
the  general  septic  poisoning. 

Treatment. — In  treatment  the  first  thing  to  be  sought  is  the  re- 
moval of  all  offensive  and  irritant  matters  from  the  womb  through  a 
caoutchouc  tube  introduced  into  the  womb,  and  into  which  a  funnel 
is  fitted.  "Warm  water  should  be  passed  until  it  comes  away  clear. 
To  insure  that  all  the  womb  has  been  washed  out.  the  oiled  hand 
may  be  introduced  to  carry  the  end  of  the  tube  into  the  two  horns 
successively.  "\Alien  the  offensive  contents  have  been  thus  removed, 
the  womb  should  be  injected  with  a  quart  of  water  holding  in  solution 
1  dram  permanganate  of  potash,  or,  in  the  absence  of  the  latter,  2 
teaspoonfuls  of  carbolic  acid,  twice  daily.  Fomentation  of  the  abdo- 
men, or  the  application  of  a  warm  flaxseed  poultice,  may  greatly 
relieve.  Acetanilid,  in  doses  of  half  an  ounce,  twice  or  thrice  a  day, 
or  sulphate  of  quinia  in  doses  of  one-third  ounce,  may  be  employed 
to  reduce  the  fever.  If  the  great  prostration  indicates  septic  poison- 
ing, large  doses  (one-half  ounce)  bisulphite  of  soda,  or  salicylate  of 
soda,  or  sulphate  of  quinin  may  be  resorted  to. 

LEUCORRHEA. 

This  is  a  white,  glutinous,  chronic  discharge,  the  result  of  a  con- 
tinued, subacute  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  womb. 
Like  the  discharge  of  acute  inflammation,  it  contains  many  forms  of 
bacteria,  by  some  of  which  it  is  manifestly  inoculable  on  the  penis  of 
the  stallion,  producing  ulcers  and  a  specific,  gonorrheal  discharge. 

Treatment  may  consist  in  the  internal  use  of  tonics  (sulphate  of 
iron,  3  drams,  daily)  and  the  washing  out  of  the  womb,  as  described 
under  the  last  heading,  followed  by  an  astringent  antiseptic  injection 
(carbolic  acid,  2  teaspoonfuls:  tannic  acid,  |  dram;  water,  1  quart). 
This  may  be  giver  two  or  three  times  a  day, 

DISEASES  OF  THE  UDDER  AND  TEATS. 

CONGESTION   AND   INFLAMMATION    OF    THE    UDDER. 

This  is  comparatively  rare  in  the  mare,  though  in  some  cases  the 
udder  becomes  painfully  engorged  before  parturition,  and  a  doughy 
swelling,  pitting  on  pressure,  extends  forward  on  the  lower  surface  of 
the  abdomen.  '\'\Tien  this  goes  on  to  active  inflammation,  one  or  both 
of  the  glands  becomes  enlarged,  hot,  tense,  and  painful :  the  milk  is 
dried  up  or  replaced  by  a  watery  or  reddish,  serous  fluid,  which  at 
times  becomes  fetid :  the  animal  walks  lame,  loses  appetite,  and  shows 
general  disorder  and  fever.    The  condition  may  end  in  recover}'-,  in 


DISEASES    OF    THE    OENERATIVE    ORGANS.  209 

nbsress.   iiulmation.  or   «i:;ui^roiu'.  :iiul.   in   >omi'   casos.  may   lay  tlie 
foundation  for  a  tuinoi-  (tf  tlie  ^land. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  simple  so  long  us  there  is  only  con- 
gestion. Active  riihljintr  ^vith  lard  or  oil,  or.  better,  camphorated 
oil,  and  the  fre(|uent  drawing  oil  .of  the  milU,  by  the  foal  or  with 
the  hand,  will  usually  bring  about  a  rapid  improvement.  "When 
active  intlamniation  is  ])resent,  fomentation  with  warm  water  may  be 
kept  up  for  an  hour  and  followed  by  the  api)lication  of  the  cam- 
phorated oil,  to  which  has  been  added  some  carbonate  of  soda  an<l 
extract  of  belladonna.  A  dose  of  laxative  medicine  (4  drams  Bar- 
bados aloes)  will  be  of  service  in  reducing  fever,  and  one-half  (junce 
saltpeter  daily  will  serve  a  similar  end.  In  case  the  millc  coagulates 
in  the  udder  and  can  not  be  withdrawn,  or  when  the  liquid  l)ecomes 
fetid,  a  solution  of.iiO  grains  carbonate  of  soda  and  10  drops  carbolic 
acid  dissolved  in  an  ounce  of  water  should  be  injected  into  the  teat. 
Tn  doing  this  it  must  be  noted  that  the  mare  has  three  separate  ducts 
opening  on  the  summit  of  each  teat  and  each  must  be  carefully  in- 
jected. To  draw  off  the  fetid  product  it  may  be  needful  to  use  a 
small  milking  tube,  or  spring  teat  dilator  designed  by  the  writer. 
(Plate  XIV,  tigs.  2  and  3.)  "When  pus  forms  and  points  externally 
and  can  not  find  a  free  escape  by  the  teat,  the  spot  where  it  fluctu- 
ates must  be  opened  freely  with  the  knife  and  the  cavity  injecte<l 
daily  with  the  carbolic-acid  lotion.  "When  the  gland  becomes  hanl 
s.nd  indolent,  it  may  be  rubbed  daily  with  iodin  ointment  1  part, 
vaseline  6  parts. 

TUMORS  OF   THE   UDDER. 

As  the  result  of  inllammation  of  the  udder  it  may  become  the  seat 
of  an  indurated  diseased  growth,  which  may  go  on  growing  and  seri- 
ously interfere  with  the  movement  of  the  hind  limbs.  If  such  swell- 
ings do  not  give  way  in  their  early  stages  to  treatment  by  iodin, 
the  only  resort  is  to  cut  them  out  with  a  knife.  As  the  gland  is  often 
imj)licated  and  has  to  be  removed,  such  mares  can  not  in  the  future 
^uc|<le  their  colts  and  therefore  should  not  be  bred. 

SORE  TEATS.   SCABS.    CRACKS,   WARTS. 

By  the  act  of  sucking,  especially  in  cold  weather,  the  teats  are  sub- 
ject to  abrasions,  cracks,  ami  scabs,  and  as  the  result  of  such  irrita- 
tion, or  independently,  warts  sometimes  grow  and  prove  troiiblesome. 
The  warts  shoidd  be  flipped  off  with  sharp  scissois  and  their  roots 
burned  w  ith  a  solid  pencil  of  lunar  caustic.  This  is  best  done  before 
parturition  to  secure  healing  before  suckling  begins.  For  sore  teats 
use  an  «>intment  of  vaseline  1  ounce,  balsam  of  tolu  .5  grains,  and 
sulphate  of  zinc  ")  grains. 

3G444°— 16 14 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

By  M.  R.  Tbumbower,  V.  S. 
[Revised  by  John  R.  Mohler,  A.  M.,  V.  M.  D.] 

ANATOMY  AND  PHYSIOLOGY  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  NERVOUS 

SYSTEM. 

(PI.  XIX.) 

The  nervous  system  may  be  regarded  as  consisting  of  two  sets  of 
organs,  peripheral  and  central,  the  function  of  one  being  to  estab- 
lish a  communication  between  the  centers  and  .the  different  parts 
of  the  body,  and  that  of  the  other  to  generate  nervous  force.  The 
whole  may  be  arranged  under  two  divisions :  First,  the  cerebrospinal 
system;  second,  the  sympathetic  or  ganglionic  system.  Each  is 
possessed  of  its  own  central  and  peripheral  organs. 

In  the  first,  the  center  is  made  up  of  two  portions — one  large 
and  expanded  (the  brain)  placed  in  the  cranial  cavity;  the  other 
elongated  (spinal  cord),  continuous  with  the  brain,  and  lodged  in 
the  canal  of  the  vertebral  column.  The  peripheral  portion  of  this 
system  consists  of  the  cerebrospinal  nerves,  which  leave  the  axis 
in  symmetrical  pairs  and  are  distributed  to  the  skin,  the  voluntary 
muscles,  and  the  organs. 

In  the  second,  the  central  organ  consists  of  a  chain  of  ganglia, 
connected  by  nerve  cords,  which  extends  on  each  side  of  the  spine 
from  the  head  to  the  rump.  The  nerves  of  this  system  are  dis- 
tributed to  the  involuntary  muscles,  mucous  membrane,  viscera,  and 
blood  vessels. 

The  two  systems  have  free  intercommunication,  ganglia  being  at 
the  junctions. 

Two  substances,  distinguishable  by  their  color,  namely,  the  white 
or  medullary  and  the  gray  or  cortical  substance,  enter  into  the  for- 
n:ation  of  nervous  matter.  Both  are  soft,  fragile,  and  easily  injured, 
ill  consequence  of  which  the  principal  nervous  centers  are  well  pro- 
tected by  bony  coverings.  The  nervous  substances  present  two  dis- 
tinct forms — nerve  fibers  and  nerve  cells.  An  aggregation  of  nerve 
cells  constitutes  a  nerve  ganglion. 

The  nerve  fibers  represent  a  conducting  apparatus  and  serve  to 
place  the  central  nervous  organs  in  connection  with  peripheral  end 
organs.  The  nerve  cells,  however,  besides  transmitting  impulses, 
act  as  physiological  centers  for  automatic,  or  reflex,  movements, 
and  also  for  the  sensory,  perceptive,  trophic,  and  secretory  functions. 
A  nerve  consists  of  a  bundle  of  tubular  fibers,  held  together  by  a 
210 


DISEASES   OF    THE    NERVOUS   SYSTEM.  211 

dense  areolar  tissue,  and  inclosed  in  a  ineiiibranoiis  sheath — the  neuri- 
lemma. Nerve  libers  possess  no  elasticity,  but  are  very  strong. 
Divided  nerves  do  not  retract. 

Nerves  are  thrown  into  a  state  of  excitement  when  stimulated,  and 
are,  therefore,  said  to  possess  excitable  or  irritable  properties.  The 
stinndi  may  be  applied  to,  or  may  act  upon,  any  part  of  the  nerve. 
Nerves  may  be  paralyzed  by  continuous  pressure  bein<^  a[)plied. 
When  the  nerves  divide  into  branches,  there  is  never  any  splittijig 
up  of  their  ultimate  fibers,  nor  yet  is  there  ever  any  coalescing  of 
them;  they  retain  'their  individuality  from  their  source  to  their 
termination. 

Nerves  which  convey  impressions  to  the  centers  are  termed  sensory, 
or  centripetal,  and  those  which  transmit  stinmlus  from  the  centers  to 
organs  of  motitm  are  termed  motor,  or  centrifugal.  The  function  of 
the  nervous  system  may,  therefore,  be  defined  in  the  simplest  terms, 
as  follows:  It  is  intended  to  associate  the  different  parts  of  the  body 
in  such  a  manner  that  stinudus  aj)plied  to  one  organ  may  excite  or 
depress  the  activity  of  another. 

The  brain  is  that  i)ortion  of  the  cerebro-spinal  axis  within  the  cra- 
nium, which  may  be  divided  into  four  parts — the  medulla  oblongata, 
the  cerebellum,  the  pons  Varolii,  and  the  cerebrum — and  it  is  cov- 
ered by  three  membranes,  called  the  meninges.  The  outer  of  these 
membranes,  the  dura  mater,  is  a  thick,  white,  fibrous  membrane  which 
lines  the  cavity  of  the  cranium,  forming  the  internal  periosteum  of 
the  bones;  it  is  continuous  with  the  spinal  cord  to  the  extremity  of  the 
canal.  The  second,  the  arachnoid,  is  a  delicate  serous  membrane,  and 
loosely  envelops  the  brain  and  spinal  cord;  it  forms  two  layers,  hav- 
ing between  them  the  arachnoid  space  which  contains  the  cerebro- 
spinal fluid,  the  use  of  which  is  to  protect  the  spinal  cord  and  brain 
from  pressure.  The  third,  or  inner,  the  pia  mater,  is  closely  adher- 
ent to  the  entire  surface  of  the  brain,  but  is  much  thinner  and  more 
vascular  than  when  it  reaches  the  si)inal  cord,  which  it  also  envelops, 
and  is  continued  to  form  the  .sheaths  of  the  spinal  nerves. 

The  medulla  oblongata  is  the  ])rolongation  of  the  spinal  cord, 
extending  to  the  pons  Varolii.  This  jjortion  of  the  brain  is  very 
largt'  in  the  horse:  it  is  pyramidal  in  shai)e,  the  narrowest  part  join- 
ing the  cord. 

The  pons  \'arolii  is  the  transver^-  pi ojection  on  the  base  of  the 
brain,  between  the  medidla  oblongata  an<l  tlie  ptMluncles  of  the  cere- 
brum. 

The  cerebelhim  is  h)ilged  in  the  jxjsterior  j)ai  t  ol  i\\v  ciaiiial  cavity, 
immediately  above  the  medulla  oblongata:  it  is  globular  or  ellip- 
tical in  shape,  the  transverse  diameter  being  greatest.  The  body 
of  the  cerel)ellum  is  composed  of  gray  matter  externally  and  of 
white  matter  in  the  center.     The  cerebellum  has  the  functicm  of  co- 


212  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

ordinating  movements:  that  is.  of  so  associating  them  as  to  cause 
them  to  accomplish  a  definite  purpose.  Injuries  to  the  cerebelhim 
cause  disturbances  of  the  equilibrium  but  do  not  interfere  with  the 
will  power  or  intelligence. 

The  cerebrum,  or  brain  proper,  occupies  the  anterior  portion  of  the 
cranial  cavity.  It  is  ovoid  in  shape,  with  an  irregular,  flattened  base, 
and  consists  of  lateral  hah^es  or  hemispheres.  The  greater  part  of 
the  cerebrum  is  composed  of  white  matter.  The  hemispheres  of  the 
cerebrum  are  usually  said  to  be  the  seat  of  all  psychical  activities. 
Only  when  they  are  intact  are  the  process  of  feeling,  thinking,  and 
willing  possible.  After  they  are  destroyed  the  organism  comes  to  be 
like  a  complicated  machine,  and  its  activity  is  only  the  expression  of 
the  internal  and  external  stimuli  which  act  upon  it. 

The  spinal  cord,  or  spinal  marrow,  is  that  part  of  the  cerebro- 
spinal system  which  is  contained  in  the  spinal  canal  of  the  backbone, 
and  extends  from  the  medulla  oblongata  to  a  short  distance  behind 
the  loins.  It  is  an  irregularly  cylindrical  structure,  divided  into  two 
lateral,  symmetrical  halves  by  fissures.  The  spinal  cord  terminates 
posteriorly  in  a  pointed  extremity,  which  is  continued  by  a  mass  of 
nerve  trunks — cauda  equinse.  A  transverse  section  of  the  cord  reveals 
that  it  is  composed  of  white  matter  externally  and  of  gi'ay  matter 
internally.  The  spinal  cord  does  not  fill  the  whole  spinal  canal. 
The  latter  contains,  besides,  a  large  venous  sinus,  fatty  matter,  the 
membranes  of  the  cord,  and  the  cerebrospinal  fluid. 

The  spinal  nerves,  forty-two  or  forty-three  in  number,  arise  each 
by  two  roots,  a  superior  or  sensory,  and  an  inferior  or  motor.  The 
nerves  originating  from  the  brain  are  twenty-four  in  number,  and 
arranged  in  pairs,  which  are  named  first,  second,  third,  etc.,  counting 
from  before  backward.  They  also  receive  special  names,  according 
to  their  functions  or  the  parts  to  which  they  are  distributed,  viz : 

1.  Olfactory.  7.  Facial. 

2.  Optic.  8.  Aiulitory. 

3.  Ocnlo-motor.  9.  Glossopharyngeal. 

4.  Pathetic.  10.  Pneumogastric. 
.5.  Trifacial.  11.  Spinal  accessory. 
6.  Abducens.  12.  Hypoglossal. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BRAIN  AND  ITS  MEMBRANES  (ENCEPHA- 
LITIS, MENINGITIS,  CEREBRITIS). 

Inflammation  may  attack  these  membranes  singly,  or  any  one  of  the 
anatomical  divisions  of  the  nerve  matter,  or  it  may  invade  the  whole 
at  once.  Practical  experience,  however,  teaches  us  that  primary 
inflammation  of  the  dura  mater  is  of  rare  occurrence,  except  in  direct 
mechanical  injuries  to  the  head  or  diseases  of  the  bones  of  the  cra- 
nium. Neither  is  the  arachnoid  often  affected  Avith  acute  inflamma- 
tion, except  as  a  secondary  result.    The  pia  mater  is  most  commonly 


DISEASES   OF    THE    NERVOUS   SYSTEM.  213 

the  seat  <»f  iiifliiimiiatioii.  aciiti'  and  sul>ac-iit«',  but  from  its  intimate 
relation  with  the  siiiface  of  the  l»rain  the  hitter  very  soon  becomes 
involved  in  the  morbid  changes.  Practically,  we  can  not  separate 
inflammation  of  the  pia  mater  from  that  of  the  brain  ])roper.  Inflam- 
mation may.  howe\  er.  exist  in  the  center  of  the  great  nerve  ma.s.scs — • 
the  cerebrum,  cerebellum,  pons  Varolii,  or  medulla  at  the  base  of  the 
brain — without  invoh  ing  the  surface.  AMien.  therefore,  inflamma- 
tion invades  the  brain  and  its  enveloping  membranes  it  is  piopeily 
called  encephalitis;  when  the  membranes  ahme  are  affected  it  is 
called  meningitis,  or  the  brain  substance  alone  cerebritis.  Since  all 
the  conditions  merge  into  one  another  and  can  scarcely  be  recognized 
separately  during  the  life  of  the  animal,  they  may  here  be  considered 
t(;gether. 

f'ausfs. — Kxi)o>ure  to  extreme  heat  or  cold,  sudden  and  extreme 
changes  of  temperature,  excessive  continued  cerebral  excitement,  too 
much  nitrogenous  feed,  direct  injuries  to  the  brain,  such  as  concus- 
sion, or  from  fracture  of  the  cranium,  overexertion,  sometimes  as 
sequela^  to  influenza,  pyemia,  poisons  having  a  direct  influence  uj)on 
the  encephalic  mass,  extension  of  inflammation  from  neighboring 
structures,  food  poisoning,  tumors,  parasites,  metastatic  abscesses,  etc. 

Syjnptomf(. — The  diseases  here  grouped  together  are  accompanied 
with  a  variety  of  symptoms,  almost  none  of  which,  however,  are  asso- 
ciated so  definitely  with  a  special  jiathological  process  as  to  point 
unmistakably  to  a  given  lesion.  Usually  the  first  symptoms  indicate 
mental  excitement,  and  are  followed  by  symptoms  indicating  depres- 
si(m.  Acute  encephalitis  may  be  ushered  in  by  an  increased  sensi- 
bility to  noises,  with  more  or  less  nervous  excitability,  contraction  of 
the  pupils  of  the  eyes,  and  a  quick,  hard  pulse.  In  Aery  acute  at- 
tacks these  symptoms,  however,  are  not  always  noted.  This  condi- 
tion will  soon  be  followed  by  muscular  twitchings,  convulsive  or 
spasmodic  movements,  eyes  wide  open  with  shortness  of  sight.  The 
animal  becomes  afraid  to  have  his  head  handled.  Convulsions  and 
delirium  will  develop,  with  inability  of  muscular  control,  or  .stupor 
and  coma  may  supervene.  AVhen  the  membranes  are  greatly  impli- 
cated, convulsions  and  delirium  w  ith  violence  nuiy  be  expected,  but  if 
the  brain  sub>tances  aie  principally  affected  stu|)or  and  coma  will  ])e 
the  prominent  symptoms.  In  the  former  condition  the  pulse  will  be 
•juick  and  hard:  in  the  latter,  soft  and  depressed,  with  often  a  dilata- 
tion of  the  pujnls,  and  deep,  slow,  stertorous  breathing.  The  symj)- 
toms  may  follow  one  another  in  rapid  succession,  and  the  disease 
approach  a  fatal  termination  within  1'2  hom-s.  In  subacute  at- 
tacks the  symptoms  are  better  defined,  and  the  animal  seldom  dies 
before  the  third  day.  Within  three  or  four  days  gradual  improve- 
ment may  become  manifest,  or  cerebral  softening  with  partial  paral- 


214  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

ysis  may  occur.  In  all  cases  of  encephalitis  there  is  a  marked  rise  in 
temperature  from  the  very  onset  of  the  disease,  with  a  tendency  to 
increase  until  the  most  alarming  symptoms  develop,  succeeded  by  a 
decrease  when  coma  becomes  manifest.  The  violence  and  character  of 
the  symptoms  greatly  depend  upon  the  extent  and  location  of  the 
.structures  involved.  Thus,  in  some  cases  there  may  be  marked  paral- 
ysis of  certain  muscles,  while  in  others  there  may  be  spasmodic  rigid- 
ity of  muscles  in  a  certain  region.  Very  rarely  the  animal  becomes 
extremely  violent  early  in  the  attack,  and  by  rearing  up,  striking 
with  the  fore  feet,  or  falling  over,  may  do  himself  great  injury. 
Usually,  however,  the  animal  maintains"  the  standing  position,  prop- 
ping himself  against  the  manger  or  wall,  until  he'  falls  from  inability 
of  muscular  control,  or  from  unconsciousness.  Occasionally,  in  his 
delirium,  he  may  go  through  a  series  of  automatic  movements,  such 
as  trotting  or  walking,  and,  if  loose  in  a  stall,  will  move  around  per- 
sistently in  a  circle.  Early  and  persistent  constipation  of  the  bowels 
is  a  marked  symptom  in  nearly  all  acute  affections  of  the  brain ;  re- 
tention of  the  urine,  also,  is  frequently  observed. 

Following  these  symptoms  there  are  depression,  loss  of  power  and 
consciousness,  lack  of  ability  or  desire  to  move,  and  usually  fall  of 
temperature.  At  this  stage  the  horse  stands  with  legs  propped,  the 
head  hanging  or  resting  on  the  manger,  the  eyes  partly  closed,  and 
does  not  respond  when  spoken  to  or  when  struck  with  a  whip. 

Chronic  encephalitis  or  meningitis  may  succeed  the  acute  stage, 
or  may  be  due  to  stable  miasma,  blood  poison,  narcotism,  lead  poison- 
ing, etc.  This  form  may  not  be  characterized  in  its  initial  stages  by 
excitability,  quick  and  hard  pulse,  and  high  fever.  The  animal 
usually  appears  at  first  stupid ;  eats  slowly ;  the  pupil  of  the  eye  does 
not  respond  to  light  quickly;  the  animal  often  throws  his  head  up 
or  shakes  it  as  if  suffering  sudden  twinges  of  pain.  He  is  slow  and 
sluggish  in  his  movements,  or  there  may  be  partial  paralysis  of  one 
limb,  one  side  of  the  face,  neck,  or  body.  These  symptoms,  with 
some  variations,  may  be  present  for  several  days  and  then  subside, 
or  the  disease  may  pass  into  the  acute  stage  and  terminate  fatally. 
Chronic  encephalitis  may  effect  an  animal  for  ten  days  or  two  weeks 
without  much  variation  in  the  symptoms  before  the  crisis  is  reached. 
If  improvement  commences,  the  symptoms  usually  disappear  in  the 
reverse  order  to  that  in  which  they  developed,  with  the  exception  of 
the  paralytic  effects,  which  remain  intractable  or  permanent.  Paral- 
ysis of  certain  sets  of  muscles  is  a  very  common  result  of  chronic, 
subacute,  and  acute  encephalitis,  and  is  due  to  softening  of  the  brain 
or  to  exudation  into  the  cavities  of  the  brain  or  arachnoid  space. 

Softening  and  abscess  of  the  brain  are  terminations  of  cerebritis. 
It  may  also  be  due  to  an  insufficient  supply  of  blood  as  a  result 


DISEASES    OF    THE    NERVOUS   SYSTEM.  215 

of  (liseast'd  cerebral  arteries  and  of  tii)o[)lexy.  The  syinptonis  are 
drowsiness,  vertigo,  or  attacks  of  giddiness,  increased  timidity,  or 
fear  of  familiar  objects,  paralysis  of  one  limb,  hemiplegia,  imperfect 
control  of  tlie  limbs,  and  usually  a  weak,  intermittent  pulse.  In  some 
cases  the  symptoms  are  analogous  to  those  of  apoplexy.  The  char- 
acter of  the  symptoms  depends  upon  the  seat  of  the  softening  or 
abscess  within  the  brain. 

Cerebral  sclerosis  sometimes  follows  inllanmiation  in  the  structure 
of  the  brain  affecting  the  connective  tissues,  which  eventually  become 
hypertrophied  and  press  upon  nerve  cells  and  iibers,  causing  their 
ultimate  disappearance,  leaving  the  parts  hard  and  indurated.  This 
condition  gives  rise  to  a  progresssive  paralysis  and  may  extend  along 
a  certain  bundle  of  fil)ers  into  the  spiiud  cord.  Complete  paralysis 
almost  invariably  supervenes  and  causes  death. 

Lesions. — On  making  post-mortem  examinations  of  horses  wlii<li 
have  died  in  the  first  stages  of  either  of  these  diseases  we  find  an 
excessive  engorgement  of  the  capillaries  and  small  blood  vessels,  with 
correspcmdingly  increased  redness  and  changes  in  both  the  contents 
and  the  walls  of  the  vessels.  If  death  has  occurred  at  a  later  period 
of  the  disease,  it  will  be  found  that,  in  addition  to  the  redness  and 
engorgement,  an  exudation  of  the  contents  of  the  blood  vessels  into 
the  tissues  and  upon  the  surfaces  of  the  infhimed  parts  has  super- 
vened. If  the  case  has  been  one  of  encephalitis,  there  will  usually 
be  found  more  or  less  watery  fluid  in  the  ventricles  (natural  cavities 
in  the  brain),  in  the  subarachnoid  space,  and  a  serous  exudation  be- 
tween the  convolutions  and  interstitial  spaces  of  the  gray  matter  un- 
der the  membranes  of  the  brain.  The  quantity  of  fluid  varies  in 
different  cases.  Exudations  of  a  membranous  character  may  l)e 
present,  and  are  found  attached  to  the  surfaces  of  the  pia  mater. 

In  meningitis,  especially  in  chronic  cases,  in  addition  to  the  serous 
effusion,  there  are  changes  which  may  be  regarded  as  characteristic  in 
the  formation  of  a  delicate  and  highly  vascular  layer  or  layers  of 
membrane  or  organized  structure  on  tiie  surface  of  the  dura  mater, 
and  also  indications  of  hemorrhages  in  connection  with  the  membra- 
nous formations.  Hematoma,  or  blood  tumors,  may  be  found  em- 
bedded in  this  membrane.  In  some  cases  the  hemorrhages  are  copious, 
causing  paralysis  or  apoplexy,  followed  by  speedy  death.  The  menin- 
gitis may  l^e  suppurative.  In  this  case  a  puslike  exudate  is  found 
between  the  membranes  covering  the  brain. 

In  cerebritis,  or  inflammation  of  the  interior  of  the  brain,  there 
is  a  tendency  to  .softening  and  suppuration  and  the  formation  of 
abscesses.  In  some  cases  the  abscesses  are  small  and  numerous,  sur- 
rounded with  a  softened  condition  of  the  brain  matter,  and  some- 
times we  may  find  one  large  abscess.    In  cases  of  recent  development 


216  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

the  walls  of  the  abscesses  are  fringed  and  ragged  and  have  no  lining 
membrane.  In  older  or  chronic  cases  the  walls  of  the  abscesses  are 
generally  lined  with  a  strong  membrane,  often  having  the  appearance 
of  a  sac  or  cyst,  and  the  contents  have  a  very  offensive  odor. 

Treatment. — In  all  acute  attacks  of  inflammation  involving  the 
membranes  or  cerebral  masses,  it  is  the  pressure  from  the  distended 
and  engorged  blood  vessels  and  the  rapid  accumulation  of  inflanmaa- 
tory  products  that  endangers  the  life  of  the  animal  in  even  the  very 
early  stage  of  the  disease.  The  earlier  the  treatment  is  commenced  to 
lessen  the  danger  of  fatal  pressure  from  the  engorged  blood  vessels, 
the  less  effusion  and  smaller  number  of  inflammatory  products  we 
have  to  contend  with  later.  The  leading  object,  then,  to  be  accom- 
plished in  the  treatment  of  the  first  stage  of  encephalitis,  meningitis, 
or  cerebritis,  and  before  a  dangerous  degree  of  effusion  or  exudation 
has  taken  place,  is  to  relieve  the  engorgement  of  the  blood  vessels  and 
thereby  lessen  the  irritation  or  excitability  of  the  affected  structures. 
If  the  attempt  to  relieve  the  engorgement  in  the  first  stage  has  been 
only  partially  successful,  and  the  second  stage,  with  its  inflammatory 
products  and  exudations,  whether  serous  or  plastic,  has  set  in,  then 
the  main  objects  in  further  treatment  are  to  keep  up  the  strength  of 
the  animal  and  hasten  the  absorption  of  the  exudative  products  as 
much  as  possible.  To  obtain  these  results,  when  the  animal  is  found 
in  the  initial  stage  of  the  disease,  if  there  is  unnatural  excitability  or 
stupor  with  increase  of  temperature  and  quickened  pulse,  we  should 
apply  cold  to  the  head  in  the  form  of  cold  water  or  ice.  For  this  pur- 
pose cloths  or  bags  may  be  used,  and  they  should  be  renewed  as  often 
as  necessary.  If  the  disease  is  still  in  its  early  stages  -and  the  animal 
is  strong,  bleeding  from  the  jugular  vein  ma}'  be  beneficial.  Good 
results  are  to  be  expected  only  during  the  stage  of  excitement,  while 
there  is  a  strong,  full  pulse  and  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  head 
are  red  from  a  plentiful  supply  of  blood.  The  finger  should  be  kept 
on  the  pulse  and  the  blood  allowed  to  flow  until  there  is  distinct 
softening  of  the  pulse.  As  soon  as  the  animal  recovers  somewhat 
from  the  shock  of  the  bleeding  the  following  medicine  should  be 
made  into  a  ball  or  dissolved  in  a  pint  of  warm  water  and  be  given 
at  one  dose:  Barbados  aloes,  7  drams;  calomel,  2  drams;  powdered 
ginger;  1  dram ;  tincture  of  aconite,  20  drops. 

The  animal  should  be  placed  in  a  cool,  dark  place,  as  free  from 
noise  as  possible.  When  the  animal  becomes  thirsty  half  an  ounce 
of  bromid  of  potash  may  be  dissolved  in  the  drinking  water  every 
six  hours.  Injections,  of  warm  water  into  the  rectum  may  facilitate 
the  action  of  the  purgative.  Norwood's  tincture  of  veratrum  viride, 
in  20-drop  doses,  should  be  given  every  hour  and  1  dram  of  solid 
extract  of  belladonna  every  four  hours  until  the  symptoms  become 
modified  and  the  pulse  regular  and  full. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  tho  Horse. 


DISEASES   OF    THE    NERVOUS   SYSTEM.  217 

If  this  treatment  fails  to  «rivo  relief,  the  disease  will  pass  into  the 
advanced  stages,  or,  if  the  animal  has  been  neglected  in  the  early 
stages,  the  treatment  must  he  supplanted  with  the  hyi)odermic  injec- 
tion of  ergotin.  in  ■)-grain  doses,  dissolved  in  1  dram  of  water,  every 
six  hours.  The  limbs  may  Ite  poulticed  above  the  fetlocks  with  mus- 
tard. Warm  blanketing,  to  promote  perspiration,  is  to  be  observed 
always  when  there  is  no  excessive  perspiration. 

If  the  disease  l)ecomes  chronic  (encejihalitis  or  meningitis),  we 
must  phice  our  reliance  upon  alteratives  and  tonics,  with  such  inci- 
dental treatment  as  special  symptoms  may  demand.  lodid  of  potas- 
siiun  in  i?-dram  doses  should  be  given  thiee  times  a  day  and  1  dram 
of  calomel  once  a  day  to  induce  absorption  of  effusions  or  thickened 
membranes.  Tonics,  in  the  form  of  iodid  of  iron  in  1-dram  doses,  to 
which  is  added  2  drams  of  powdered  hydrastis,  may  also  be  given 
every  six  or  eight  hours,  as  soon  as  the  active  fever  has  abated. 
After  the  disappearance  of  the  acute  symptoms,  blisters  (cantharides 
ointment)  may  be  applied  behind  the  poll.  AVhen  paralytic  effects 
remain  after  the  disappearance  of  all  other  symptoms,  sulphate  of 
strychnia  in  2-grain  doses,  in  combination  with  the  otlier  tonics,  may 
be  given  twice  a  day  and  be  continued  until  it  produces  muscular 
twitching.  In  some  cases  of  paralysis,  as  of  the  lips  or  throat,  benefit 
may  be  derived  from  the  moderate  use  of  the  electric  battery.  Many 
of  the  recoveries  will,  however,  under  the  most  active  and  early 
treatment,  be  but  partial,  and  in  all  cases  the  animals  become  pre- 
disposed to  subsequent  attacks.  A  long  time  should  be  allowed  to 
jiass  before  the  animal  is  exposed  to  severe  work  or  great  heat. 
When  the  disease  depends  upon  mechanical  injuries,  they  have  to  be 
treated  and  all  causes  of  irritation  to  the  brain  removed.  If  it  is 
due  to  stable  miasma,  uremic  poisoning,  pyemia,  influenza,  rheuma- 
tism, toxic  agents,  etc.,  they  should  receive  prompt  attention  for  their 
removal  or  mitigation. 

Cerebral  softening,  abscess,  and  sclerosis  are  practically  inacces- 
sible to  treatment,  otherwise  than  such  relief  as  may  be  afforded  l)v 
the  administration  of  opiates  and  general  tonics,  and.  in  fact,  the 
diagnosis  is  largely  prcsumjitive. 

CONGESTION  OF  THE  BRAIN,  OR  MEGRIMS. 

Congestion  of  the  l»rain  consists  in  an  accunnilation  of  blood  in  the 
vessels,  also  called  hyperemia,  or  engorgement.  It  may  be  active  or 
passive — active  when  there  is  an  undue  accumulation  of  blood  or 
diminished  arterial  resistance,  and  j^assive  when  it  accumulates  in 
the  vessels  of  the  brain,  owing  to  some  obstacle  to  its  return  by  the 
veins. 

f'au.sci. — Active  cerebral  congestion  may  be  from  hypertrophy  of 
the  left  ventricle  of  the  heart,  excessive  exertion,  the  influence  of 


218  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

extreme  heat,  sudden  and  great  excitement,  artificial  stimulants,  etc. 
Passive  congestion  may  be  produced  by  any  mechanical  obstruction 
which  prevents  the  proper  return  of  blood  through  the  veins  to  the 
heart,  such  as  a  small  or  ill-fitting  collar,  which  often  impedes  the 
blood  current,  tumors  or  abscesses  pressing  on  the  vein  in  its  course, 
and  organic  lesions  of  the  heart  with  regurgitation. 

Extremely  fat  animals  with  short,  thick  necks  are  peculiarly  sub- 
ject to  attacks  of  cerebral  congestion.  Simple  congestion,  however, 
is  merely  a  functional  affection,  and  in  a  slight  or  moderate  degree 
involves  no  immediate  danger.  Extreme  engorgement,  on  the  con- 
trary, may  be  followed  by  rupture  of  previously  weakened  arteries 
and  capillaries  and  cause  immediate  death,  designated  then  as  a 
stroke  of  apoplexy. 

SyTnptonis. — Congestion  of  the  brain  is  usually  sudden  in  its  mani- 
festation and  of  short  duration.  The  animal  may  stop  very  suddenly 
and  shake  its  head  or  stand  quietly  braced,  then  stagger,  make  a 
plunge,  and  fall.  The  eyes  are  staring,  breathing  hurried  and 
stertorous,  and  the  nostrils  widely  dilated.  This  may  be  followed  by 
coma,  violent  convulsive  movements,  and  death.  Generally,  however, 
the  animal  gains  relief  in  a  short  time,  but  may  remain  weak  and 
giddy  for  several  days.  If  it  is  due  to  organic  change  of  the  heart  or 
the  disease  of  the  blood  vessels  in  the  brain,  then  the  symptoms  may 
be  of  slow  development,  manifested  by  drowsiness,  dimness  or  im- 
perfect vision,  difficulty  in  voluntary  movements,  diminished  sensi- 
bility of  the  skin,  loss  of  consciousness,  delirium,  and  death.  In 
milder  cases  effusion  may  take  place  in  the  arachnoid  spaces  and 
ventricles  of  the  brain,  followed  by  paralysis  and  other  complications. 

Pathology. — In  congestion  of  the  brain  the  cerebral  vessels  are 
loaded  with  blood,  the  venous  sinuses  distended  to  an  extreme 
degi'ee,  and  the  pressure  exerted  upon  the  brain  constitutes  actual 
compression,  giving  rise  to  the  symptoms  just  mentioned.  On  post- 
mortem examinations  this  engorgement  is  found  universal  through- 
out the  brain  and  its  membranes,  which  serves  to  distinguish  it  from 
inflammations  of  these  structures,  in  which  the  engorgements  are 
confined  more  or  less  to  circumscribed  portions.  A  prolonged  con- 
gestion may,  however,  lead  to  active  inflammation,  and  in  that  case 
we  find  serous  and  plastic  exudations  in  the  cavities  of  the  brain.  In 
addition  to  the  intensely  engorged  condition  of  the  vessels  we  find 
the  gray  matter  of  the  brain  redder  than  natural.  In  cases  in  which 
several  attacks  have  occurred  the  blood  vessels  are  often  found 
permanently  dilated. 

Treatment. — The  animal  should  be  taken  out  of  harness  at  once, 
with  prompt  removal  of  all  mechanical  obstructions  to  the  circula- 
tion.   If  it  is  caused  by  venous  obstruction  by  too  tight  a  collar,  the 


DISEASES   OF    THE    XERVOUS   SYSTEM.  219 

looseiiinj?  of  tlie  collar  will  «j;ive  imniediute  relief.  The  horse  should 
be  bled  freely  from  the  jugular  vein.  If  due  to  tuinoi-s  or  abscesses, 
a  surgical  operation  becomes  necessary  to  afford  relief.  To  revive 
the  animal  if  it  becomes  partially  or  totally  unconscious,  cold  water 
should  be  dashed  on  the  head.  Give  a  purge  of  (ilauber's  salt.  If 
the  limbs  are  cold,  tincture  of  capsicum  or  strong  mustard  water 
should  be  applied  to  them.  If  symptoms  of  paralysis  remain  after 
two  or  three  days,  an  active  cathartic  and  iodid  of  potassium  will 
be  indicated,  to  be  given  as  prescribed  for  inflammation  of  the  brain. 
In  confirmed  cases,  treatment  is  not  advisable,  as  there  is  consider- 
able danger  to  the  owner  should  an  attack  occur  in  a  crowded  street. 
Prece/ition. — Well-adjusted  collar,  with  strap  running  from  the 
collar  to  the  girth,  to  hold  down  the  collar  when  pulling  upgrade; 
regular  feed  and  exercise,  without  allowing  the  animal  to  become 
excessively  plethoric;  moderate  checking,  allowing  a  free-and-easy 
movement  of  the  head;  well-ventilated  stabling,  proper  cleanliness, 
pure  water,  etc. 

SUNSTROKE,  HEAT  STROKE,  OR  HEAT  EXHAUSTION. 

The  term  sunstroke  is  applied  to  atl'ections  occasioned  not  exclu- 
sively by  exposure  to  the  sun's  rays,  as  the  word  signifies,  but  by  the 
action  of  great  heat  combined  generally  with  humid  atmosphere. 
Exhaustion  produced  by  long-continued  heat  is  often  the  essential 
factor,  and  is  called  heat  exhaustion.  Horses  on  the  race  track  un- 
dergoing protracted  and  severe  work  in  hot  weather  often  succumb 
to  heat  exhaustion.  Draft  horses  which  do  not  receive  proper  care 
in  watering,  feeding,  and  rest  in  shady  places  and  are  exposed  for 
numy  hours  to  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun  suffer  very  frequently  from 
sunstroke. 

Symptoms. — Sunstroke  is  manifested  suddenly.  The  animal  stops, 
drops  his  head,  begins  to  stagger,  and  soon  falls  to  the  ground  uncon- 
scious. The  breatliing  is  marked  with  great  stertor,  the  pulse  is  very 
slow  and  irregular,  cold  sweats  break  out  in  patches  on  the  surface 
of  the  body,  and  the  animal  often  dies  without  having  recovered 
consciousness. 

The  temperature  becomes  very  high,  reaching  105°  to  109°  F. 

In  heat  exhaustion  the  animal  usually  requires  urging  for  some 
time  prior  to  the  appearance  of  any  other  symptoms,  geneially 
perspiration  is  checked,  and  then  the  horse  becomes  weak  in  its  gait, 
the  breathing  hurried  or  panting,  eyes  watery  or  bloodshot,  nostrils 
dilated  and  highly  reddened,  as.suming  a  dark,  purple  color;  the  pulse 
is  rapid  and  weak,  the  heart  bounding,  followed  by  unconsciousness 
and  death.  If  recovery  takes  place,  convah'sccnce  extends  over  a 
long  [)eriod  of  time,  during  which  incoordination  of  inovcmcnf  may 
persist. 


220  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

Pathology. — Sunstroke,  virtually  active  congestion  of  the  brain, 
often  accompanied  with  effusion  and  blood  extravasation,  character- 
izes this  condition,  with  often  rapid  and  fatal  lowering  of  all  the  vital 
functions.  In  many  instances  the  death  may  be  due  to  the  complete 
stagnation  in  the  circulation  of  the  brain,  inducing  anemia,  or  want 
of  nourishment  of  that  organ.  In  other  cases  it  may  be  directly  due 
to  the  excessive  compression  of  the  nerve  matter  controlling  the 
heart's  action,  and  cause  paralysis  of  that  organ.  There  are  also 
changes  in  the  composition  of  the  blood. 

Treatment. — The  animal  should  be  placed  in  shaded  surroundings. 
Under  no  circumstances  is  bloodletting  permissible  in  sunstroke. 
Ice  or  very  cold  water  should  be  applied  to  the  head  and  along 
the  spine,  and  half  an  ounce  of  carbonate  of  anunonia  or  6  ounces 
of  whisky  should  be  given  in  1  pint  of  water.  Cold  water  may 
be  used  as  an  enema  and  should  also  be  showered  upon  the  body  of 
the  horse  from  the  hose  or  otherwise.  This  should  be  continued  until 
the  temperature  is  dow^n  to  103°  F.  Brisk  friction  of  the  limbs 
and  the  application  of  spirits  of  camphor  often  yields  good  results. 
The  administration  of  the  stimulants  should  be  repeated  in  one  hour 
if  the  pulse  has  not  become  stronger  and  slower.  In  either  case, 
when  reaction  has  occurred,  preparations  of  iron  and  general  tonics 
may  be  given  during  convalescence :  Sulphate  of  iron,  1  dram ; 
gentian,  3  drams;  red  cinchona  bark,  2  drams;  mix  and  give  in  feed 
morning  and  evening. 

Prevention. — In  very  hot  weather  horses  should  have  wet  sponges 
or  light  sunshades  on  the  head  when  at  work,  or  the  head  may  be 
sponged  with  cold  water  as  many  times  a  day  as  possible.  Proper 
attention  should  be  given  to  feeding  and  watering,  never  in  excess. 
During  the  warm  months  all  stables  should  be  cool  and  well  ven- 
tilated, and  if  an  animal  is  debilitated  from  exhaustive  work  or 
disease  it  should  receive  such  treatment  as  will  tend  to  build  up  the 
system.  Horses  should  be  permitted  to  drink  as  much  water  as  they 
want  w^hile  they  are  at  work  during  hot  weather. 

An  animal  wiiich  has  been  affected  with  sunstroke  is  very  liable 
to  have  subsequent  attacks  when  exposed  to  the  necessary  exciting 
causes. 

APOPLEXY  OR  CEREBRAL  HEMORRHAGE. 

Apoplexy  is  often  confounded  with  cerebral  congestion,  but  true 
apoplexy  always  consists  in  rupture  of  cerebral  blood  vessels,  with 
blood  extravasation  and  formation  of  blood  clot. 

Causes. — Two  causes  are  involved  in  the  production  of  apoplexy, 
the  predisposing  and  the  exciting.  The  predisposing  cause  is  degen- 
eration, or  disease  which  weakens  the  blood  vessel ;  the  exciting  cause 
is  any  one  which  tends  to  induce  cerebral  congestion. 


DISEASES   OF    THE    NERVOUS   SYSTEM.  221 

Symptoms. — Apoplexy  is  chaiiuteri/ed  Ity  a  suiUleii  loss  of  sensa- 
tion and  motion.  i)iotound  coma,  and  stertorous,  ditticult  breatliinjr. 
The  action  of  the  heart  is  little  disturbed  at  first,  but  soon  l>ecomes 
slower,  then  (juicker  and  feebler,  and  after  a  little  time  ceases.  If 
the  rupture  is  one  of  a  snuiU  artery  and  the  extravasation  limited, 
sudden  paralysis  of  some  part  of  the  body  is  the  result.  The  extciil 
and  location  of  the  paralysis  depend  upon  the  location  within  the 
brain  which  is  functionally  deranged  by  the  pressure  of  the  extra  va- 
cated blood;  hence  these  conditions  are  very  variable. 

In  the  absence  of  any  premonitory  symptoms  or  an  increase  of  tem- 
l)erature  in  the  early  stage  of  the  attack',  we  may  be  reasonably  cer- 
tain in  making  the  distinction  between  this  di^ease  and  congestion  of 
the  brain,  or  sunstroke. 

Pathology. — In  apoplexy  there  is  generally  found  an  atheromatous 
condition  of  the  cerebral  vessels,  with  weakening  and  degeneration  of 
their  walls.  "When  a  large  artery  has  been  ruptured  it  is  usually  fol- 
lowed by  immediate  death,  and  large  rents  may  be  found  in  the  cere- 
brum, with  great  destruction  of  brain  tissue,  induced  by  the  forcible 
pressure  of  the  liberated  blootl.  In  small  extravasations  producing 
local  paralysis  without  marked  general  disturbance  the  animal  nuiy 
recover  after  a  time;  in  such  cases  gradual  absori)ti()n  of  tlie  clot 
takes  place.  In  large  clots  atrophy  of  the  brain  substances  may  fol- 
low, or  softening  and  abscess  from  want  of  nutrition  ujay  result, 
and  render  the  animal  worthless,  idtimately  resulting  in  death. 

Treatment. — Place  the  animal  in  a  quiet,  cool  place  and  a\  oid  all 
stimulating  feed.  Administer,  in  the  drinking  water  or  feed.  2 
drams  of  the  iodid  of  potassium  twice  a  day  for  several  weeks  if 
necessary.  Medical  interference  with  sedatives  or  stimulants  is  more 
liable  to  be  harmful  than  of  benefit,  and  bh^odletting  in  an  apoplectic- 
fit  is  extremely  hazardous.  From  the  fact  that  cerebral  apoplexy 
is  due  to  diseased  or  weakened  blood  vessels,  the  animal  remains  sub- 
ject to  subsequent  attacks.  For  this  reason  treatment  is  very  unsatis- 
factory. 

COMPRESSION  OF  THE  BRAIN. 

Causes. — In  injuries  from  direct  violence  a  i)iece  of  broken  bone 
may  press  upon  the  brain,  and.  according  to  its  size,  the  brain  is 
rol>bed  of  its  normal  space  within  the  cranium.  It  may  also  be  due 
to  an  extravasation  of  blood  or  to  exudation  in  the  subdural  or  arach- 
noid spaces.  Death  from  active  ceiel)ral  congestion  results  through 
compression.  The  occurrence  may  sometimes  be  traced  to  the  direct 
cause,  which  will  give  assurance  for  the  correct  diagnosis. 

Symptoms. — Inqiairment  of  all  the  special  senses  and  localized 
paralysis.  All  the  symptoms  of  lessened  functional  activity  of  the 
brain  are  manifested  to  some  degree.    The  paralysis  remains  to  be 


222  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

our  guide  for  the  location  of  the  cause,  for  it  will  be  found  that  the 
paralysis  occurs  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  body  from  the  location 
of  the  injury,  and  the  parts  suffering  paralysis  will  denote,  to  an 
expert  veterinarian  or  physician,  the  part  of  the  brain  which  is 
suffering  compression. 

Treatment. — Trephining,  by  a  skillful  operator,  for  the  removal 
of  the  cause  when  due  to  depressed  bone  or  the  presence  of  foreign 
bodies.  When  the  symptoms  of  compression  follow  other  acute 
diseases  of  the  brain,  apoplectic  fits,  etc.,  the  treatment  must  be  such 
as  the  exigencies  of  the  case  demands. 

CONCUSSION  OF  THE  BRAIN. 

This  is  generally  caused  by  falling  over  backward  and  striking 
the  poll,  or  perhaps  falling  forward  on  the  nose,  by  a  blow  on  the 
head,  etc.  Train  accidents  during  shipping  often  cause  concussion 
of  the  brain. 

Symptoins. — Concussion  of  the  brain  is  characterized  by  giddi- 
ness, stupor,  insensibility,  or  loss  of  muscular  power,  succeeding 
immediately  upon  a  blow  or  severe  injury  involving  the  cranium. 
The  animal  may  rally  quickly  or  not  for  hours ;  death  may  occur  on 
the  spot  or  after  a  few  days.  When  there  is  only  slight  concussion 
or  stunning,  the  animal  soon  recovers  from  the  shock.  When  more 
severe,  insensibility  may  be  complete  and  continue  for  a  considerable 
time ;  the  animal  lies  as  if  in  a  deep  sleep ;  the  pupils  are  insensible 
to  light ;  the  pulse  fluttering  or  feeble ;  the  surface  of  the  body  cold, 
muscles  relaxed,  and  the  breathing  scarcely  perceptible.  After  a 
variable  interval  partial  recovery  may  take  place,  which  is  marked 
by  paralysis  of  some  parts  of  the  body,  often  of  a  limb,  the  lips,  ear, 
etc.  Convalescence  is  usually  tedious,  and  frequently  permanent  im- 
pairment of  some  organs  remains. 

Pathology. — Concussion  produces  laceration  of  the  brain,  or  at 
least  a  jarring  of  the  nervous  elements,  which,  if  not  sufficiently 
severe  to  produce  sudden  death,  may  lead  to  softening  or  inflamma- 
tion, with  their  respective  symptoms  of  functional  derangement. 

.Treatment. — The  first  object  in  treatment  will  be  to  establish  reac- 
tion or  to  arouse  the  feeble  and  weakening  heart.  This  can  often  be 
accomplished  by  dashing  cold  water  on  the  head  and  body  of  the  ani- 
mal; frequent  injections  of  weak  ammonia  water,  ginger  tea,  or  oil 
and  turpentine  should  be  given  per  rectum.  In  the  majority  of  cases 
this  will  soon  bring  the  horse  to  a  state  of  consciousness.  In  more 
severe  cases  mustard  poultices  should  be  applied  along  the  spine  and 
above  the  fetlocks.  As  soon  as  the  animal  gains  partial  consciousness 
stimulants,  in  the  form  of  whisky  or  capsicum  tea,  should  be  given. 
Owing  to  severity  of  the  structural  injury  to  the  brain  or  the  pos- 
sible rupture  of  blood  vessels  and  blood  extravasation,  the  reaction 


DISEASES   OF    THE    NERVOUS   SYSTEM.  223 

may  often  be  followed  by  encephalitis  or  cerebiitis,  and  will  then 
have  to  be  treated  accordingly.  For  this  reason  the  stimulants 
should  not  be  administered  too  freely,  and  they  must  be  abaiuloned 
as  soon  as  reaction  is  established.  There  is  no  need  for  further 
ti-eatment  unless  complications  develop  as  a  secondary  result,  lilcod- 
in<j,  which  is  so  often  practiced,  proves  almost  invariably  fatal  in 
this  form  of  brain  affection.  "We  should  also  remember  that  it  is 
never  safe  to  drench  a  horse  with  large  (quantities  of  medicine  when 
he  is  unconscious,  for  he  is  very  liable  to  draw  the  medicine  into  the 
luntjs  in  inspiration. 

Prerention. — Young  horses,  when  harnessed  or  bitted  for  the  first 
few  times,  should  not  have  their  heads  checked  high,  for  it  fre- 
quently causes  them  to  rear  up,  and,  being  unable  to  control  their 
balance,  they  are  liable  to  fall  over  sideways  or  backwards,  thus 
causing  brain  concussion  when  they  strike  the  ground. 

ANEMIA  OF  THE  BRAIN. 

This  is  a  physiological  condition  in  sleep.  It  is  considered  a 
disease  or  may  give  rise  to  disease  when  the  circulation  and  blood 
supply  of  the  brain  are  interfered  with.  In  some  diseases  of  the 
heart  the  brain  becomes  anemic,  and  fainting  fits  occur,  with  tem- 
porary loss  of  consciousness.  Tumors  growing  within  the  cranium 
may  press  upon  one  or  more  arteries  and  stop  the  supply  of  blood 
to  certain  jiarts  of  the  brain,  thus  inducing  anemia,  ultimately 
atrophy,  softening,  or  suppuration.  Probably  the  most  frequent 
cau.se  is  found  in  plugging,  or  occlusion,  of  the  arteries  by  a  blood 
clot. 

Symptoms. — Imperfect  vision,  constantly  dilated  pupils,  frequently 
a  feeble  and  staggering  gait,  and  occasionally  cramps,  convulsions,  or 
epileptic  fits  occur. 

Patholor/ij. — The  exact  opposite  of  cerebral  hypereuiia.  The  blood 
vessels  are  fotind  empty,  the  membranes  blanched,  and  the  brain  sub- 
stance softened. 

Trcatnwnt. — Removal  of  the  remote  cause  when  possible.  General 
tonics,  nutritious  feed,  rest,  and  removal  from  all  causes  of  nervous 
excitement. 

HYDROCEPHALUS,  OR  DROPSY  OF  THE  BRAIN. 

This  condition  consists  in  an  unnatural  collection  of  fluid  about  or 
in  tiie  brain.  Dejiending  upon  the  location  of  the  fluid,  we  speak  of 
external  and  internal  hydrocephalus. 

External  hydrocephalus  is  seen  chiefly  in  young  animals.  It  com- 
sists  in  a  collection  of  fliii<l  under  the  meninges,  but  outside  the  brain 
proper.     This  defect  is  usually  congenital.     It  is  accompanied  with 


224  DISEASES   OF   THE   HOESE. 

an  enlargement  of  the  skull,  especially  in  the  region  of  the  forehead. 
The  pressure  of  the  fluid  may  cause  the  bones  to  soften.  The  dis- 
ease is  incurable  and  usually  fatal. 

Internal  hydrocephalus  is  a  disease  of  mature  horses,  and  consists 
in  the  accumulation  of  an  excessive  quantity  of  fluid  in  the  cavities 
or  ventricles  of  the  cerebrum.  The  cause  of  this  accumulation  may 
be  a  previous  inflammation,  a  defect  in  the  circulation  of  blood 
through  the  brain,  heat  stroke,  overwork,  excessive  nutrition,  or  long- 
continued  indigestion.  Common,  heavy-headed  draft  horses  are  pre- 
disposed to  this  condition. 

Symptotns. — The  symptoms  are  an  expression  of  dullness  and  stu- 
pidity, and  from  their  nature  this  disease  is  sometimes  known  as 
"  dumminess "  or  "  immobility."  A  horse  so  afflicted  is  called  a 
"  dummy."  Among  the  symptoms  are  loss  of  intelligence,  stui)id  ex- 
pression, poor  memory,  etc.  The  appetite  is  irregular ;  the  horse  may 
stop  chewing  with  a  wisp  of  hay  protruding  from  his  lips ;  he  seems 
to  forget  that  it  is  there.  Unnatural  positions  are  sometimes  as- 
sumed, the  legs  being  placed  in  clumsy  and  unusual  attitudes.  Such 
horses  are  difficult  to  drive,  as  they  do  not  respond  readily  to  the 
word,  to  pressure  of  the  bit,  or  to  the  whip.  Gradually  the  pulse 
becomes  weaker,  respiration  becomes  faster,  and  the  subject  loses 
weight.  Occasionally  there  are  periods  of  great  excitement  due  to 
temporary  congestion  of  the  brain.  At  such  times  the  horse  becomes 
quite  uncontrollable.  A  horse  so  afflicted  is  said  to  have  "staggers." 
The  outlook  for  recovery  is  not  good. 

Treatment  is  merely  palliative.  Regular  work  or  exercise  and 
nutritious  feed  easy  of  digestion,  with  plenty  of  fresh  water,  are 
strongly  indicated.  Intensive  feeding  should  not  be  practiced.  The 
bowels  should  be  kept  open  by  the  use  of  appropriate  diet  or  by  the 
use  of  small  regular  doses  of  Glauber's  salt. 

TUMORS  WITHIN  THE  CRANIUM. 

Tumors  within  the  cranial  cavity  and  the  brain  occur  not  infre- 
quently, and  give  rise  to  a  variety  of  symptoms,  imperfect  control  of 
voluntary  movement,  local  paralysis,  epilepsy,  etc.  Among  the  more 
common  tumors  are  the  following : 

Osseous  tumors,  growing  from  the  walls  of  the  cranium,  are  not 
very  uncommon. 

Dentigerous  cysts,  containing  a  formation  identical  to  that  of  a 
tooth,  growing  from  the  temporal  bone,  sometimes  are  found  lying 
loose  within  the  cranium. 

Tumors  of  the  choroid  plexus,  known  as  brain  sand,  are  frequently 
met  with  on  post-mortem  examinations,  but  seldom  give  rise  to  any 


DISEASES   OF    THE    NERVOUS   SYSTEM.  225 

appreciable  symptoms  (liirin<j:  life.  They  are  found  in  horses  at  all 
ages,  and  are  slow  of  de\el(jpment.  They  are  found  in  one  or  both 
of  the  lateral  ventricles,  enveloped  in  the  folds  of  the  choroid  plexus. 

Melanotic  tumors  have  been  found  in  the  brain  and  menin<res  in 
the  form  of  small,  black  nc/dules  in  gray  horses,  and  in  one  instance 
are  believed  to  have  induced  the  condition  known  as  stringhiilt. 

Fibrous  tumors  may  develop  within  or  from  the  meningeal  struc- 
tures of  the  brain. 

Gliomatous  tumor  is  a  variety  of  sarcoma  very  rarely  found  in  the 
structure  of  the  cerebellum. 

Treatment  for  tumors  of  the  brain  is  impossible. 

SPASMS,  OR  CRAMPS. 

Spasm  is  a  marked  symptom  in  many  diseases  of  the  brain  and 
of  the  spinal  cord.  Spasms  may  result  from  irritation  of  the  motor 
nerves  as  conductors,  or  may  result  from  irritation  of  any  pait  of 
the  sympathetic  nervous  system,  and  they  usually  indicate  an  ex- 
cessive action  of  the  reflex  motor  centers.  Spasms  may  be  induced 
by  various  medicinal  agents  given  in  poisonous  doses,  or  by  effete 
materials  in  the  circulation,  such  as  nux  vomica  or  its  alkaloid 
strychnia,  lead  preparations,  or  an  excess  of  the  urea  products  in  the 
circulation,  etc.  Spasms  may  be  divided  into  two  classes :  Tonic 
spasm  when  the  cramp  is  continuous  or  results  in  persistent  rigidity, 
as  in  tetanus;  clonic  spasm,  when  the  crami)ing  is  of  short  duration, 
or  is  alternated  with  relaxations.  Spasms  may  affect  involuntary  as 
well  as  the  voluntary  muscles,  the  muscles  of  the  glottis,  intestines, 
and  even  the  heart.    They  are  always  sudden  in  their  development. 

Spasm,  of  the  glottis. — This  is  manifested  by  a  strangling  respira- 
tion: a  wheezing  noise  is  produced  in  the  act  of  insj^iration ;  extiemc 
anxiety  and  suffering  for  want  of  air.  The  head  is  extended,  the 
body  profusely  perspiring;  pulse  very  rapid;  soon  great  exhaustion 
becomes  manifest:  the  mucous  membranes  become  turgid  and  very 
dark  colored,  and  the  animal  thus  may  suffocate  in  a  short  time. 

Spasm  of  the  intestines. —  (See  "  Cramp  colic,"'  p.  74.) 

Sjiasrn  of  the  nf^rl-  of  thp  7t7frfIfIrr.~T]\\s  may  be  due  to  spinal  irri- 
tation or  a  reflex  from  intestinal  irritation,  and  is  manifested  by  fre- 
quent but  ineffectual  attempts  to  urinate. 

Spasm  of  the  (J'laphnKjm^  or  thumps. — Spasmodic  contraction  of 
the  diaphragm,  the  principal  muscle  used  in  respiration,  is  generally 
occasioned  by  extreme  and  prolonged  speeding  on  the  race  track  or 
road.  The  severe  strain  thus  put  ujxin  this  muscle  finally  induces 
irritation  of  the  nerves  controlling  it.  and  the  contractions  become 
very  forcible  and  violent,  giving  the  jerking  character  known  among 

36444"— IC 15 


226  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

horsemen  as  "  thumps."  This  condition  may  be  distinguished  from 
violent  beating  of  the  heart  by  feeling  the  pulse  beat  at  the  angle  of 
the  jaw,  and  at  the  same  time  watching  the  jerking  movement  of  the 
body,  when  it  will  be  discovered  that  the  two  bear  no  relation  to  each 
other.     (See  "  Palpitation  of  the  heart,"  p.  259.) 

SpasTih  of  the  thigh,  or  crarrvp  of  a  hind  limh. — This  is  frequently 
witnessed  in  horses  that  stand  on  sloping  plank  floors — generally  in 
cold  weather — or  it  may  come  on  soon  after  severe  exercise.  It  is 
probably  due  to  an  irritation  of  the  nerves  of  the  thigh.  In  cramps 
of  the  hind  leg  the  limb  becomes  perfectly  rigid,  and  attempts  to  flex 
are  unsuccessful;  the  animal  stands  on  the  affected  limb,  but  is 
unable  to  move  it;  it  is  unnaturally  cold;  it  does  not,  however, 
appear  to  cause  much  suffering  unless  attempts  are  made  to  change 
position.  This  cramp  may  be  of  short  duration — a  few  minutes — or 
it  may  persist  for  several  days.  This  condition  is  often  taken  for  a 
dislocation  of  the  stifle  joint.  In  the  latter  the  foot  is  extended  back- 
ward, and  the  horse  is  unable  to  advance  it,  but  drags  the  limb.  An 
examination  of  the  joint  also  reveals  a  change  in  form.  Spasms 
may  affect  the  eyelids,  by  closure  or  by  retraction.  Spasm  of  the 
sterno-maxillaris  muscle  has  been  witnessesd,  and  the  animal  was 
unable  to  close  the  jaws  until  the  mu^scle  became  relaxed. 

T7'eat7nent  of  spasms. — An  anodyne  liniment,  composed  of  chloro- 
form 1  part  and  soap  liniment  4  parts,  applied  to  cramped  muscles 
will  usually  cause  relaxation.  This  may  be  used  when  single  exter- 
nal muscles  are  affected.  In  spasms  of  the  glottis,  inhalation  of  sul- 
phuric ether  will  give  quick  relief.  In  spasm  of  the  diaphragm,  rest 
and  the  administration  of  half  an  ounce  of  chloroform  in  3  ounces  of 
whisky,  with  a  pint  of  water  added,  will  generally  suffice  to  bring 
relief,  or  if  this  fails  give  5  grains  of  sulphate  of  morphia  by  hypo- 
dermic injection.  If  spasms  result  from  organic  disease  of  the  nerv- 
ous system,  the  latter  should  receive  such  treatment  as  its  character 
demands.  In  cramp  of  the  leg,  compulsory  movement  usually  causes 
relaxation  very  quickly;  therefore  the  animal  should  be  led  out  of 
the  stable  and  be  forced  to  run  or  trot.  Sudden,  nervous  excitement 
caused  by  a  crack  of  the  whip  or  smart  blow  will  often  bring  about 
immediate  relief.  Should  this  fail,  the  anodyne  liniment  may  be 
used  along  the  inside  of  the  thigh,  and  chloroform,  ether,  or  lauda- 
num given  internally.  An  ounce  of  the  chloral  hydrate  will  cer- 
tainly relieve  the  spasm  when  given  internally,  but  the  cramp  may 
return  soon  after  the  effect  has  passed  off,  which  in  many  cases  it 
does  very  quickly. 

Convulsions. — Although  there  is  no  disease  of  the  nervous  system 
which  can  be  properly  termed  convulsive,  or  justify  the  use  of  the 
word  convulsion  to  indicate  any  particular  disease,  yet  it  is  often 
such  a  prominent  symptom  that  a  few  words  may  not  be  out  of  place. 


DISEASES   OF    THE    NERVOUS   SYSTEM.  227 

General,  irrefjular  muscular  contractions  of  various  i)arts  of  the  l»ody, 
witli  unconsciousness,  characterize  Avhat  we  re<^aril  as  convulsions, 
and  like  ordinary  spasms  are  dependent  upon  some  disease  or  irrita- 
tion of  the  nervous  structures,  chiefly  of  the  brain.  No  treatment  is 
required;  in  fact,  a  <^eneral  convulsion  must  necessarily  be  self- 
limited  in  its  duration,  Suspendin*?,  as  it  does,  respiratory  move- 
ments, checkini^  the  oxygenation  and  decarbonization  of  the  blood, 
the  rapid  accumulation  of  carbonic-acid  gas  in  the  blood  ami  the 
exclusion  of  oxygen  quickly  puts  the  blood  in  a  condition  to  produce 
the  most  reliable  and  speedy  sedative  effect  ujion  the  nerve  excitabil- 
ity that  could  be  found,  and  consequently  furnishes  its  own  remedy 
so  far  as  the  continuance  of  the  convulsive  paroxysm  is  concerned. 
AVhatever  treatment  is  instituted  must  be  directed  toward  a  removal 
of  the  cause  of  the  convulsive  paroxysm. 

CHOREA,  OR  ST.  VITUS'S  DANCE. 

Chorea  is  characterized  by  involuntary  contractions  of  voluntary 
muscles.  This  disease  is  an  obscure  disorder,  which  may  be  from 
pressure  upon  a  nerve,  cerebral  or  spinal  sclerosis,  small  aneurisms 
in  the  brain,  etc.  Choreic  symptoms  have  been  produced  by  injecting 
granules  of  starch  into  the  arteries  entering  the  brain.  Epilepsy  and 
other  forms  of  convulsions  simulate  chorea  in  appearance. 

Stringhalt  is  by  some  termed  "chorea."  This  is  manifested  by  a 
sudden  jerking  up  of  one  or  both  hind  legs  when  the  animal  is 
walking.  This  symptom  may  be  very  slight  in  some  horses,  but  has 
a  tendency  to  increase  with  age.  In  some  the  catching  up  of  the 
affected  leg  is  very  violent,  and  when  it  is  lowered  to  the  ground  the 
motion  is  equally  sudden  and  forcible,  striking  the  foot  to  the  ground 
like  a  pile  driver.  Very  rarely  chorea  may  be  found  to  affect  one  of 
the  fore  legs,  or  the  muscles  of  one  side  of  the  neck  or  the  upper 
part  of  the  neck.  Involuntary  jerking  of  the  muscles  of  the  hip  or 
thigh  is  seen  occasionally,  and  is  termed  "shivering"  by  horsemen. 

Chorea  is  often  associated  with  a  nervous  disposition,  and  is  not 
so  frequent  in  animals  with  a  sluggish  temperament.  The  involun- 
tary muscular  contractions  cause  no  i)ain,  and  do  not  appear  to  \)vo- 
duce  much  exhaustion  of  the  aflecteil  muscles,  although  the  jerking 
may  be  regidar  and  persistent  whenever  the  animal  is  in  motion. 

Treatm-cnt. — In  a  few  cases,  early  in  the  appearance  of  this  affec- 
tion, general  nerve  tonics  may  be  of  benefit,  viz,  iodid  of  iron,  1 
dram:  pulverized  nux  vomica,  1  dram;  pulverized  Scutellaria  (skull- 
cap), 1  ounce.  Mix  and  give  in  the  feed  once  a  day  for  two  weeks. 
Arsenic  in  the  form  of  Fowler's  solution  is  often  beneficial.  If  the 
cause  is  connected  with  organic  brain  lesions,  treatment  is  ustuilly 
unsuccessfid. 


228  DISEASES   OF   THE   HOESE. 

EPILEPSY,  OR  FALLING  FITS. 

The  cause  of  epilepsy  is  seldom  traceable  to  any  special  brain 
lesions.  In  a  few  cases  it  accompanies  disease  of  the  pituitary  body, 
which  is  located  in  the  under  surface  of  the  brain.  Softening  of  the 
brain  may  give  rise  to  this  affection.  Attacks  may  occur  only  once 
or  twice  a  year  or  they  may  be  of  frequent  recurrence. 

SymptoTThS. — No  premonitory  symptoms  precede  an  epileptic  fit. 
The  animal  suddenly  staggers;  the  muscles  become  cramped;  the 
jaws  may  be  spasmodically  opened  and  closed,  and  the  tongue  be- 
come lacerated  between  the  teeth ;  the  animal  foams  at  the  mouth  and 
falls  in  a  spasm.  The  urine  flows  involuntarily,  and  the  breathing 
may  be  temporarily  arrested.  The  paroxysm  soon  passes  off,  and  the 
animal  gets  on  its  feet  in  a  few  minutes  after  the  return  of  con- 
sciousness. 

Treatment. — Dashing  cdd  water  on  the  head  during  the  paroxysm. 
After  the  recovery  1  dram  of  oxid  of  zinc  may  be  given  in  the  feed 
twice  a  day  for  several  weeks,  or  benefit  may  be  derived  from  the 
tonic  prescribed  for  chorea. 

PARALYSIS,  OR  PALSY. 

Paralysis  is  a  weakness  or  cessation  of  the  muscular  contraction 
by  diminution  of  loss  of  the  conducting  power  or  stimulation  of  the 
motor  nerves.  Paralytic  affections  are  of  two  kinds,  the  complete 
and  the  incomplete.  The  former  includes  those  in  which  both 
motion  and  sensibility  are  affected;  the  latter  those  in  which  only 
one  or  the  other  is  lost  or  diminished.  Paralysis  may  be  general 
or  partial.  The  latter  is  divided  into  hemiplegia  and  paraplegia. 
When  only  a  small  portion  of  the  body  is  affected,  as  the  face,  a 
limb,  the  tail,  it  is  designated  by  the  term  local  paralysis.  When  the 
irritation  extends  from  the  periphery  of  the  center  it  is  termed 
reflex  paralysis. 

Causes  are  much  varied.  Most  of  the  acute  affections  of  the  brain 
and  spinal  cord  may  lead  to  paralysis.  Injuries,  tumors,  disease  of 
the  blood  vessels  of  the  brain,  etc.,  all  have  a  tendency  to  produce 
suspension  of  the  conducting  motive  power  to  the  muscular  struc- 
tures. Pressure  upon,  or  the  severing  of,  a  nerve  causes  a  paralysis 
of  the  parts  to  which  such  a  nerve  is  distributed.  Apoplexy  may 
be  termed  a  general  paralysis,  and  in  nonfatal  attacks  is  a  frequent 
cause  of  the  various  forms  of  palsy. 

General  paral-ysis. — This  can  not  take  place  without  producing 
immediate  death.  The  term  is,  however,  usually  applied  to  paralysis 
of  the  four  extremities,  whether  any  other  portions  of  the  body  are 
involved  or  not.  This  form  of  palsy  is  due  to  compression  of  the 
brain  by  congestion  of  its  vessels,  large  clot  formation  in  apoplexy, 


DISEASES   OF    THE    NERVOUS   SYSTEM.  229 

concussion,  or  sliook.  or  any  disease  in  which  the  whole  brain  struc- 
ture is  involved  in  functional  disturbance. 

Hemiplegia  (paralysis  of  one  side  or  half  of  the  body). — Hemi- 
plegia is  fre(iuently  the  result  of  a  tumor  in  the  lateral  ventricles  of 
the  brain,  softening  of  one  hemisphere  of  the  cerebrum,  pressure 
from  extravasated  blood,  fracture  of  the  cranium,  or  it  may  be  due 
to  poisons  in  the  blood  or  to  reflex  origin.  AVhen  heiui])legia  is 
due  to  or  the  result  of  a  prior  disease  of  the  brain,  especially  of  an 
inflammatory  character,  it  is  seldom  complete;  it  may  aflfect  only 
one  limb  and  one  side  of  the  head,  neck,  or  muscles  along  the  back, 
and  may  pass  off  in  a  few  days  after  the  disappearance  of  all  the 
other  evidences  of  the  primary  affection.  In  most  cases,  however, 
hemiplegia  arises  from  emboli  obstructing  one  or  more  blood  vessels 
of  the  brain,  or  the  rupture  of  some  vessel  the  wall  of  which  had 
become  weakened  by  degeneration  and  the  extravasation  of  blood. 
Sensibility  in  most  cases  is  not  impaired,  but  in  some  there  is  a 
loss  of  sensibility  as  well  as  of  motion.  In  some  cases  the  bladder 
and  rectum  are  involved  in  the  paralysis. 

Si/mptom^. — In  hemiplegia  the  attack  may  be  very  sudden,  and 
the  animal  fall,  powerless  to  move  one  side  of  the  body;  one  side  of 
the  lips  will  be  relaxed;  the  tongue  may  hang  out  on  one  side  of  the 
mouth:  the  tail  curved  around  sideways;  an  inability  to  swallow 
feed  or  water  may  be  present,  and  often  the  urine  dribbles  away  as 
fast  as  it  collects  in  the  bladder.  Sensibility  of  the  affected  side  may 
be  entirely  lost  or  only  partial :  the  limbs  may  be  cold  and  sometimes 
unnaturally  warm.  In  cases  wherein  the  attack  is  not  so  severe  the 
animal  may  be  able  to  maintain  the  standing  position,  but  will  have 
great  difficulty  in  moving  the  affected  side.  In  such  cases  the  animal 
may  recover  from  the  disability.  In  the  more  severe,  in  which  there 
is  complete  loss  of  power  of  movement,  recoveries  are  rare. 

Paraplegia  (transverse  paralysis  of  the  hind  extremities). — 
Paralysis  of  the  hind  extremities  is  usually  due  to  some  injury  or 
inflammation  alfecting  the  spinal  cord.  (See  "Spinal  meningitis.'' 
p.  232,  and  "Myelitis,"  p.  233.)  It  may  also  be  due  to  a  reflex  irri- 
tation from  disease  of  peripheral  nerves,  to  spinal  irritation  or 
congestion  caused  by  blood  poisons,  etc. 

Symptoms. — When  due  to  mechanical  injury  of  the  spinal  cord, 
from  a  broken  back  or  spinal  hemorrhage,  it  is  generally  progressive 
in  its  character,  although  it  may  be  sudden.  When  it  is  cause<l  by 
agents  in  the  bood,  it  may  be  intermittent  or  recurrent. 

Paraplegia  is  not  difficult  to  recognize,  for  it  is  characterized  by  a 
weakness  and  imperfect  control  of  the  hind  legs  and  powerless  tail. 
The  urine  usually  dribbles  away  as  it  is  formed  and  the  manure  is 
pushed  out.  ball  by  ball,  without  any  voluntary  effort,  or  the  passages 
may  cease  entirely.    When  paraplegia  is  complete,  laige  and  ill-con- 


230  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

ditioned  sores  soon  form  on  the  hips  and  thighs  from  chafing  and 
bruising,  w  hich  have  a  tendency  quickly  to  weaken  the  animal  and 
necessitate  his  destruction. 

Locomotor  ataxia,  or  incoordination  of  movement. — This  is 
characterized  by  an  inability  to  control  properly  the  movement  of 
the  limbs.  The  animal  appears  usually  perfectly  healthy,  but  when 
he  is  led  out  of  his  stall  his  legs  have  a  wobbly  movement  and  he 
will  stumble  or  stagger,  especially  in  turning.  AVhen  this  is  con- 
fined to  the  hind  parts  it  may  be  termed  a  modified  form  of  para- 
plegia, but  often  it  may  be  seen  to  affect  nearly  all  the  volimtary 
muscles  when  they  are  called  into  play,  and  must  be  attributed  to 
some  pressure  exerted  on  the  base  of  the  brain. 

Local  paralysis. — This  is  frequently  met  with  in  horses.  It  may 
affect  many  parts  of  the  body,  even  vital  organs,  and  it  is  verv 
frequently  overlooked  in  diagnosis. 

Facial  paralysis. — This  is  a  frequent  type  of  local  paralysis,  and 
is  due  to  impairment  of  function  of  the  motor  nerve  of  the  facial 
muscles,  the  portio  dura.  The  cause  may  exist  at  the  base  of  the 
brain,  compression  along  its  course  after  it  leaves  the  medulla  oblon- 
gata, or  to  a  bruise  after  it  spreads  out  on  the  great  masseter  muscle. 

SymptOTns. — A  flaccid  condition  of  the  cheek  muscles,  pendulous 
lips,  inability  to  grasp  the  feed,  often  a  slow  and  weak  movement  in 
chewing,  and  difficulty  and  slowness  in  drinking. 

Laryngismus  paralyticus,  or  roaring. — This  condition  is  charac- 
terized by  roaring,  and  is  usually  caused  by  an  inflamed  or  hypertro- 
phied  bronchial  gland  pressing  against  the  left  recurrent  laryngeal 
nerve,  which  interferes  with  its  conducting  power.  A  similar  con- 
dition is  occasionally  induced  in  acute  pleurisy,  when  the  recurrent 
nerve  becomes  involved  in  the  diseased  process  or  compressed  by 
plastic  exudation. 

Paralysis  of  the  rectum  and  tail. — This  is  generally  the  result  of 
a  blow  or  fall  on  the  rump,  which  causes  a  fracture  of  the  sacrum 
bone  and  injury  to  the  nerves  supplying  the  tail  and  part  of  the 
rectum  and  muscles  belonging  thereto.  This  fracture  would  not 
be  suspected  were  it  not  for  the  loss  of  motion  of  the  tail. 

Intestinal  paralysis. — Characterized  by  persistent  constipation; 
frequently  the  strongest  purgatives  have  no  effect  whatever  on  the 
movement  of  the  bowels.  In  the  absence  of  symptoms  of  indigestion, 
or  special  diseases  implicating  the  intestinal  canal,  torpor  of  the 
bowels  must  be  attributed  to  deficient  innervation.  This  condition 
may  depend  upon  brain  affections  or  be  due  to  reflex  paralysis.  Sud- 
den checks  of  perspiration  may  induce  excessive  action  of  the  bowels 
or  paralysis. 

Paralysis  of  the  bladder. — This  usually  affects  the  neck  of  the 
bladder,  and  is  characterized  by  incontinence  of  urine;  the  urine 
dribbles  away  as  fast  as  it  is  secreted.     The  cause  may  be  of  reflex 


DISEASES    OF    THE    NERVOUS   SYSTEM.  231 

orip^in,  disease  of  tlie  rectuin,  tumors  «;r()\viiiir  w  ithin  the  peh  Ic  cav- 
ity, injuiv  to  the  s})inal  cord.  etc. 

Paralysis  of  the  optic  nehvk  (amaurosis). — A  paralysis  of  eye- 
si«;ht  may  occur  vei-y  sudtU'idy  froui  ruj^ture  of  a  hhxxl  vessel  in  the 
brain,  acute  local  con<^estion  of  the  brain,  the  administration  of  ex- 
cessive doses  of  belladonna  or  its  alkaloid  atropia,  etc.  In  amaurosis 
the  pupil  is  dilated  to  its  full  extent;  the  eye  loolvs  cleai',  but  does 
not  respond  to  light. 

Paralysis  of  hearing,  of  the  external  ear,  of  the  eyelid,  i)arlial 
paralysis  of  the  heart  and  organs  of  respii-ation,  of  the  blood  vessels 
from  injury  to  the  vasomotoi-  nerves  of  the  eso})hagus,  or  loss  of 
deglutition,  i)alsy  of  the  stomach,  all  may  be  manifested  when  the 
supply  of  nervous  influence  is  impaired  or  suspended. 

Treatment  for  paualvsis. — In  all  paralytic  alYections  there  may  be 
anesthesia,  or  impairment  of  sensibility,  in  addition  to  the  loss  of 
moticm,  or  there  may  be  hyperesthesia,  or  increased  sensibility,  in 
connection  with  the  loss  of  motion.  These  conditions  may  call  for 
special  treatment  in  addition  to  that  for  loss  of  motion.  If  hyper- 
esthesia is  well  marked  local  anodynes  may  be  needed  to  relieve 
suffering.  Chloroform  liniment  or  hypodermic  injecti(ms  of  from 
3  to  5  gi'ains  of  sulphate  of  morphia  will  allay  local  pain.  If  there  is 
marked  anesthesia,  or  lo.ss  of  s^ensibility,  it  may  become  necessary  to 
secure  the  animal  in  such  way  that  he  can  not  suH'er  serious  injury 
fi*om  accidents  which  he  can  not  avoid  or  feel.  In  the  treatment 
of  any  form  of  pai'alysis  we  must  always  refer  to  the  cause,  and 
attempt  its  removal  if  it  can  be  discovered.  In  cases  in  which  the 
cause  can  not  be  determined  we  have  to  rely  solely  upon  a  general 
external  and  internal  treatment.  Kxternally,  fly  blisters  or  strong, 
irritant  liniments  may  l)e  applied  to  the  paralyzed  parts.  In  hemi- 
plegia they  should  be  applied  along  the  bony  part  of  the  side  of  the 
neck;  in  paraplegia,  across  the  loin.s.  In  some  cases  hot-water  cloths 
will  be  beneficial.  Internally,  it  is  well  to  administer  1  dram  of 
powdered  nux  vomica  or  2  grains  of  sulphate  of  strychnia  twice  a 
day  until  twitching  of  some  of  the  voluntary  mu.scles  occurs;  then 
discontinue  it  for  several  days,  and  then  commence  again  with  a 
smaller  dose,  gradually  increasing  it  until  twitching  recurs.  lodid 
of  potassium  in  1  to  2  dram  doses  two  or  three  times  daily  may  be  u.sed 
with  the  hope  that  it  will  favor  the  absorpti<m  of  the  clot  or  ob.struc- 
tion  to  the  nervous  current.  In  some  cases  Fowler's  .soluti(m  of 
nr.«*nic  in  teaspoonful  dose^i  twice  a  day  in  the  drinking  water 
proves  beneficial.  Occasionally  benefit  may  be  derived  from  the 
application  of  the  electric  current,  especially  in  cases  of  roaring, 
facial  paralysis,  paralysis  of  the  eyelid,  etc.  Nutritious  but  not 
two  bulky  feed,  good  ventilation,  clean  stabling,  moderate  exercise 
if  the  animal  is  capable  of  taking  it,  good  grooming,  etc.,  .should 
be  ol>served  in  all  cases. 


232  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

SPINAL    MENINGITIS,    OR   INFLAMMATION   OF   THE    MEMBRANES 
ENVELOPING  THE  SPINAL  CORD. 

This  may  be  induced  by  the  irritant  properties  of  blood  poisons, 
exhaustion  and  exposure,  spinal  concussion,  all  forms  of  injury  to 
the  spine,  tumors,  caries  of  the  vertebrae,  rheumatism,  etc. 

Sympt&ins. — A  chill  may  be  the  precursor,  a  rise  in  temperature, 
or  a  general  weakness  and  shifting  of  the  legs.  Soon  a  painful,  con- 
"VTilsive  twitching  of  the  muscles  sets  in,  followed  by  muscular  rigid- 
ity along  the  spine,  in  which  condition  the  animal  will  move  very 
stiiSy  and  evince  great  pain  in  turning.  Evidences  of  paralysis  or 
paraplegia  develop,  retention  or  incontinence  of  urine,  and  often- 
times sexual  excitement  is  present.  The  presence  of  marked  fever  at 
the  beginning  of  the  attack,  associated  with  spinal  symptoms,  should 
lead  us  to  suspect  spinal  meningitis  or  myelitis.  These  two  condi- 
tions usually  appear  together,  or  m^'elitis  follows  inflammation  of  the 
meninges  so  closely  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  separate  the  two ; 
practically  it  does  not  matter  much,  for  the  treatment  will  be  about 
the  same  in  both  cases.  Spinal  meningitis  generally  becomes  chronic, 
and  is  then  marked  principally  by  paralysis  of  that  portion,  or  parts 
of  it,  posterior  to  the  seat  of  the  disease. 

Pathology. — In  spinal  meningitis  we  find  essentially  the  same  con- 
dition as  in  cerebral  meningitis;  there  is  an  effusion  of  serum  be- 
tween the  membranes,  and  often  a  plastic  exudation  firmly  adherent 
to  the  pia  mater  serves  to  maintain  a  state  of  paralysis  for  a  long  time 
after  the  acute  symptoms  have  disappeared  by  compressing  the  cord. 
Finally,  atrophy,  softening,  and  even  abscess  may  develop  within  the 
cord.     Unlike  in  man,  it  is  usually  found  localized  in  horses. 

Treatment. — Bags  filled  with  ice  should  be  applied  along  the  spine, 
to  be  followed  later  by  strong  blisters.  The  fever  should  be  con- 
trolled as  early  as  possible  by  giving  20  drops  of  Norwood's  tincture 
of  veratrum  viride  every  hour  until  the  desired  result  is  obtained. 
One  dram  of  the  fluid  extract  of  belladonna,  to  control  pain  and  vas- 
cular excitement  of  the  spinal  cord,  may  be  given  every  five  or  six 
hours  until  the  pupils  of  the  eyes  become  pretty  well  dilated.  If  the 
pain  is  ver^^  intense  5  grains  of  sulphate  of  morphia  should  be  in- 
jected hypodermically.  The  animal  must  be  kept  as  free  from  excite- 
ment as  possible.  If  the  urine  is  retained  in  the  bladder  it  must  be 
drawn  off  every  four  or  six  hours.  In  very  acute  attacks  the  disease 
generally  proves  fatal  in  a  few  days.  If,  however,  the  animal  grows 
better,  some  form  of  paralysis  is  liable  to  remain  for  a  long  time,  and 
the  treatment  will  have  to  be  directed  then  toward  a  removal  of  the 
exudative  products  and  a  strengthening  of  the  system  and  stimula- 
tion of  the  nervous  functions.  To  induce  absorption,  iodid  of  potas- 
sium in  2-dram  doses,  dissolved  in  the  drinking  water,  may  be  given 


DISEASES  OF   THE   NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  233 

twice  a  day.  To  stren^hen  the  system,  iodicl  of  iron  1  dram  twice  a 
day  and  1  dram  of  nu\  vomica  once  a  day  may  be  g:iven  in  the  feed. 
Electricity  to  the  paralyzed  and  weakened  muscles  is  advisable;  the 
current  shouhl  be  weak,  but  be  continued  for  half  an  hour  two  or 
three  times  daily.  If  the  disease  is  due  to  a  broken  back,  caries  of 
the  vertebra*,  or  some  other  irremediable  cause,  the  animal  should  be 
destroyed  at  once. 

MYELITIS,   OR   INFLAMMATION    OF   THE    SUBSTANCE    OF   THE 

SPINAL  CORD. 

This  is  a  rare  disease,  except  as  a  secondary  result  of  spinal  menin- 
gritis  or  injuries  to  the  spine.  Poisoning  by  lead,  arsenic,  mercury, 
l)h()sphorus.  carbonic-acid  gas,  etc.,  has  been  known  to  produce  it. 
Myelitis  may  be  conlined  to  a  small  spot  in  the  cord  or  may  involve 
the  whole  for  a  variable  distance.  It  may  lead  to  softening  abscess 
or  degeneration. 

>^>/mjftom-fi. — The  attack  may  begin  with  a  chill  or  convulsion:  the 
muscles  twitch  or  become  cramped  very  early  in  the  disease,  and  the 
bladder  usually  is  affected  at  the  outset,  in  which  there  may  be  either 
retention  or  incontinence  of  urine.  These  conditions  are  followed  by 
complete  or  partial  paralysis  of  the  muscles  posterior  to  the  locality 
of  the  inflamed  cord,  and  the  muscles  begin  to  waste  away  rapidly. 
The  paralyzed  limb  becomes  cold  and  dry,  due  to  the  suspension  of 
proper  circulation;  the  joints  may  swell  and  become  edematous; 
vesicular  eruptions  appear  on  the  skin;  and  frecjuently  gangrenous 
sloughs  form  on  the  paralyzed  parts.  It  is  exceedingly  seldom  that 
recovery  takes  place.  In  a  few  instances  it  may  assume  a  chronic 
type,  when  all  the  symptoms  become  mitigated,  and  thus  continue 
for  some  time,  until  septicemia,  pyemia,  or  exhaustion  causes  death. 

Pathology. — The  inflammation  may  involve  nearly  the  whole 
length  of  the  cord,  but  generally  it  is  more  intense  in  some  places 
than  others;  when  due  to  mechanical  injury,  the  inflannnation  may 
remain  confined  to  a  small  section.  The  cord  is  swollen  and  con- 
gested, reddened,  often  softened  and  infiltrated  with  pus  cells,  and 
the  nerve  elements  are  degenerated. 

Trtatnient. — Similar  to  that  of  spinal  meningitis. 

SPINAL  CONGESTION. 

This  condition  consists  in  an  excess  of  blood.  As  the  blood  vessels 
of  the  pia  mater  are  the  principal  source  of  supply  to  the  spinal 
cord,  hyperemia  of  the  cord  and  of  tlu'  meninges  usually  go  together. 
The  symptoms  are.  tlierefore,  closely  allied  to  those  of  sjiinal  menin- 
gitis and  congestion.  ^Vhen  the  pia  mater  is  diseased,  the  si)inal 
cord  is  almost  invariably  affected  also. 


234  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

Cause. — Sudden  checking  of  the  perspiration,  violent  exercise, 
blows,  and  falls. 

Symptcynis. — The  symptoms  may  vary  somewhat  with  each  case, 
and  closely  resemble  the  first  symptoms  of  spinal  meningitis,  spinal 
tumors,  and  myelitis.  First,  some  disturbance  in  movement,  lower- 
ing the  temperature,  and  partial  loss  of  sensibility  posterior  to  the 
seat  of  the  congestion.  If  in  the  cervical  region,  it  may  cause  inter- 
ference in  breathing  and  the  action  of  the  heart.  "When  in  the  region 
of  the  loins,  there  may  be  loss  of  control  of  the  bladder.  Wlien  the 
congestion  is  sufficient  to  produce  compression  of  the  cord,  paraplegia 
may  be  complete.  Usually  fever,  spasms,  muscular  twitching,  or 
muscular  rigidity  are  absent,  which  will  serve  to  distinguish  spinal 
congestion  from  spinal  meningitis. 

Treatjnent. — Hot-water  applications  to  the  spine,   1-dram  doses 

fluid  extract  of  belladonna  repeated  every  four  hours,  and  tincture 

of  aconite  root  20  drops  every  hour  until  the  symptoms  become 

ameliorated.     If   no   inflammatory   products   occur,   the   animal   is 

likely  to  recover. 

SPINAL  ANEMIA. 

This  may  be  caused  by  extreme  cold,  exhausting  diseases,  spinal 
embolism  or  plugging  of  a  spinal  blood  vessel,  an  interference  with 
the  circulation  through  the  abdominal  aorta,  from  compression, 
thrombosis,  or  aneurism  of  that  vessel;  the  spinal  vessels  may  be 
caused  to  contract  through  vasomotor  influence,  a  result  of  periph- 
eral irritation  of  some  nerve. 

Spinal  anemia  causes  paralysis  of  the  muscles  used  in  extending 
the  limbs.  AATien  the  bladder  is  affected,  it  precedes  the  weakness 
of  motion,  while  in  spinal  congestion  it  follows,  and  increased 
sensibility,  in  place  of  diminished  sensibility,  as  in  spinal  congestion, 
is  observed.     Pressure  along  the  spine  causes  excessive  pain. 

If  the  exciting  cause  can  be  removed,  the  animal  recovers ;  if  this 
fails,  the  spinal  cord  may  undergo  softening. 

SPINAL  COMPRESSION. 

"When  caused  by  tumors  or  otherwise,  when  pressure  is  slight,  it 
produces  a  paralysis  of  the  muscles  used  in  extending  a  limb  and 
contraction  of  those  which  flex  it.  When  compression  is  great  it 
causes  complete  loss  of  sensibilty  and  motion  posterior  to  the  com- 
pressed part  of  the  cord. 

Compression  of  a  lateral  half  of  the  cord  produces  motor  paralysis, 
disturbance  of  the  circulation,  and  difficulty  of  movement,  an  in- 
creased sensibility  on  the  side  corresponding  to  the  compressed  sec- 
tion, and  a  diminished  sensibility  and  some  paralysis  on  the  opposite 
side. 


DISEASES   OF    THE    NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  235 

Treatm^'tit. — AVheii  it  ocviirs  as  a  .sequence  of  a  precedin*;  inflam- 
matory ilisease,  iodid  of  i)otassium  and  general  tonics  are  indicated. 
When  due  to  tumors  growing  within  the  spinal  canal,  or  to  pressure 
from  displaced  bone,  no  form  of  treatment  will  result  in  any  benefit. 

SPINAL  HEMORRHAGE. 

This  may  occur  from  changes  in  the  wall  of  the  blood  vessels,  in 
connection  with  tumors,  acute  myelitis,  traumatic  injuries,  etc.  The 
blood  nuiy  escape  through  the  pia  mater  into  the  subarachnoid  cavity, 
and  large  clots  be  formed. 

Si/mpfams. — The  symptoms  are  largely  dependent  upon  the  seat 
and  extent  of  the  hemorrhage,  as  they  are  princii)ally  owing  to 
the  compression  of  the  cord.  A  large  clot  may  jiroduce  sudden 
paraplegia,  accompajiied  with  .severe  pain  along  the  spine;  usually, 
however,  the  paralysis  of  both  motion  and  sensation  is  not  very 
marked  at  first;  on  the  second  or  third  day  fever  is  liable  to  appear, 
and  increased  or  diminished  sensibility  along  the  .spine  posterior 
to  the  seat  of  the  clot.  When  the  bladder  and  rectum  are  involved 
in  the  symptoms  it  indicates  that  the  spinal  cord  is  compressed. 

Tnatmcnt. — In  the  occurrence  of  injuries  to  the  back  of  a  hor.se, 
whenever  there  is  any  evidence  of  paralysis,  it  is  always  advisable  to 
apply  bags  of  ice  along  the  spine  to  check  or  prevent  hemorrhage 
or  congestion,  and  '2  drams  of  the  fluid  extract  of  ergot  and  20  drops 
of  tincture  of  digitalis  may  be  given  every  hour  until  three  doses 
have  been  taken.  Subsequently  tincture  of  belladonna  in  half-ounce 
do.sos  may  be  given  three  tiuies  a  day.  If  there  is  much  pain.  5  grains 
of  sulphate  of  morphia,  injected  under  the  skin,  will  atl'ord  relief 
and  lessen  the  excitability  of  the  animal.  In  all  cases  the  animal 
should  be  kept  perfectly  quiet. 

SPINAL  CONCUSSION. 

Tliis  is  rarely  observed  in  the  horse,  and  unless  it  is  sufficiently 
severe  to  produce  well-marked  symptoms  it  would  not  be  suspected. 
It  may  occur  in  saddle  horses  from  jumping,  or  it  may  be  pro- 
duced by  falling  over  an  embankment,  or  a  violent  fall  upon  the 
haunches  may  produce  it.  Concussion  may  be  followed  by  partial 
])aralysis  or  spinal  hemoiThage;  generally,  however,  it  is  confined  to 
a  jarring  and  some  disturbance  of  the  nerve  elements  of  the  cord, 
and  the  paralytic  effect  which  en.sues  soon  pa.s.ses  off.  Treatment 
con.sists  in  rest  tmtil  the  aniuial  has  completely  recovered  fiom  the 
shock.  If  secondary  effects  follow  from  hemorrhage  or  compression, 
thev  have  to  be  treated  as  heretofore  directed. 


PTKWASffS  OF   TEGB  BTOBSE. 

SPrSAL  TTMOBS. 

Within  the  substance  of  the  cord  "rlioma  or  the  mixed  g:!i«ear«>- 
mata.  are  foand  to  be  the  mogt  fre<:iuent.  tumors  may  form  from  the 
Bueainges  and  the  vertebrae,  being  of  a  fibroos  or  btjiiy  nature,  and 
ftffeet  the  spinal  cord  indirectly  by  compression.  In  the  meninges 
we  may  find  glioma,  cancers,  and  psanimoma.  hbromata ;  aneuriims 
ftf  the  spinal  arteries  have  been  dis<-'overed  in  the  spinal  canal. 

Sij'mpto'nii!. — Tumors  of  the  spinal  canal  cause  symptoms  of  spinal 
irritati^Mi  or  compression  of  the  cord.     The  gradual  and  slow  de- 
\elopment  of  symptoms  of  paralysis  of  one  or  both  hind  limbs  or 
certain  muscles  may  lead  to  a  suspicion  of  spinal  tumors.     The  par- 
alysis induced  is  progressive,  but  not  usually  marked  with  atrophy 
of  the  muscles  or  increase^!  -  *  along  the  spine.     Whea  iSatt 

tumor  is  within  the  spinal  ci  ..  .  ...:...:  all  the  symptoms  of  myelitK 

may  be  present. 

T featment. — General  tonics  and  1-dram  doses  of  nui  vomica  may 
be  given:  iodid  of  iron  or  io»iid  of  potassium  in  1-dram  doses,  three 
times  a  day  in  feed,  may.  in  a  very  few  cases,  give  some  temporary 
benefit.     UsuaEy  the  disease  progresses  steadily  until  it  proves  fataL 

NELKITIS,  OR  DTFLOOLiTION  OF  A  XERVIL 

This  is  causeil  by  a  bruise  or  wound  of  a  nerve  or  by  strangulation 
in  a  ligature  when  the  nerve  is  include<l  in  the  ligation  of  an  artery. 
The  changes  in  an  iniiameii  nerve  are  an  enlargement,  re<idening  of 
the  nerve  sheath,  spots  of  extra va.sate<l  blood,  and  sometimes  an  infil- 
a  of  serum  mixed  with  pas. 
.  rn,i}t(yrrhn^ — Acute  pain  of  the  parts  suppliel  f'V  th^i  nt^n-^'  and 
absence  of  swelling  or  increa.se<l  heat  of  the  part- 

TfHatnmnt. — Hyp«'  -  of  from  3  to  '^  grains  of  mor- 
phia to  relieve  pain.  __       : :        _i.  and  rest-     If  it  is  due  to  an 

inclusion  of  a  ligature,  the  nerve  should  be  divided  above  and  below 
the  ligature. 

MIOtO>LW  OR  TTMOR  OF  A  XERTX. 

Xearoma  may  be  from  enlargement  of  the  end  of  a  ilivide*!  nerve 
or  dae  to  fflbrous  degeneration  of  a  nerve  which  has  been  bruisetl  or 
wounded.  Its  most  frequent  occurrence  is  found  after  the  operation 
of  neurotomy  for  fwjt  lameness.  an«l  it  may  appear  after  the  lapse  of 
months  or  even  years.  N"earoma  usually  develops  within  the  sheath 
of  the  nerve  with  or  without  implicating  the  nerve  fibers.  It  is  oval, 
runn'-  r  '  —  _-thwise  with  the  direction  of  the  nerve. 

Sij  — Pain  of  the  atfected  limb  or  part  is  manifested,  more 

especially  after  resting  a  while,  and  wh«i  pressure  is  made  upon  the 
tumor  it  causes  extreme  suffering. 


THE   JTEBVOCS  STSTEM-  237 

TretthngnJ-. — Eulmwhi  •€  tiie  tumor,  inclmiin^  part  of  the  nerve 
aaci  hthamj  aad  tt^  tvest  ii  ttJce-  uir  odier  simple  wotmd. 

ojoms  TO  !ronnES. 

■my  consist  in  wouitdin^.  brnii^inj'.   ^.i  •t^rition.  \s. 

etc    Tbe  s3rmptoms  which  ;ire  proa  ;»'imi    \  ■  rui 

the  extent,  seat,  and  character  of  the  injury.     Recovery  rmiy 
lay  lead  to  neoritis.  neuroma,  or  spinal  or 
;uay  result  in  tetanns.  paralysis,  anil  other 
In  all  diseases,  whether  pro<iuced  by  some 
9K-  fntnuffir  esnses.  the  -a- 

kstoaiprxmary  inji.  iie 

Gt  damtufft  of  natrition  of  a  part  is  due. 
t»  ^Braver  iSuA  mk  injury  to  a  nerve 
fcot  -rnhgrnemt  i&m  m  fimiifthi  Jk  may  enable  us  t4> 
retiiy  A«t  w&k&  otherwise  wwiM  resoit  iit  pcmumoit  eviL    Treat- 


FOKACX  nStaCfBOSQ^  OK  SO-CALLED  CEKEUOOStTSAL  XEXDi- 

Gms. 

This  .iiieose  prevwfe  umamg  iMrses  in  n^ 
I'niteii  States.    Its  appcsraaee  oi  America  is 

•>i!urren«*e.  for  Ae  mdbdr  was  ntywtiwi  by  Large  in   IS47.  hf 
m.  1850,  and  hf  LaaniaH  m  18C9  ~  .  th 

id  fwtii  fans  m.  vKnmA  oi  tiie  -^  ~  ice 

them  the  dbtaae  Was  ouniteii  periodieally  in  many  States  in  all  sec- 
of  dw  coamtrr.  awl  kas  bcca  the  iiufcjwA  af 
i  pdhHcirtiimg  W  a  waaktr  of  tfe  1*^ 
vctcriaarj  prmli  mitm  It  is  prevalent  with  more  or  less  severity 
•»^»ry  year  ia  certaia  parts  of  the  Usittd  States,  and  durm^  the  year 
L  *!::  the  Bareaa  of  A^i^a^l  JmAmkij  r«c«Ted  argent  requests  for 
help  from  Colorado.  Georpa,  Iowa.  Kansas,  Kentuckr.  Louisiana, 
Marrlaad.  SfisEOsri.  Xcbraska.  Xew  Jersey,  Xorth  -a.  Ore^n, 

So«^  CaroiiBa.  Soalh  Dakota,  Tirpnia,  tfd  Wcm  _  nia.  While 
IB  1912  the  brvBt  of  the  liiaawii  memid  to  fall  on  Kansas  and  Xe- 
braafca,  other  States  were  aba  ■■  i  Fwwi  ih  afieted.  la  previoos  years, 
for  nstaace  ia  IS}^^  as  weO  as  in  ishfl.  the  horses  of  soatheastem 
Texas  were  reporteii  to  have  died  by  the  thoasaad.  aad  ca  the  foUow- 
iag  year  the  bgrses  of  Iowa  were  said  to  hare  ""died  Khe  rats,^ 
Haaeter,  Kansas  seeiK  to  have  had  aiore  thaa  her  share  of  this 
troahie,  as  a  severe  oatbreak  that  extended  ova-  almost  the  entire 
State  oecnrred  in  1S91,  while  in  1909  aad  apaia  ia  190S  the  discasa 
recurred  with  c<|aal  severity  in  varioas  portioas  of  the  State. 


238  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

This  condition  consists  in  a  poisoning  and  depression  of  the  ner- 
vous system  from  eating  or  drinking  feed  or  water  containing  poison 
generated  by  mold  or  bacteria.  It  has  been  shown  to  be  owing  to 
eating  damaged  ensilage,  corn,  brewers'  grains,  oats,  etc.,  or  to  drink- 
ing stagnant  pond  water  or  water  from  a  well  contaminated  by  sur- 
face drainage.  Horses  at  pasture  may  contract  the  disease  when 
the  growth  of  grass  is  so  profuse  that  it  mats  together  and  the 
lower  part  dies  and  ferments  or  becomes  moldy. 

In  England  a  similar  disease  has  been  called  "  grass  staggers,"  due 
to  eating  rye  grass  when  it  is  ripening  or  when  it  is  cut  and  eaten 
v.'hile  it  is  heating  and  undergoing  fermentation.  In  eastern  Penn- 
sylvania it  was  formerly  known  by  the  name  of  "  putrid  sore  throat " 
and  "  choking  distemper."  A  disease  similar  in  many  respects  which 
is  very  prevalent  in  Virgina,  especially  along  the  eastern  border,  is 
commonly  known  by  the  name  of  "blind  staggers,"  and  in  many  of 
the  Southern  States  this  has  been  attributed  to  the  consumption  of 
worm-eaten  corn.  Horses  of  all  ages  and  mules  are  subject  to  this 
disease. 

SyTTh'pto'ms  and  lesions. — The  symptoms  which  typify  sporadic  or 
epidemic  cerebrospinal  meningitis  in  man  are  not  witnessed  among 
horses,  namely,  excessive  pain,  high  fever,  and  early  muscular 
rigidity.  In  the  recognition  of  the  severity  of  the  attack  we  may 
divide  the  symptoms  into  three  grades.  In  the  most  rapidly  fatal 
attacks  the  animal  may  first  indicate  it  by  weak,  staggering  gait, 
partial  or  total  inability  to  swallow  solids  or  liquids,  impairment  -of 
eyesight;  twitching  of  the  muscles  and  slight  cramps  may  be  ob- 
served. As  a  rule,  the  temperature  is  not  elevated — indeed,  it  is 
sometimes  below  normal.  This  is  soon  followed  by  a  paralysis  of 
the  whole  body,  inability  to  stand,  delirium  in  which  the  animal 
sometimes  goes  through  a  series  of  automatic  movements  as  if  trot- 
ting or  running;  the  delirium  may  become  very  violent  and  the  un- 
conscious animal  ma}^  bruise  his  head  very  seriously  in  his  struggles ; 
but  usually  a  deep  coma  renders  him  quiet  until  he  expires.  Death  in 
these  cases  usually  takes  place  in  from  4  to  24  hours  from  the  time 
the  first  symptoms  become  manifest.  The  pulse  is  variable  during 
the  progress  of  the  disease ;  it  may  be  almost  imperceptible  at  times, 
and  then  again  very  rapid  and  irregular;  the  respirations  generally 
are  quick  and  catching.  In  the  next  form  in  which  this  disease  may 
develop  it  first  becomes  manifest  by  a  difficulty  in  swallowing  and 
slowness  in  mastication,  and  a  weakness  which  may  be  first  noticed 
in  the  strength  of  the  tail ;  the  animal  will  be  unable  to  switch  it  or 
to  offer  resistance  when  we  bend  it  up  over  the  croup.  The  pulse  is 
often  a  little  slower  than  normal.  There  is  no  evidence  of  pain ;  the 
respirations  are  unchanged,  and  the  temperature  little  less  than  nor- 
mal; the  bowels  may  be  somewhat  constipated.     These  symptoms 


DISEASES  OF    THE    NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  239 

may  remain  iiuchan«reil  for  t\Yo  or  three  days  aiul  then  gradual  im- 
provement may  take  phice,  or  the  power  to  swalhnv  may  become 
entirely  lost  and  the  weakness  and  uncertainty  in  gait  more  and  more 
perceptible;  then  sleepiness  or  coma  may  appear;  the  pulse  becomes 
depressed,  slow,  and  weak,  the  breathing  stertorous,  and  paroxysms 
of  delirium  develop,  with  inability  to  stand,  and  some  rigidity  of  the 
spinal  muscles  or  partial  cramp  of  the  neck  and  jaws.  In  such  cases 
death  may  occur  in  from  G  to  10  days  from  the  commencement  of 
the  attack.  In  many  cases  there  is  no  evidence  of  pain,  spasm,  or 
fever  at  any  time  during  the  progress  of  the  disease,  and  finally 
profound  coma  develops  and  death  follows,  painless  and  without  a 
struggle. 

In  the  last  or  mildest  form  the  inability  of  voluntary  control  of  the 
limbs  becomes  but  slightly  marked,  the  power  of  swallowing  never 
entirely  lost,  and  the  animal  has  no  fever,  pain,  or  unconscious  move- 
ments. Generally  the  animal  will  begin  to  improve  about  the  fourth 
day  and  recovers. 

In  a  few  cases  the  spinal  symptoms,  manifested  by  paraplegia,  may 
be  the  most  prominent  symptoms;  in  others  they  may  be  altogether 
ai)sent  and  the  main  symptoms  may  be  difficulty  in  mastication  and 
swallowing;  rarely  it  ma}'  affect  one  limb  only.  In  all  cases  in 
which  coma  remains  absent  for  six  or  seven  days  the  animal  is 
likely  to  recover.  When  changes  toward  recovery  take  place,  the 
symptoms  usually  leave  in  the  reverse  order  to  that  in  which  they 
developed,  but  local  paralysis  ma}'  remain  for  some  time,  rarely 
persistent. 

On  post-mortem  the  number  of  lesions  observable  to  the  naked 
eye  is  in  marked  contrast  to  the  severity  of  the  symptoms  noted. 
The  pharynx  and  larynx  are  inflamed  in  many  cases,  and  sometimes 
coated  with  a  yellowish-white  glutinous  deposit,  extending  at  times 
over  the  tongue  and  occasionally  a  little  way  down  the  trachea.  The 
lungs  are  normal,  except  from  complications  following  drenching  or. 
recumbence  for  a  long  period.  The  heart  is  usually  normal  in  ai)pear- 
ance,  except  an  occasional  cluster  of  hemorrhagic  points  on  the  outer 
surface,  while  the  blood  is  dark  and  firmly  coagulated.  The  lining  of 
the  stomach  inilicates  a  sul»aciit<'  gastritis,  while  occasionally  an 
erosion  is  noted.  An  edema  is  observed  in  the  submucosa  of  such 
cases.  The  first  few  inches  of  the  small  intestines  likewise  may  show 
slight  inflauimation  in  certain  cases,  while  in  others  it  is  (piite  se- 
vere; otherwise  the  digestive  tract  appears  normal,  excluding  the 
presence  of  varying  numbers  of  bots,  StrcrmjyluH  rultjatun,  and  a 
few  other  nematodes.  The  liver  is  congested  and  swollen  in  .some 
cases,  while  it  appeal's  normal  in  other>.  The  spleen  is,  as  a  rule, 
normal,  and  at  times  the  kidneys  are  slightly  congested.  The  bladder 
is  often  distended  with  dark-colored  uiine.  and  occasionallv  a  marked 


240  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

cystitis  has  been  observed.  The  adipose  tissue  throughout  the  carcass 
may  show  a  pronounced  icteric  appearance  in  certain  cases.  On  re- 
moving the  bones  of  the  skull  the  brain  appears  to  be  normal  macro- 
scopically  in  a  few  instances,  but  in  most  cases  the  veins  and  capil- 
laries of  the  meninges  of  the  cerebrum,  cerebellum,  and  occasionally 
the  medulla  is  distinctly  dilated  and  engorged,  and  in  a  few  cases 
there  are  pronoimced  lesions  of  a  leptomeningitis.  An  excessive  quan- 
tity of  cerebrospinal  fluid  is  present  in  most  of  the  cases.  On  the 
floor  of  the  lateral  ventricles  of  several  brains  there  was  noted  a  slight 
softening  caused  by  hemorrhages  into  the  brain  substance.  There  is 
alwa^'s  an  abundance  of.  fluid  in  the  subarachnoid  spaces,  ventricles, 
and  at  the  base  of  the  brain,  usually  of  the  color  of  diabetic  urine, 
and  containing  a  limited  number  of  flocculi,  but  in  a  few  cases  it  was 
slightly  blood  tinged.  The  spinal  cord  was  not  found  involved  in  the 
few  cases  examined. 

Treatment. — One  attack  of  the  disease  does  not  confer  immunity. 
Horses  have  been  observed  which  have  recovered  from  two  attacks, 
and  still  others  that  recovered  from  the  first  but  died  as  a  result  of 
the  second  attack. 

Inasmuch  as  a  natural  immimity  does  not  appear  after  an  attack 
of  cerebrospinal  meningitis,  it  might  be  anticipated  that  serum 
of  recovered  eases  would  possess  neither  curative  nor  prophylactic 
qualities.  Nevertheless,  experiments  have  been  made  along  these 
lines  with  serum  from  recovered  cases,  but  without  any  positive 
results.  Similar  investigations  have  been  conducted  by  others  in 
Europe  with  precisely  the  same  results.  With  the  tendency  of  the 
disease  to  produce  pathological  lesions  in  the  central  nervous  system, 
it  seems  scarcely  imaginable  that  a  medicinal  remedy  will  be  found 
to  heal  these  foci,  and  even  when  recovery  takes  place  considerable 
disturbance  in  the  functions,  as  blindness,  partial  paralysis,  dumb- 
ness, etc.,  is  liable  to  remain.  Indeed,  when  the  disease  once  be- 
comes established  in  an  animal,  drugs  seem  to  lose  their  physio- 
logical action.  Therefore,  with  all  the  previously  mentioned  facts 
before  us,  it  is  evident  that  the  first  principle  in  the  treatment  of 
this  disease  is  prevention,  which  consists  in  the  exercise  of  proper 
care  in  feeding  only  clean,  well-cured  forage  and  grain  and  pure 
Avater.  These  measures  when  faithfully  carried  out  check  the  de- 
velopment of  additional  cases  of  the  disease  upon  the  affected 
premises. 

While  medicinal  treatment  has  proved  unsatisfactory  in  most 
cases,  nevertheless  the  first  indication  is  to  clean  out  the  digestive 
tract  thoroughly,  and  to  accomplish  this  prompt  measures  must  be 
used  early  in  the  disease.  Active  and  concentrated  remedies  should 
be  given,  preferably  subcutaneously  or  intravenously,  owing  to  the 
great  difficulty  in  swallowing,  even  in  the  early  stage.    Arecolin  in 


DISEASES   OF    THE    NERVOUS   SYSTEM.  241 

one-half  gvix'in  doses,  siil)cutaneously,  has  given  as  much  satisfaction 
as  any  other  tlrug.  After  purging  the  animal  the  treatment  is  mostly 
symptomatic.  Intestinal  disinfectants,  particularly  calomel,  salol, 
anil  salicylic  acid,  have  been  recommended,  and  mild,  antiseptic 
mouth  washes  are  advisable.  Antipyretics  are  of  doubtful  value,  as 
better  results  are  obtained,  if  the  temperature  is  high,  b}'  copious 
cold-water  injections.  An  ice  pack  applied  to  the  head  is  beneficial 
in  case  of  marked  psychic  disturbance.  One-ounce  doses  of  chloral 
hydrate  per  rectum  should  be  given  if  the  patient  is  violent  or  if 
muscular  spasms  are  severe.  If  the  temperature  becomes  subnormal, 
the  animal  should  be  warmly  blanketed,  and  if  much  weakness  is 
shown  this  should  be  combated  with  stimulants,  such  as  strychnin, 
camphor,  alcohol,  atropin,  or  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia.  Early 
in  the  disease  urotropin  (hexamethylenamin)  in  doses  of  25  grains, 
dissolved  in  water  and  given  by  the  mouth  every  two  hours,  ap- 
peared to  have  been  responsible  for  the  recovery  of  some  cases  of 
the  malady.    During  convalescence  tonic  treatment  is  indicated. 

Ill/'/ienic  measures  needful. — "Whenever  this  disease  appears  in  a 
stable  all  the  animals  should  be  removed  as  soon  as  possible.  They 
should  be  provided  with  clean,  well-ventilated,  and  well-drained 
stables,  and  each  animal  should  receive  a  laxative  and  be  fed  feed 
and  given  water  from  a  new,  clean  source.  The  abandoned  stable 
should  be  thoroughly  cleansjed  from  all  waste  matters,  receive  a  coat 
of  whitewash  containing  4  ounces  of  carbolic  acid  to  the  gallon  of 
water  and  should  have  time  to  dry  thoroughly  before  the  horses  are 
replaced.  A  complete  change  of  feed  is  of  the  very  greatest  im- 
portance on  account  of  the  belief  that  the  cause  resides  in  diseased 
gi'ain,  hay,  and  grass. 

TETANUS,  OR  LOCKJAW. 

This  disease  is  characterized  by  spasms  affecting  the  muscles  of 
the  face.  neck,  body,  and  limbs  and  of  all  muscles  supplied  by  the 
cerebrospinal  nerves.  Tiie  spasms  or  muscular  contractions  are  rigid 
and  persistent,  yet  mixed  with  occasional  more  intense  contractions 
of  convulsive  violence. 

Causes. — This  disease  is  caused  by  a  bacillus  that  is  often  found  in 
the  soil,  in  manure,  and  in  dust.  This  germ  forms  spores  at  the  end 
of  the  organism  and  grows  only  in  the  absence  of  oxygen.  It  pro- 
duces a  powerful  nerve  poison,  which  causes  the  symptoms  of  tetanus. 
The  germ  itself  multiplies  at  the  point  where  it  is  introduced,  but  its 
poison  is  absorbed  and  is  carried  by  the  blood  to  all  parts  of  the  body, 
and  thus  the  nervous  system  is  poisoneil.  Deep  wounds  infected  by 
this  germ  are  more  dangerous  than  superficial  wounds,  because  in 
them  the  germ  is  more  remote  from  the  oxygen  of  the  air.     Hence, 

36444°— IG IG 


242  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

nail  pricks,  etc.,  are  especially  dangerous.  In  the  majority  of  in- 
stances the  cause  of  tetanus  can  be  traced  to  wounds,  especially  pricks 
and  wounds  of  the  feet  or  of  tendinous  structures.  It  sometimes  fol- 
lows castration,  docking,  the  introduction  of  setons,  inclusion  of  a 
nerve  in  a  ligature,  etc.  It  may  come  on  a  long  time  after  the  wound 
is  healed — three  or  four  months.  Horses  with  a  nervous,  excitable 
disposition  are  more  predisposed  than  those  of  a  more  sluggish 
nature.  Stallions  are  more  subject  to  develop  tetanus  as  the  result 
of  wounds  than  geldings,  and  geldings  more  than  mares. 

Sym/ptoms. — The  attacks  may  be  acute  or  subacute.  In  an  acute 
attack  the  animal  usually  dies  within  four  days.  The  first  symptoms 
which  attract  the  attention  of  the  owner  is  difficulty  in  chewing  and 
swallowing,  an  extension  of  the  head  and  protrusion  over  the  inner 
part  of  the  eye  of  the  membrana  nictitans,  or  haw.  An  examination 
of  the  mouth  will  reveal  an  inability  to  open  the  jaws  to  their  full 
extent,  and  the  endeavor  to  do  so  will  produce  great  nervous  excita- 
bility and  increased  spasm  of  the  muscles  of  the  jaw  and  neck.  The 
muscles  of  the  neck  and  along  the  spine  become  rigid  and  the  legs  are 
moved  in  a  stiff  manner.  The  slightest  noise  or  disturbance  throws 
the  animal  into  increased  spasm  of  all  the  affected  muscles.  The  tail 
is  usually  elevated  and  held  immovable;  the  bowels  become  consti- 
pated early  in  the  attack.  The  temperature  and  pulse  are  not  much 
changed.  These  symptoms  in  the  acute  type  become  rapidly  aggra- 
vated until  all  the  muscles  are  rigid — in  a  state  of  tonic  spasm — with 
a  continuous  tremor  running  through  them;  a  cold  perspiration 
breaks  out  on  the  body;  the  breathing  becomes  painful  from  the 
spasm  of  the  muscles  used  in  respiration;  the  jaws  are  completely 
set,  eyeballs  retracted,  lips  drawn  tightly  over  the  teeth,  nostrils  di- 
lated, and  the  animal  presents  a  picture  of  the  most  extreme  agony 
until  death  relieves  him.  The  pulse,  which  at  first  was  not  much 
affected,  will  become  quick  and  hard,  or  small  and  thready  when  the 
spasm  affects  the  muscles  of  the  heart.  In  the  subacute  cases  the  jaws 
may  never  become  entirely  locked;  the  nervous  excitability  and  rigid- 
ity of  the  muscles  are  not  so  great.  There  is,  however,  always  some 
stiffness  of  the  neck  or  spine  manifest  in  turning ;  the  haw  is  turned 
over  the  eyeball  when  the  nose  is  elevated.  It  is  not  uncommon  for 
owners  to  continue  such  animals  at  their  work  for  several  days  after 
the  first  symptoms  have  been  observed.  All  the  symptoms  may  grad- 
ually increase  in  severity  for  a  period  of  ten  days,  and  then  gradually 
diminish  under  judicious  treatment,  or  they  may  reach  the  stage 
wherein  all  the  characteristics  of  acute  tetanus  become  developed.  In 
some  cases,  however,  we  find  the  muscular  cramps  almost  solely  con- 
fined to  the  head  or  face,  perhaps  involving  those  of  the  neck.  In 
such  cases  Ave  have  complete  trismus  (lockjaw),  and  all  the  head 
symptoms  are  acutely  developed.    On  the  contrary,  we  may  find  the 


DISEASES  OF   THE   NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  243 

head  almost  exempt  in  some  cases,  and  have  the  body  and  limbs 
perfectly  rigid  and  incapable  of  movement  >vithout  falling. 

Tetanus  may  possibly  be  confounded  with  spinal  meningitis,  but 
the  character  of  the  spasm-locked  jaw,  retraction  of  the  eyeballs,  the 
ditliculty  in  swallowing  due  to  spasms  of  the  muscles  of  the  pharynx, 
and  above  all,  the  absence  of  paralysis,  should  serve  to  make  the 
distinction. 

Prevention. — When  a  valuable  horse  has  sustained  a  wound  that  it 
is  feared  may  be  followed  by  tetanus,  it  is  well  to  administer  a  dose  of 
tetanus  antitoxin.  This  is  injected  beneath  the  skin  with  a  hypoder- 
mic syringe.  A  very  high  degree  of  protection  may  in  this  way  be 
afforded.  This  antitoxin  should  be  administered  only  by  a  competent 
veterinarian. 

Treatnunt. — The  animal  should  be  placed  in  a  box  stall  without 
bedding,  as  far  as  possible  from  other  horses.  If  in  a  country  dis- 
trict, the  animal  should  be  put  into  an  outbuilding  or  shed,  where 
the  noise  of  other  animals  will  not  reach  it ;  if  the  place  is  moder- 
ately dark,  it  is  all  the  better ;  in  fly  time  it  should  be  covered  with  a 
light  sheet.  The  attendant  must  be  very  careful  and  quiet  to  prevent 
all  imnecessary  excitement  and  increase  of  spasm.  Tetanus  antitoxin 
appears  to  be  useful  as  a  remedy  in  some  cases,  if  given  in  very  large 
quantities  early  in  the  disease;  otherwise  it  is  useless.  Subcutaneous 
injections  of  carbolid  acid  in  glycerin  and  water  (carbolic  acid  30 
grains,  glycerin  and  water  each  1  ounce)  appear  to  be  useful  in 
some  cases.    Injections  should  be  given  twice  daily. 

A  cathartic,  composed  of  Barbados  aloes  G  to  8  drams,  with  which 
may  be  mixed  2  drams  of  the  solid  extract  of  belladonna,  should  be 
given  at  once.  This  is  best  given  in  a  ball  form;  if,  however,  the  ani- 
mal is  greatly  excited  by  the  attempt  or  can  not  swallow,  the  ball  may 
be  dissolved  in  2  ounces  of  olive  oil  and  thrown  on  the  back  of  the 
tongue  with  a  syringe.  If  the  jaws  are  set,  or  nearly  so,  an  attempt 
to  administer  medicine  by  the  mouth  should  not  be  made.  In  such 
cases  one-quarter  of  a  grain  of  atropia,  with  5  grains  of  sulphate  of 
morphia,  should  be  dissolved  in  1  diam  of  pure  water  and  injected 
under  the  skin.  This  should  be  repeated  sufficiently  often  to  keep  the 
animal  continually  under  its  eff'ect.  This  will  usually  mitigate  the 
severity  of  the  spasmodic  contraction  of  the  affected  muscles  and 
lessen  sensibility  to  pain.  Good  results  may  be  obtained  sometimes 
by  the  rectal  injection  of  the  fluid  extract  of  belladonna  and  of  can- 
nal)is  indica,  of  each  1  dram,  every  four  or  six  hours.  This  may 
be  diluted  with  a  quart  of  milk.  When  the  animal  is  unable  to  swal- 
low licjuids,  oatmeal  gruel  and  milk  .^houhl  be  given  by  injection  per 
rectum  to  sustain  the  strength  of  the  animal.  A  pailful  of  cool  water 
should  be  constantly  before  him,  placed  high  enough  for  him  to  reach 
it  without  special  effort;  even  if  drinking  is  impossible,  the  laving  of 


244  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

the  month  is  refreshing.  Excellent  success  frequently  may  he  obtained 
by  clothing  the  upper  part  of  the  head,  the  neck,  and  greater  part  of' 
the  body  in  woolen  blankets  kept  saturated  with  very  warm  water. 
This  treatment  should  be  continued  for  six  or  eight  hours  at  a  time. 
It  often  relaxes  the  cramped  muscles  and  gives  them  rest  and  the  ani- 
mal almost  entire  freedom  from  pain;  but  it  should  be  used  every  day 
until  the  acute  spasms  have  permanently  subsided  in  order  to  be  of 
any  lasting  benefit. 

Eecently  subcutaneous  injections  of  brain  emulsion  have  been  rec- 
ommended. It  is  thought  that  the  tetanus  toxin  will  attach  itself  to 
the  brain  cells  so  injected  and  thus  free  the  system  of  this  poison. 
When  it  is  due  to  a  wound,  the  wound  should  be  thoroughly  cleaned 
and  disinfected  with  carbolic  acid.  If  from  a  wound  which  has 
healed,  an  excision  of  the  cicatrix  may  be  beneficial.  In  all  cases  it 
is  not  uncommon  to  have  a  partial  recovery  followed  by  relapse  when 
the  animal  becomes  excited  from  any  cause. 

RABIES,  HYDROPHOBIA,  OR  MADNESS. 

This  disease  does  not  arise  spontaneously  among  horses,  but  is  the 
result  of  a  bite  from  a  rabid  animal — generally  a  dog  or  cat.  The 
development  of  the  disease  follows  the  bite  in  from  three  weeks  to 
three  months — very  rarely  in  two  weeks.     (See  also  p.  559.) 

/Symptoms. — The  first  manifestation  of  the  development  of  this  dis- 
ease may  be  an  increased  excitability  and  viciousness;  very  slight 
noises  or  the  approach  of  a  person  incites  the  animal  to  kick,  strike, 
or  bite  at  any  near  object.  Very  often  the  horse  will  bite  his  own 
limbs  or  sides,  lacerating  the  flesh  and  tearing  the  skin.  The  eyes 
appear  staring,  bloodshot;  the  ears  are  on  the  alert  to  catch  all 
sounds;  the  head  is  held  erect.  In  some  cases  the  animal  will  con- 
tinually rub  and  bite  the  locality  of  the  wound  inflicted  by  the  rabid 
animal.  This  S3'mptom  may  precede  all  others.  Generally  the 
bowels  become  constipated  and  the  animal  makes  frequent  attempts 
at  urination,  which  is  painful,  and  the  urine  very  dark  colored.  The 
furious  symptoms  appear  in  paroxysms;  at  other  times  the  animal 
may  eat  and  drink,  although  swallowing  appears  to  become  painful 
toward  the  latter  stage  of  the  disease,  and  may  cause  renewed  parox- 
ysms. The  muscles  of  the  limbs  or  back  may  be  subject  to  intermittent 
spasms,  or  spasmodic  tremors;  finally,  the  hind  limbs  become  para- 
lyzed, breathing  very  cliiRcult,  and  convulsions  supervene,  followed 
by  death.  The  pulse  and  respirations  are  increased  in  frequency 
from  the  outset  of  the  attack.  Rabies  may  possibly  be  mistaken  for 
tetanus.  In  the  latter  disease  we  find  tonic  spasms  of  the  muscles  of 
the  jaws,  or  stiffness  of  the  neck  or  back  very  early  in  the  attack,  and 
evidence  of  viciousness  is  absent. 


DISEASES  OF   THE    NERVOUS   SYSTEM.  245 

Treatment. — As  soon  as  the  true  nature  of  the  disease  is  ascertained 
the  animal  should  be  killed. 

Prevention. — When  a  horse  is  known  to  have  been  bitten  by  a 
rabid  animal,  iininediate  cauterization  of  the  wound  with  a  red-hot 
iron  may  possibly  destroy  the  virus  before  absorption  of  it  takes 
13  lace. 

PLUMBISM,  OR  LEAD  POISONING. 

This  disease  is  not  of  fretiuont  occurrence.  It  ma}'  be  due  to  the 
habitual  drinking  of  water  which  has  been  standing  in  leaden  con- 
ductors or  in  old  paint  barrels,  etc.  It  has  been  met  with  in  enzootic 
form  near  smelting  works,  where,  by  the  fumes  arising  from  the 
works,  lead  in  the  form  of  oxid,  carbonate,  oi'' sulphate  was  deposited 
on  the  grass  and  herbage  which  the  horses  ate. 

Symptoms. — Lead  poisoning  produces  derangement  of  the  func- 
tions of  digestion  and  locomotion,  or  it  may  allect  the  lungs  princi- 
pally. In  whatever  system  of  organs  the  lead  is  mostly  deposited 
there  we  have  the  symptoms  of  nervous  debility  most  manifest.  If 
in  the  lungs,  the  breathing  becomes  difficult  and  the  animal  gets  out 
of  breath  very  quickly  when  compelled  to  run.  Roaring,  also,  is 
very  frequently  a  .symptom  of  lead  poisoning.  When  it  affects  the 
stomach,  the  animal  gradually  falls  away  in  flesh,  the  hair  becomes 
rough,  the  skin  tight,  and  colicky  symptoms  develop.  When  the 
deposit  is  principally  in  the  muscles,  partial  or  complete  paralysis 
gradually  develops.  When  large  (piantities  of  lead  have  been  taken 
in  and  absorbed,  symptoms  resembling  epilepsy  may  result,  or  coma 
and  delirium  develop  and  prove  fatal.  In  lead  poisoning  there  is 
seldom  any  increase  in  temperature.  A  blue  line  forms  along  the 
gimis  of  the  front  teetli.  and  the  breath  assumes  a  peculiarly  offensive 
odor.     Lead  can  always  be  detected  in  the  urine  by  chemical  tests. 

Treatment. — The  administration  of  i2-dram  doses  of  iodid  of  potas- 
sium three  times  a  day  is  indicated.  This  will  form  iodid  of  lead  in 
the  system,  which  is  rapidly  excreted  by  the  kidneys.  If  much 
muscular  weakness  or  paralysis  is  present,  sulphate  of  iron  in  1-dram 
doses  and  strychnia  in  *2-grain  do>es  may  l)e  given  twice  a  day.  In 
all  cases  of  suspected  lead  poisoning  all  utensils  which  have  entered 
into  the  supply  of  feed  or  water  should  be  examined  for  the  presence 
of  solul)le  lead.  If  it  occurs  near  li'ad  works,  great  care  must  be 
given  to  the  supply  of  uncontaminated  fodder,  etc. 

UREMIA. 

Uremic  poisoning  may  atTect  the  brain  in  nephritis,  acute  albumi- 
nuria, or  when,  from  any  cause,  the  functions  of  the  kidneys  become 
impaired  or  suppressed  and  urea  (a  natural  product)  is  no  longer 
eliminated  from  these  organs,  causing  it  to  accumulate  in  the  system 
and  give  rise  to  uremic  poismiing. 


246  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

Uremic  poisoning  is  usually  preceded  by  dropsy  of  the  limbs  or 
abdomen ;  a  peculiar,  fetid  breath  is  often  noticed ;  then  drowsiness, 
attacks  of  diarrhea,  and  general  debility  ensue.  Suddenly  extreme 
stupor  or  coma  develops ;  the  surface  of  the  body  becomes  cold ;  the 
pupils  are  insensible  to  light;  the  pulse  slow  and  intermitting;  the 
breathing  labored,  and  death  supervenes.  The  temperature  through- 
out the  disease  is  seldom  increased,  unless  the  disease  becomes  com- 
plicated with  acute,  inflammatory  disease  of  the  brain  or  respiratory 
organs,  which  often  occur  as  a  result  of  the  urea  in  the  circulation. 
Albumen  and  tube  casts  may  frequently  be  found  in  the  urine.  The 
disease  almost  invariably  proves  fatal. 

Treatment  must  be  directed  to  a  removal  of  the  cause. 

ELECTRIC   SHOCK. 

Electric  shock,  from  coming  in  contact  with  electric  wires,  is  becom- 
ing a  matter  of  rather  frequent  occurrence,  and  has  a  similar  effect 
upon  the  animal  system  as  a  shock  from  lightning.  Two  degrees  of 
electric  or  lightning  shock  may  be  observed,  one  producing  temporary 
contraction  of  muscles  and  insensibility,  from  which  recovery  is  pos- 
sible, the  other  killing  directly,  by  producing  a  condition  of  nervous 
and  general  insensibility.  In  shocks  which  are  not  immediately  fatal 
the  animal  is  usually  insensible,  the  respiration  slow,  labored,  or  gasp- 
ing, the  pulse  slow,  feeble,  and  irregular,  and  the  pupils  dilated  and 
not  sensitive,  or  they  may  be  contracted  and  sensitive.  The  tempera- 
ture is  lowered.  There  may  be  a  tendency  to  convulsions  or  spasms. 
The  predominating  symptoms  are  extreme  cardiac  and  respiratory 
depression. 

Treatment. — Sulphate  of  atropia  should  be  given  hypodermically 
in  one-quarter  grain  doses  every  hour  or  two  hours  until  the  heart 
beats  are  invigorated,  the  number  and  fullness  of  the  respirations 
increased,  and  consciousness  returns.  Stimulating  injections  per  rec- 
tum may  also  be  useful  in  arousing  the  circulation ;  for  this  purpose 
whisky  or  ammonia  water  may  be  used. 


DISEASES  OF  THE   HEART,  BLOOD  VESSELS,  AND 

LYMPHATICS. 

By  M.  R.  Tkumboweb,  V.  S. 
[Revised  l)y  I.oouard  rearson,  15.  S.,  V.  M.  D.] 

ANATOMY   AND   PHYSIOLOGY    OF   THE   HEART   AND    BLOOD 

VESSELS. 

(Pis.  XX  and  XXI.) 

The  lieait  is  a  hollow,  muscular  organ,  situated  a  little  to  the  left 
of  the  center  of  the  chest.  Its  impulse  is  felt  on  the  left  side  on 
account  of  its  location  and  from  the  rotary  movement  of  the  organ 
in  action.  It  is  cone-shaped,  with  the  base  upward ;  the  apex  points 
downward,  backward,  and  to  the  left  side.  It  extends  from  about 
the  third  to  the  sixth  ribs,  inclusive.  The  average  weight  is  about 
7  to  8  pounds.  In  hoi-ses  used  for  speed  the  heart  is  relatively  larger, 
according  to  the  weight  of  the  animal,  than  in  hoi-ses  used  for  slow 
work.  It  is  suspended  from  the  spine  by  the  large  blood  vessels  and 
held  in  position  below  by  the  attachment  of  the  pericardium  to  the 
sternum.  It  is  inclosed  in  a  sac,  the  pericardium,  which  is  com- 
posed of  a  dense  fibrous  membrane  lined  by  a  delicate  serous  mem- 
lirane,  which  is  reflected  over  the  heart;  the  inner  layer  is  firmly 
adherent  to  the  heart,  tlie  outer  to  the  fibrous  sac,  and  there  is  an 
intervening  space,  known  as  the  pericardial  space,  in  which  a  small 
amount  of  serum — a  thin  translucent  liquid — is  present  constantly. 

Tlie  heart  is  divided  by  a  sliallow  fissure  into  a  right  and  left  side; 
each  of  these  is  again  subdivided  by  a  transverse  partition  into  two 
comjiartments  which  conmnniicate.  Thus  there  are  four  cardiac 
cavities — the  superior,  or  ujjper,  ones  called  the  aiuicles;  the  inferior, 
or  lower,  ones  the  ventricles.  These  divisions  are  marked  on  the 
outside  by  grooves,  which  contain  the  cardiac  blood  vessels,  and  are 
generally  filled  with   fat. 

The  right  side  of  the  heart  may  be  called  the  venous  side,  the  left 
the  arterial  side,  named  from  the  kind  of  blood  whicli  passes  thiough 
them.  The  auricles  are  thin-walled  cavities  placed  at  tlie  l)a,se,  and 
are  connected  with  the  great  veins — the  venie  cavae  and  pulmonary 
veins — through  which  they  receive  blocnl  froui  all  jiarts  of  the  body. 
The  auricles  comuumicate  with  the  ventricles  each  by  a  large  upev- 

247 


248  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

ture,  the  aiiriculo-ventricular  orifice,  which  is  furnished  with  a 
remarkable  mechanism  of  valves,  allowing  the  transmission  of  blood 
from  the  auricles  into  the  ventricles,  but  preventing  a  reverse  course. 
The  ventricles  are  thick-walled  cavities,  forming  the  more  massive 
portion  of  the  heart  toward  the  apex.  They  are  separated  by  a  par- 
tition, and  are  connected  with  the  great  arteries — ^the  pulmonary 
artery  and  the  aorta — by  which  they  send  blood  to  all  parts  of  the 
body.  At  the  mouth  of  the  aorta  and  at  the  mouth  of  the  pulmonary 
artery  is  an  arrangement  of  valves  in  each  case  which  prevents  the 
reflux  of  blood  into  the  ventricles.  The  anriculo-ventricular  valve 
in  the  left  side  is  composed  of  two  -flaps,  hence  it  is  called  the 
bicuspid  valve;  in  the  right  side  this  valve  has  three  flaps  and  is 
called  the  tricuspid  valve.  The  flaps  which  form  these  valves  are 
connected  with  a  tendinous  ring  between  the  auricles  and  ventricles ; 
and  each  flap  of  the  auriculo-ventricular  valves  is  supplied  with 
tendinous  cords,  which  are  attached  to  the  free  margin  and  under- 
surf  ace,  so  as  to  keep  the  valves  tense  when  closed — a  condition  which 
is  produced  by  the  shortening  of  muscular  pillars  with  which  the 
cords  are  connected.  The  arterial  openings,  both  on  the  right  and 
on  the  left  side,  are  provided  with  three-flapped  semilunar-shaped 
valves,  to  prevent  the  regurgitation  of  blood  when  the  ventricles 
contract.  The  veins  emptying  into  the  auricles  are  not  capable  of 
closure,  but  the  posterior  vena  cava  has  an  imperfect  valve  at  its 
aperture. 

The  inner  surface  of  the  heart  is  lined  by  a  serous  membrane,  the 
endocardium,  which  is  smooth  and  firmly  adherent  to  the  muscular 
structure  of  the  heart.  This  membrane  is  continuous  with  the  lining 
membrane  of  the  blood  vessels,  and  it  enters  into  the  formation  of 
the  valves. 

The  circulation  through  the  heart  is  as  follows :  The  venous  blood 
is  carried  into  the  right  auricle  by  the  anterior  and  posterior  venaj 
cavte.  It  then  passes  through  the  right  auriculo-ventricular  opening 
into  the  right  ventricle,  thence  through  the  pulmonary  artery  to  the 
lungs.  It  returns  by  the  pulmonary  veins  to  the  left  auricle,  then  is 
forced  through  the  auriculo-ventricular  opening  into  the  left  ven- 
tricle, which  propels  it  through  the  aorta  and  its  branches  into  the 
system,  the  veins  returning  it  again  to  the  heart.  The  circulation, 
therefore,  is  double,  the  pulmonary,  or  lesser,  being  performed  by  the 
right  side,  and  the  systemic,  or  greater,  by  the  left  side. 

As  the  blood  is  forced  through  the  heart  by  forcible  contractions  of 
its  muscular  walls,  it  has  the  action  of  a  force  pump,  and  gives  the 
impulse  at  each  beat,  which  we  call  the  pulse— the  dilatation  of  the 
arteries  throughout  the  system.  The  contraction  of  the  auricles  is 
quickly  followed  by  that  of  the  ventricles,  and  then  a  slight  pause 
occurs ;  this  takes  place  in  regular  rhythmical  order  during  health. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


>'  '<  in'  >■  yf  '0  »>;  * 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


Plate  xxi. 


c  5  ^  <  >  <  :J:  :S  :S 


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?  S  R  5  £ 


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DISEASES  OF  HEART,  BLOOD  VESSELS,  AND  LYMPHATICS.         249 

The  uction  of  the  heart  is  g^overned  aiul  mainlainod  hy  the  pneumo- 
gastric  nerve  (tenth  pair  of  cranial  nerves)  ;  it  is  the  inhibitory 
nerve  of  the  heart,  and  reguhites,  slows,  and  governs  its  action.  \\'hen 
the  nerve  is  cut,  the  heartbeats  increase  rapidly,  and,  in  fact,  the 
organ  works  ■without  control.  When  the  nerve  is  unduly  irritated  the 
hoKlback,  or  inhibitory  force,  is  increased,  and  the  heart  slows  up  in 
the  same  measure.  The  left  cavities  of  the  heart,  the  pulmonary 
veins,  ami  the  aorta,  or  systemic  artery,  contain  red  or  florid  blood, 
fit  to  circulate  through  the  body.  The  right  cavities  of  the  heart, 
with  the  vena3  cava?,  or  systemic  veins,  the  pulmonary  artery,  contain 
dark  blood,  which  must  be  transmitted  through  the  hmgs  for  reno- 
vation. 

The  arteries,  commencing  in  two  great  trunks,  the  aorta  and  the 
pulmonary  artery,  undergo  division,  as  in  the  branching  of  a  tree. 
Their  branches  mostly  come  off  at  acute  angles,  and  are  commonly  of 
imiform  diameter  in  each  case,  but  successively  diminish  after  and  in 
consequence  of  division,  and  in  this  manner  gradually  merge  into  the 
capillary  system  of  blood  vessels.  As  a  general  rule,  the  combined 
area  of  the  branches  is  greater  than  that  of  the  vessels  from  which 
they  emanate,  and  hence  the  collective  capacity  of  the  arterial  system 
is  greatest  at  the  capillary  vessels.  The  same  rule  applies  to  the 
veins.  The  effect  of  the  division  of  the  arteries  is  to  make  the  blooil 
move  more  slowly  along  their  branches  to  the  capillary  vessels,  and 
the  effect  of  the  union  of  the  branches  of  the  veins  is  to  accelerate  the 
speed  of  the  blood  as  it  returns  from  the  capillary  vessels  to  the 
venous  trunks. 

In  the  smaller  vessels  a  frequent  running  together,  or  anastomosis, 
occurs.  This  admits  of  a  free  communication  between  the  currents  of 
blood,  and  must  tend  to  promote  equability  of  distribution  and  of 
pressure,  and  to  obviate  the  effects  of  local  interruption.  The  arteries 
are  highly  elastic,  being  extensile  and  retractile  both  in  length  and 
breadth.  During  life  they  are  also  contractile,  being  provided  with 
muscular  tissue.  Whpn  cut  across  they  present,  although  empty,  an 
open  oiifice;  the  veins,  on  the  other  hand,  collai)se. 

In  most  parts  of  the  body  the  arteries  are  inclosed  in  a  sheath 
formed  of  connective  tissue,  but  are  connected  so  loosely  that,  wlu-ii 
the  vessel  is  cut  across,  its  ends  readily  retract  some  distance  within 
the  sheath.  Independently  of  this  sheath,  arteries  are  usually  de- 
scribed as  being  formed  of  three  coats,  named,  from  the  relative 
positions,  external,  middle,  and  internal.  This  ai)plies  to  their  struc- 
ture so  far  as  it  is  discernible  by  the  naked  eye.  The  internal,  serous, 
or  tunica  intima,  is  the  thinnest,  and  is  continuous  with  the  lining 
membrane  of  the  heart.  It  is  made  up  of  two  layers — an  inner,  con- 
sisting of  a  layer  of  epithelial  scales,  and  an  outer,  transparent, 
whitish,  highly  clastic,    and   perforated.     The   middle   coat,   tunica 


250  DISEASES   OF   THE    HORSE. 

media,  is  elastic,  dense,  and  of  a  yellow  color,  consisting  of  nonstri- 
ated  muscular  and  elastic  fibers,  thickest  in  the  largest  arteries  and 
becoming  thinner  in  the  smaller.  In  the  smallest  vessels  it  is 
almost  entirely  muscular.  The  external  coat,  tunica  adventitia,  is 
composed  mainly  of  fine  and  closely  woven  bundles  of  white  con- 
nective tissue,  which  chiefly  run  diagonally  or  obliquely  around  the 
vessel.  In  this  coat  the  nutrient  vessels,  the  vasa  vasorum,  form  a 
capillary  network,  from  which  a  few  penerate  as  far  as  the  muscular 
coat. 

The  veins  differ  from  arteries  in  possessing  thinner  walls,  less 
elastic  and  muscular  tissue,  and  for  the  most  part  a  stronger  tunica 
adventitia.  They  collapse  when  cut  across  or  when  they  are  empty. 
The  majority  of  veins  are  provided  with  valves;  these  are  folds  of 
the  lining  membrane,  strengthened  by  fibrous  tissue.  They  favor  the 
course  of  the  blood  and  prevent  its  reflux.  The  nerves  which  supply 
both  the  arteries  and  the  veins  come  from  the  sympathetic  system. 
The  smaller  arteries  terminate  in  the  system  of  minute  vessels  known 
as  the  capillaries,  which  are  interposed  between  the  termination  of 
the  arteries  and  the  commencement  of  the  veins.  Their  average 
diameter  is  about  one  three-thousandth  of  an  inch. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  HEART  AND  BLOOD  VESSELS. 

In  considering  diseases  of  the  heart  we  meet  with  many  difficulties, 
depending  much  upon  the  position  which  this  organ  occupies  in  the 
animal.  The  shoulders  cover  so  much  of  the  anterior  portion  of  the 
chest,  and  often  in  very  heavy-muscled  horses  the  chest  walls  are  so 
thick  that  a  satisfactory  examination  of  the  heart  is  attended  with 
difficulty.  Diseases  of  the  heart  are  not  uncommon  among  horses; 
the  heart  and  its  membranes  are  frequently  involved  in  diseases  of 
the  respiratory  organs,  diseases  of  the  kidneys,  rheumatism,  influ- 
enza, etc.  Some  of  the  diseases  of  this  organ  are  never  suspected  by 
the  ordinary  observer  during  life,  and  are  so  difficult  to  diagnose 
with  any  degree  of  certainty  that  we  will  have  to  confine  ourselves 
to  a  general  outline,  giving  attention  to  such  symptoms  as  may  serve 
to  lead  to  a  knowledge  of  their  existence,  with  directions  for  treat- 
ment, care,  etc. 

Nervous  affections  often  produce  prominent  heart  symptoms  by 
causing  functional  disturbance  of  that  organ,  which,  if  removed,  will 
leave  the  heart  restored  to  perfect  vigor  and  normal  action.  Organic 
changes  involving  the  heart  or  valves,  however,  usually  grow  worse 
and  eventually  prove  fatal.  Therefore  it  is  necessary  that  we  arrive 
at  an  appreciation  of  the  true  nature  and  causes  so  that  we  may  be 
able  to  form  a  true  estimate  of  the  possibilities  for  recovery  or  en- 
courasrement  for  medical  treatment. 


DISEASES  OF  HEART,  BLOOD  VESSELS,  AND  LYMPHATICS.         251 

Disease  of  the  heart  may  occur  at  any  a<re.  hut  it  is  witnessed  most 
fre<iueiitly  in  young  horses,  whieh,  when  heing  trained  for  fast  work, 
are  often  subjected  to  excessive  hardship  and  fatigue.  Nervous  or 
timid  animals  also  .suffer  from  sueli  diseases  more  freijuently  than 
those  of  a  shiggish  dis])osition.  Any  cause  wliich  inchices  a  violent 
or  sudden  change  in  the  circuhition  may  result  in  injury  to  the  heart. 
Symptoms  whii'h  may  frefpiently  denote  disease  of  the  heart  are 
dillicult  breathing  or  short-windedness,  dropsies  of  the  limbs,  ha- 
bitual coldness  of  the  extremities,  giddiness  or  fainting  attacks,  in- 
ability to  stand  work,  although  the  general  ai)i)earance  would  indi- 
cate strength  antl  ability,  etc. 

MYOCARDITIS.    OR    INFLAMMATION    OF   THE    MUSCULAR    STRUCTURE    OF   THE 

HEART. 

The  heart  muscle  sometimes  becomes  inflamed  as  a  complication  or 
result  of  the  existence  of  general  or  febrile  and  of  infectious  diseases. 
Severe  influenza  or  infectious  pneumonia  is  not  inf re»|uently  followed 
by  myocarditis.  By  extension  of  inflammation  of  the  endocardium 
or  j^ericiirdium  the  muscle  of  the  heart  may  become  involved.  Over- 
exertion or  especially  hard  work  continued  for  a  long  time  may  cause 
this  muscle  to  become  inflamed. 

Symptoms. — Inflammation  of  the  heart  muscle  is  shown  by  inabil- 
ity to  contract  forcibly.  This  results  in  a  rapid  but  weak,  soft  pulse 
and  irregular  heail  sounds.  The  pulse  may  be  quite  irregular  as  a 
result  of  the  irregular,  tumultuous  action  of  the  heart.  There  is 
great  general  weakness,  shortness  of  breath,  and  rapid  respiiatory 
movements.  In  some  cases,  where  the  muscle  is  very  much  softened 
and  weakened,  or,  peihaps  when  an  abscess  forms  in  the  wall  of  the 
heart,  the  course  of  the  disease  is  very  rapid  and  terminates  suddenly 
from  paralysis  or  rupture  of  the  heart. 

Alterations. — The  heart  muscle  has  a  brownish  or  yellowish,  boiled 
appearance,  and  is  so  brittle  that  it  tears  easily.  There  may  be  a 
spotted  appearance  of  the  muscle  from  the  intense  changes  in  struc- 
ture in  small  areas.  These  .small  areas  may  be  due  to  suppuration,  in 
which  case  they  have  the  chanxcteristics  of  small  abscesses.  This  last 
condition  is  seen  in  pyemia  (blood  poisoning).  If  the  disea.se  is  of 
long  duration,  the  fibrous  tissue  in  the  wall  of  the  heart  may  increase 
to  such  an  extent  as  tt)  produce  an  unnatiiral  hardness  of  the  wall. 

Treatment. — In  this  disea.se  the  nutrition  and  strength  of  the  heart 
should  bo  kept  up  as  much  as  possible  with  go<Kl  focnl,  -good  care, 
and  heart  tonics  and  stimulants.  The  hoi-se  should  be  tempted  to  eat 
such  foods  as  he  will  take;  ho  .should  be  kept  in  an  airy  box  stall;  his 
legs  should  be  well  rubbed  as  often  as  necessary  to  keep  them  warm 
and  bandaged  loosely  with  flannel  bandages.  Internally  the  horse 
may  have  strychnia  in  2-grain  doses  twice  daily,  whisky  in  i-ounce 


252  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

doses  every  two  to  four  hours,  digitalis  in  the  form  of  the  tincture  in 
doses  of  1  dram  every  three  to  six  hours.  Artificial  Carlsbad  salts  in 
heaping  tablespoonf ul  doses  in  the  feed  may  be  given  three  times  daily 
for  a  couple  of  weeks.  Rest  is  of  the  greatest  importance  and  should 
be  allowed  for  a  few  weeks  after  recovery  seems  to  be  complete. 

ENDOCARDITIS.  OR  INFLAMMATION   OF  THE  LINING  MEMBRANE   OF   THE   HEART. 

Endocarditis  frequently  occurs  as  a  complication  of  rheumatism, 
some  of  the  specific  or  zymotic  fevers,  specific  poisoning,  etc.  This 
is  a  more  frequent  disease  among  horses  than  is  generally  known, 
and  often  gives  rise  to  symptoms  which  at  first  are  obscure  and 
unnoticed. 

In  influenza  we  may  find  the  heart  becoming  involved  in  the  dis- 
ease, in  consequence  of  the  morbid  material  conveyed  through  the 
heart  in  the  blood  stream.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  many  affections 
in  even  remote  portions  of  the  body  may  be  traced  directly  to  a 
primary  endocardial  disease,  we  shall  feel  justified  in  inviting  special 
attention  to  this  disease. 

Endocarditis  may  be  acute,  subacute,  or  chronic.  In  acute  inflam- 
mation we  find  a  thickening  and  a  roughened  appearance  of  the 
endocardium  throughout  the  cavities  of  the  heart.  This  condition 
may  be  followed  by  a  coagulation  of  fibrin  upon  the  inflamed  sur- 
face, which  adheres  to  it,  and  by  attrition  soon  becomes  worked  up 
into  shreddy-like  granular  elevations.  This  may  lead  to  a  formation 
of  fibrinous  clots  in  the  heart  and  sudden  death  early  in  the  disease 
the  second  or  third  day. 

Subacute  endocarditis,  which  is  the  most  common  form,  may  not 
become  appreciable  for  several  days  after  its  commencement.  It  is 
characterized  by  being  confined  to  one  or  more  anatomical  divisions 
of  the  heart,  and  all  the  successive  morbid  changes  follow  each  other 
in  a  comparatively  slow  process.  Often  we  would  not  be  led  to 
suspect  heart  affection  were  it  not  for  the  distress  in  breathing,  which 
it  generally  occasions  when  the  animal  is  exercised,  especially  if  the 
valves  are  much  involved.  When  coagula  or  vegetations  form  upon 
the  inflamed  membrane,  either  in  minute  shreds  or  patches,  or  when 
formation  of  fibrinous  clots  occurs  in  the  cavity  affected,  some  of  these 
materials  may  be  carried  from  the  cavity  of  the  heart  by  the  blood 
current  into  remote  organs,  constituting  emboli  that  are  liable  to 
suddenly  plug  vessels  and  thereby  interrupt  important  functions.  In 
the  great  majority  of  either  acute  or  subacute  grades  of  endocarditis, 
whatever  the  exciting  cause,  the  most  alarming  symptoms  disappear 
in  a  week  or  10  days,  often  leaving,  however,  such  changes  in  the 
interior  lining  or  valvular  structures  as  to  cause  impairment  in  the 
circulation  for  a  much  longer  period  of  time.  These  changes  usually 
consist  of  thickening  or  induration  of  the  inflamed  structures.     But 


DISEASES  OF  HEART,  BLOOD  VESSELS,  AND  LYMPHATICS.         253 

while  the  effects  of  the  inflammation  in  the  membrane  lining  the 
walls  of  the  ventricles  may  subside  to  such  a  degree  as  to  cause  little 
or  no  inconvenience,  or  even  wholly  disappear,  yet  after  the  valvular 
structures  have  been  involved,  causing  them  to  be  thicker,  less  flexible 
than  normal,  they  usually  remain,  obsitructing  the  free  passage  of  the 
blood  through  the  openings  of  the  heart,  thereby  inducing  secondary 
changes,  .which  take  place  slowly  at  first,  but  ultimately  seriously 
impair  the  animal's  usefulness.  What  was  but  a  slight  obstruction  to 
the  circulation  during  the  first  few  weeks  after  the  subsidence  of 
the  cardiac  inflammatory  attack  becomes  in  process  of  time  so  much 
increased  as  to  induce  increased  growth  in  the  muscular  structure  of 
the  heart,  constituting  hypertrophy  of  the  walls  of  the  ventricles, 
more  particularly  of  the  left,  with  corresponding  fullness  of  the  left 
auricle  and  pulmonary  veins,  thereby  producing  fullness  of  the  cap- 
illaries in  the  lungs,  pressure  upon  the  air  cells,  difficult  or  asth- 
matic breath.ing — greatly  increased  in  attempts  to  woik — until  in  a 
few  months  many  of  these  ca^es  become  entirely  disabled  for  work. 
Sometimes,  too,  dropsical  effusions  in  the  limbs  or  into  the  cavities 
of  the  body  result  from  the  irregular  and  deficient  circulation. 
Derangement  of  the  urinary  secretion,  with  passive  congestion  of 
the  kidneys,  may  also  appear. 

Endocardial  inflammation  is  seldom  fatal  in  its  early  stages,  but 
in  many  cases  the  recovery  is  incomjilete,  for  a  large  proportion  is 
left  with  some  permanent  thickening  of  the  valves,  which  constitutes 
the  beginning  of  valvular  disease. 

Syjnptoms. — Endocarditis  may  be  ushered  in  by  a  chill,  with  sud- 
den and  marked  rise  in  temperature.  The  pulse  rapidly  decreases 
in  strength  or  may  become  irregular,  while  the  heart  beats  more  or 
less  tumultuously.  In  the  early  stages  soft-blowing  sounds  may  be 
heard  liy  placing  the  ear  over  the  heart  on  the  left  side,  which  corre- 
spond in  number  and  rhythm  to  the  heart's  action.  Excessive  pain, 
though  not  so  great  as  in  acute  pleuritis,  is  manifested  when  the 
animal  is  compelled  to  trot;  very  often  difKculty  in  breathing,  or 
shortness  of  breath,  on  the  slightest  exertion  develops  early  in  the 
attack.  When  the  valves  are  involved  in  the  inflammatory  proces? 
the  visible  mucous  meml)ranes  become  either  very  pale  or  very  dark 
colored,  and  fainting  may  occur  when  the  head  is  suddenly  elevated. 
When  the  valves  of  the  right  side  are  affected  we  may  find  a  regurgi- 
tant pulsation  in  the  jugular  vein.  Occasionally  it  happens  that  the 
heart  contracts  more  frequently  than  the  pulse  beats — that  is,  there 
may  be  twice  as  many  contractions  of  the  heart  in  a  minute  as  there 
are  pulse  waves  in  the  arteries.  The  pulse  is  always  very  fast.  In 
some  cases  we  find  marked  lameness  of  the  left  shoidder,  and  when 
the  animal  is  turned  short  to  the  left  side  he  may  groan  with  pain, 
and  the  heart's  action  become  violently  excited,  although  pressure 


254  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

against  the  chest  wall  will  not  produce  pain  unless  roughly  applied. 
The  animal  is  not  disposed  to  eat  or  drink  much ;  the  surface  of  the 
body  and  legs  are  cold — rarely  excessively  hot — and  frequently  the 
body  of  the  animal  is  in  a  subdued  tremor.  In  nearly  all  cases  there 
is  partial  suppression  of  the  urinary  secretion.  The  symptoms  may 
continue  with  very  little  modification  for  three  or  four  days,  some- 
times seven  days,  without  any  marked  changes.  If  large  fibrinous 
clots  form  in  the  heart  the  change  will  be  sudden  and  quickly  prove 
fatal  unless  they  become  loosened  and  are  carried  away  in  the  cir- 
culation; then  apoplexy  may  result  from  the  plugging  of  arteries 
too  small  to  give  further  transmission.  If  the  animal  manifests 
symptoms  of  improvement,  the  changes  usually  are  slow  and  steady 
until  he  feels  apparently  as  well  as  ever,  eats  well,  and  moves  freely 
in  his  staU  or  yard.  When  he  is  taken  out,  however,  the  seeming 
strength  often  proves  deceptive,  as  he  may  quickly  weaken  if  urged 
into  a  fast  gait,  the  breathing  becomes  quickened  with  a  double  flank 
movement  as  in  heaves,  and  all  the  former  symptoms  reappear  in  a 
modified  degree.  An  examination  at  this  stage  may  reveal  valvular 
insufficiency,  cardiac  hypertrophy,  or  pulmonary  engorgement. 

In  fatal  cases  of  endocarditis  death  often  occurs  about  the  fourth 
day,  from  the  formation  of  heart  clot  or  too  great  embarrassment  of 
the  circulation.  Endocarditis  may  be  suspected  in  all  cases  where 
plain  symptoms  of  cardiac  affection  are  manifested  in  animals  af- 
fected with  influenza,  rheumatism,  or  any  disease  in  which  the  blood 
may  convey  septic  matter. 

Acute  endocardial  inflammation  may  be  distinguished  from  pleu- 
ritis  by  the  absence  of  any  friction  murmur,  absence  of  pain  when  the 
chest  wall  is  percussed,  and  the  absence  of  effusion  in  the  cavity  of 
the  chest.  It  may  be  distinguished  from  pericarditis  by  the  absence 
of  the  friction  sounds  and  want  of  an  enlarged  area  of  dullness  on 
percussion. 

Treatment. — ^The  objects  to  be  attained  by  treatment  will  be  to 
remove  or  mitigate  as  much  as  possible  the  cause  inducing  the  dis- 
ease ;  to  find  a  medicine  which  will  lessen  the  irritability  of  the  heart 
without  weakening  it ;  and,  last,  to  maintain  a  free  urinary  secretion 
and  prevent  exudation  and  hj'pertrophy.  So  long  as  there  is  an 
increase  of  temperature,  with  some  degree  of  scantiness  of  the  urine, 
it  may  be  safe  to  believe  that  there  is  some  degree  of  inflammatory 
action  existing  in  the  cardiac  structures,  and  as  long  as  any  evidence 
of  inflammatory  action  remains,  however  moderate  in  degree,  there 
is  a  tendency  to  increase  or  hypertrophy  of  the  connective  tissue  of 
the  heart  or  valves,  thereby  rendering  it  almost  certain  that  the 
structural  changes  will  become  permanent  unless  counteracted  by 
persistent  treatment  and  complete  rest. 


DISEASES  OF  HEART,  BLOOD   VESSELS,  AND  LYMPHATICS.         255 

The  tincture  of  di<^talis,  in  '20-drop  doses,  repeated  every  lioiir, 
is  perhaps  tlie  most  reliable  agent  we  know  to  control  the  irri- 
tability of  the  heart,  and  this  also  has  a  decided  influence  upon  the 
urinary  secretion.  After  the  desired  impression  ui)on  the  heart  is 
obtained  the  dose  may  be  repeated  every  two  or  three  hours,  or  as 
the  case  may  demand.  Tincture  of  strophanthus,  in  2-dram  doses, 
will  quiet  the  tumultuous  action  of  the  heart  in  some  cases  where  the 
digitalis  fails,  lilociling,  blistering,  and  stimulating  applications  to 
the  chest  should  be  avoided.  They  serve  to  irritate  the  animal  and 
can  do  no  possible  good.  Chlorate  of  potassium  in  2-dram  doses 
may  be  given  in  the  drinking  water  eveiT  four  hours  for  the  first 
five  or  six  days,  and  then  be  superseded  by  the  nitrate  of  potassium 
in  half-ounce  doses  for  the  following  week  or  until  the  urinary 
secretion  becomes  abnormally  profuse.  Where  the  disease  is  asso- 
ciated with  rheumatism,  2-dram  doses  of  salicylate  of  soda  may  be 
substituted  for  the  chlorate  of  potassium.  To  guard  against  chionic 
induration  of  the  vahes,  the  iodid  of  potassium,  in  1  to  2  dram  doses, 
should  be  given  early  in  the  disease  and  may  be  repeated  two 
or  three  times  a  day  for  several  weeks.  When  chronic  eflfects  remain 
after  the  acute  stage  has  passed  this  drug  becomes  indispensable. 

AMien  dropsy  of  the  limbs  develops,  it  is  due  to  weakened  circula- 
tion or  functional  impairment  of  the  kidneys.  When  there  is  much 
weakness  in  the  action  of  the  heart,  or  general  debility  is  marked,  the 
iodid  of  iron,  in  1-dram  doses,  combined  with  hydrastis,  3  drams, 
may  be  given  three  times  a  day.  Arsenic,  in  5-grain  doses  twice  a 
day,  will  give  excellent  results  in  some  cases  of  weak  heart  associated 
with  difficult  breathing.  In  all  cases  absolute  rest  and  warm  stabling, 
with  comfortable  clothing,  become  necessary,  and  freedom  from 
work  should  be  allowed  for  a  long  time  after  all  symptoms  have  dis- 
appeared. 

PERICARDITIS,   OR  INFLAMMATION   OF   THE   SAC   INCLOSING  THE   HEART. 

Causes. — Pericarditis  may  be  induced  by  cold  and  damp  stabling, 
exposure  and  fatigue,  from  wounds  caused  by  broken  ribs,  etc.  Gen- 
erally, however,  it  is  associated  with  an  attack  of  influenza,  rheuma- 
tism, pleuritis,  etc. 

Symptoms. — Usually  the  disease  manifests  itself  abruptly  by  a 
brief  stage  of  chills  coincident  with  pain  in  moving,  a  short  painful 
cough,  rapid  and  short  breathing,  and  high  temperature,  with  a 
rapid  and  hard  pulse.  In  the  early  stages  of  the  disease  the  pulse  is 
regular  in  beat;  later,  when  there  is  much  exudation  j^iesent  in  the 
pericardial  sac,  the  heartbeat  becomes  mullled,  and  may  be  of  a 
d<Hible  or  rebounding  character.  By  placing  the  ear  against  the  left 
side  of  the  chest  behind  the  elbow  a  rasping  sound  may  be  heard,  cor- 


256  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOKSE. 

responding  to  the  frequency  of  the  heartbeat.  This  is  known  as  a 
friction  sound.  Between  the  second  and  fourth  days  this  sound  may 
disappear,  due  to  a  distension  of  the  pericardium  by  an  exudate  or 
serous  effusion.  As  soon  as  this  effusion  partly  fills  the  pericardium, 
percussion  will  reveal  an  abnormally  increased  area  of  dullness  over 
the  region  of  the  heart,  the  heartbeats  become  less  perceptible  than 
in  health,  and  in  some  cases  a  splashing  or  flapping  sound  may  be- 
come audible. 

If  the  effusion  becomes  absorbed,  the  friction  sound  usually  recurs 
for  a  short  time;  this  friction  may  often  be  felt  by  applying  the 
hand  to  the  side  of  the  chest.  In  a  few  cases  clonic  spasms  of  the 
muscles  of  the  neck  may  be  present.  In  acute  pericarditis,  when  the 
effusion  is  rapid  and  excessive,  the  animal  may  die  in  a  few  days  or 
recovery  may  begin  equally  as  early.  In  subacute  or  in  chronic  cases 
the  effusion  may  slowly  become  augmented  until  the  pressure  upon 
the  lungs  and  interference  with  the  circulation  become  so  great  that 
death  will  result.  Whether  the  attack  is  acute,  subacute,  or  chronic, 
the  characteristic  symptoms  wdiich  will  guide  us  to  a  correct  diagnosis 
are  the  friction  sound,  which  is  always  synchronous  with  the  heart's 
action,  the  high  temperature  with  hard,  irritable  pulse,  and,  in  cases 
of  pericardial  effusion,  the  increased  area  of  dullness  over  the  car- 
diac region.  When  the  disease  is  associated  with  influenza  or  rheu- 
matism, some  of  the  symptoms  may  be  obscure,  but  a  careful  exami- 
nation will  reveal  sufficient  evidence  upon  which  to  base  a  diagnosis. 
When  pericarditis  develops  as  a  result  of  or  in  connection  with  pleu- 
ritis,  the  distinction  may  not  be  very  clearly  definable,  neither  will 
many  recover.  When  it  results  from  a  wound  or  broken  rib,  it 
almost  invariably  proves  fatal. 

Pathology. — Pericarditis  may  at  all  times  be  regarded  as  a  very 
serious  affection.  At  first  we  will  find  an  intense  injection  or  accu- 
mulation of  blood  in  the  vessels  of  the  pericardium,  giving  it  a  red 
and  swollen  appearance,  during  which  we  have  the  friction  sound. 
In  24  to  48  hours  this  engorgement  is  followed  by  an  exudation  of 
sero-fibrinous  fiuid,  the  fibrinous  portion  of  which  may  soon  form  a 
coating  over  the  internal  surface  of  the  pericardial  sac,  and  may 
ultimately  form  a  union  of  the  opposing  surfaces.  Generally  this 
adhesion  will  only  be  found  to  occupy  a  portion  of  the  surfaces.  As 
the  serous  or  watery  portion  of  this  effusion  is  absorbed,  the  dis- 
tinctness of  the  friction  sound  recurs,  and  may  remain  perceptible  in 
a  varied  degree  for  a  long  time.  AVhen  the  serous  effusion  is  very 
great,  the  pressure  exerted  upon  the  heart  weakens  its  action,  and 
may  produce  death  soon ;  when  it  is  not  so  great,  it  may  cause  dropsies 
of  other  portions  of  the  body.  When  the  adhesions  of  the  peri- 
cardial sac  to  the  body  of  the  heart  are  extensive,  they  generally  lead 
to  increased  growth,  or  hypertrophy,  of  the  heart,  with  or  without 


DISEASES  OF  HEART,  BLOOD   VESSELS,  AND  LYMPHATICS.         257 

dilatation  of  its  cavities;  when  they  are  but  slight,  they  may  not 
cause  any  inconvenience. 

Treatment. — In  acute  or  subacute  pericarditis  the  tincture  of  digi- 
talis may  be  driven  in  20  to  30  drop  doses  every  hour  until  the  pulse 
and  temperature  become  reduced.  Whisky  or  carbonate  of  anniionia 
may  be  given  regularly  as  stimulants.  Bandages  should  be  applied 
tt)  the  legs;  if  the  legs  are  very  cold,  tincture  of  capsicum  should  be 
lirst  applied;  the  body  should  l)e  warmly  clothed  in  blankets,  to  pro- 
mote perspiration.  When  the  suffering  from  pain  is  very  severe,  10 
grains  of  morphin  may  be  given  by  the  mouth  once  or  twice  a  day; 
nitrate  of  potassium,  half  an  ounce,  in  drinking  water,  every  six 
hours;  after  the  third  day,  iodid  of  potassium,  in  2-dram  doses,  may 
be  substituted.  Cold  packs  to  the  chest  in  the  early  stages  of  the 
disease  nuiy  give  nuirked  relief,  or,  late  in  the  disease,  smart  blisters 
may  be  applied  to  the  sides  of  the  chest  with  benefit.  If  the  disease 
bi'comes  chronic,  iodid  of  iron  and  gentian  to  support  the  strength 
will  be  indicated,  but  the  iodid  of  potassium,  in  1  or  2  dram  doses, 
two  or  three  times  a  day,  must  not  be  abandoned  so  long  as  there  is 
an  evidence  of  effusion  or  plastic  exudate  accumulating  in  the  peri- 
cardial sac.  Where  the  effusicm  is  groat  and  threatens  the  life  of 
the  patient,  tapping  by  an  expert  veterinarian  may  save  the  animal. 

VALVULAR  DISEASE  OF  THE   HEART. 

Acute  valvular  disease  can  not  be  distinguished  from  endocarditis, 
and  chronic  valvular  affections  are  generally  the  result  of  endocar- 
dial inflamnuition.  The  valves  of  the  left  side  are  the  most  subject — 
the  bicuspid  or  mitral  and  the  aortic  or  semihmar.  The  derange- 
ment may  consist  of  mere  inflammation  and  swelling,  or  the  edges  of 
the  valves  may  become  covered  by  the  organizati(>n  of  the  exudation, 
tlnis  narrowing  the  passage.  Valviilar  obstruction  and  adhesions 
may  occur  or  the  tendinous  cords  may  be  lengthened  or  shortened, 
thus  obstructing  the  orifices  and  permitting  the  regurgitation  of 
l)lood.  In  protected  cases  the  fibrous  tissue  of  the  valves  may  be 
transformed  into  fibro-cartilage  or  bone,  or  there  may  be  deposits  of 
salts  of  lime  beneath  the  serous  membrance.  which  may  terminate  in 
ulceration,  rupture,  or  fissures.  Sometimes  the  valves  become  cov- 
ered by  fibrinous,  fleshy,  or  hard  vegetations,  or  excrescences.  In 
cases  of  considerable  dilatation  of  the  heart  there  may  be  atrophy  and 
siirinking  of  the  valves. 

Symptams. — Valvular  disease  may  be  indicated  by  a  venous  pulse, 
jerking  pulse,  intermittent  pidse.  irregular  ])ulse:  jialpitation :  con- 
stant abnoniuil  fullness  of  the  jugular  veins:  dilliculty  of  breathing 
when  the  animal  becomes  excited  or  is  urged  out  of  a  walk  or  into  a 

36444"— 16 17 


258  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

fast  trot ;  attacks  of  vertigo ;  congestion  of  the  brain ;  dropsical  swell- 
ing of  the  limbs.  A  blowing,  cooing,  or  bubbling  murmur  may  some- 
times be  heard  by  placing  the  ear  over  the  heart  on  the  left  side  of 
the  chest. 

Hypertrophy,  or  dilatation,  or  both,  usually  follow  valvular 
disease. 

Treatment. — When  the  pulse  is  irregular  or  irritable,  tonics,  such 
as  preparations  of  iron,  gentian,  and  ginger,  may  be  given.  AVlien 
the  action  of  the  heart  is  jerking  or  violent,  20  to  30  drop  doses  of 
tincture  of  digitalis  or  of  veratrum  viride  may  be  given  until  these 
symptoms  abate.  As  the  disease  nearly  always  is  the  result  of  endo- 
carditis, the  iodid  of  potassium  and  general  tonics,  sometimes  stimu- 
lants, when  general  debility  supervenes,  may  be  of  temporary  benefit. 
Very  few  animals  recover  or  remain  useful  for  any  length  of  time 
after  once  marked  organic  changes  have  taken  place  in  the  valvular 
structure  of  the  heart. 

ADVENTrriOUS  GROWTHS  IN  THE  HEART. 

Fibrous,  cartilaginous,  and  bony  formations  have  been  observed  in 
some  rare  instances  in  the  muscular  tissue.  Isolated  calcareous 
masses  have  sometimes  been  embedded  in  the  cardiac  walls. 
Fibrinous  coagula  and  polypous  concretions  may  be  found  in  the 
cavities  of  the  heart.  The  former  consist  of  coagulated  fibrin,  sepa- 
rated from  the  mass  of  blood,  of  a  whitish  or  yellowish  white  color, 
translucent,  of  a  jellylike  consistence,  and  having  a  nucleus  in  the 
center.  They  may  slightly  adhere  to  the  surface  of  the  cavity,  from 
which  they  can  easily  be  separated  without  altering  the  structure 
of  the  endocardium.  They  probably  result  from  an  excess  of  coagu- 
lability of  fibrin,  which  is  produced  by  an  organization  of  the  lymph 
during  exudation.  They  are  usually  found  in  the  right  auricle  and 
ventricle. 

Polypous^  concretions  are  firmer  than  in  the  preceding,  more 
opaque,  of  a  fibrous  texture,  and  may  be  composed  of  successive 
layers.  In  some  instances  they  are  exceedingly  minute,  while  in 
others  they  almost  fill  one  or  more  of  the  cavities.  Their  color  is 
usually  white,  but  occasionally  red  from  the  presence  of  blood.  They 
firmly  adhere  to  the  endocardium,  and  when  detached  from  it  give  it 
?  torn  appearance.  Occasionally,  a  vascular  communication  seems 
to  exist  between  them  and  the  substance  of  the  heart.  They  may 
be  the  residt  of  fibrinous  exudation  from  inflanmiation  of  the  inner 
surface  of  the  heart  or  the  coagulation  of  a  portion  of  the  blood 
which  afterwards  contracts  adhesion  with  the  heart.  These  con- 
cretions prove  a  source  of  great  inconvenience  and  often  danger,  no 
matter  how  formed.  They  cause  a  diminution  in  the  cavity  in 
which  they  are  found,  thus  narrowing  the  orifice  through  which  the 


DISEASES  OF  HEART,  BLOOD   VESSELS,  AND  LYMPHATICS.         259 

blood  passes,  or  })reventiii<j:  a  proper  coaptation  of  (ho  valvos,  which 
may  produce  most  serious  valvuhir  disesise. 

Symptanis. — Those  are  frequently  uncertain;  they  may,  liowever, 
be  suspected  when  the  action  of  the  heart  suihlenly  becomes  embar- 
rassed with  irreguhir  and  confused  pulsations,  p^reat  dilHculty  of 
breathin*^,  and  the  usual  signs  dependent  upon  the  imperfect  ar- 
terialization  of  the  blood. 

Treatment. — Stimulants,  whisky,  or  carbonate  of  aininonia  may 
be  of  service. 

PALPITATION   OF   THE    HEART. 

This  is  a  tumultuous  and  usually  irregular  beatin«^  of  the  heart. 
It  may  be  due  to  a  variety  of  causes,  both  functional  and  or<j;anic. 
It  may  occur  as  a  result  of  indigestion,  fright,  increased  nervous- 
ness, sudden  excitement,  excessive  speeding,  etc.  (See  "  Thumps," 
p.  225.) 

Symptoms. — The  heart  may  act  with  such  violence  that  each  beat 
may  jar  the  whole  body  of  the  animal;  very  commonly  it  may  be 
heard  at  a  short  distance  away  from  the  animal.  It  can  usually  be 
traced  very  readily  to  the  exciting  cause,  which  we  may  be  able  to 
avoid  or  overcome  in  the  future  and  thereby  obviate  subsequent 
attacks.  Rest,  a  mild  stimulant,  or  a  dose  or  two  of  tincture  of  digi- 
talis or  opium  will  generally  give  prompt  relief.  Wlien  it  is  due  to 
organic  imjiairment  of  the  heart  it  must  be  regarded  as  a  symptom, 
not  as  a  matter  of  primary  specific  treatment. 

SYNCOPE,  OR   FAINTING. 

Actual  fainting  rarely  occurs  among  horses.  It  may,  however,  be 
induced  by  a  rapid  and  great  loss  of  blood,  pain  of  great  intensity,  a 
mechanical  interference  with  the  circulation  of  the  brain,  etc, 

Sy7npt(>m.t. — Syncope  is  characterized  by  a  decrease  or  temporary 
suspension  of  the  action  of  the  heart  and  respiration,  with  partial  or 
total  loss  of  consciousness.  It  generally  occurs  suddenly,  though 
there  may  be  premonitory  symptoms,  as  giddiness,  or  vertigo,  dilated 
pupil,  staggering,  blanching  of  the  visible  mucous  membranes,  a  rap- 
idly sinking  pulse,  and  d!"oj)|iing  to  the  ground.  The  jmlse  is  feeble 
or  ceases  to  beat;  the  surface  of  the  body  turns  cold;  breathing  is 
scarcely  to  be  perceived,  and  the  animal  may  be  entirely  unconscioiLs. 
This  state  is  uncertain  in  duration — generally  it  lasts  only  a  few 
minutes;  the  circulation  becomes  restored,  breathing  becomes  more 
distinct,  and  consciousness  and  mu.scular  strength  return.  In  cases 
attended  with  much  hemorrhage  or  organic  di.seaso  of  the  heart,  the 
fainting  fit  may  be  fatal;  otherwise  it  will  prove  but  a  transient 
occurrence.  In  paralysis  of  the  heart  the  symptoms  may  be  exactly 
similar  to  syncope.    Syncope  may  be  distinguished  from  apoplexy  by 


260  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

the  absence  of  stertorous  breathing  and  lividity  of  the  visible  mu- 
cous membranes. 

Treatment. — Dash  cold  water  on  the  head ;  administer  a  stimu- 
lant— 4  ounces  of  whisky  or  half  an  ounce  of  carbonate  of  ammonia. 
Prevent  the  animal  from  getting  up  too  soon,  or  the  attack  may 
immediately  recur.  Afterwards,  if  the  attack  was  due  to  weakness 
from  loss  of  blood,  impoverished  blood,  or  associated  with  debility, 
general  tonics,  rest,  and  nourishing  food  are  indicated. 

HYPERTROPHY   OF   THE    HEART,   OR   CARDIAC   ENLARGEMENT. 

Hypertrophy  of  the  heart  implies  augmentation  of  bulk  in  its 
muscular  substance,  with  or  without  dilatation  or  contraction  of  its 
cavities.  It  may  exist  with  or  without  other  cardiac  affections.  In 
valvular  disease  or  vah'ular  insufficiency  hypertrophy  frequently  re- 
sults as  a  consequence  of  increased  demand  for  propelling  power. 
The  difficulties  with  which  it  is  most  frequently  connected  are  dilata- 
tion and  ossification  of  the  valves.  It  may  also  occur  in  connection 
with  atrophied  kidneys,  weak  heart,  etc.  It  may  be  caused  by  an 
increased  determination  of  blood  to  the  organ  or  from  a  latent  form 
of  myocarditis,  and  it  may  arise  from  a  long-continued  increase  of 
action  dependent  upon  nervous  disease.  All  the  cavities  of  the  heart 
may  have  their  walls  hypertrophied  or  the  thickening  may  involve 
one  or  more.  AVhile  the  wall  of  a  ventricle  is  thickened,  its  cavity 
may  retain  its  normal  size  (simple  hypertrophy)  or  be  dilated  (eccen- 
tric hypertrophy),  or  it  may  be  contracted  (concentric  hypertrophy). 
Hypertrophy  of  both  ventricles  increases  the  length  and  breadth  of 
the  heart.  Hypertrophy  of  the  left  ventricle  alone  increases  its 
length;  of  the  right  ventricle  {Jone  increases  its  breadth  toward  the 
right  side.  Hj^pertrophy  with  dilatation  may  affect  the  chambers 
of  the  heart  conjointly  or  separately.  This  form  is  by  far  the  most 
frequent  variety  of  cardiac  enlargement.  When  the  entire  heart  is 
affected,  it  assumes  a  globular  appearance,  the  apex  being  almost 
obliterated  and  situated  transversely  in  the  chest.  The  bulk  may 
become  three  or  four  times  greater  than  the  average  heart. 

Symptoms. — In  hypertrophy  of  the  heart,  in  addition  to  the  usual 
symptoms  manifested  in  organic  diseases  of  the  heart,  there  is  a  pow- 
erful and  heaving  impulse  at  each  beat,  which  may  be  felt  on  the  left 
side,  often  also  on  the  right.  These  pulsations  are  regular,  and  when 
full  and  strong  at  the  jaw  there  is  a  tendency  to  active  congestion  of 
the  capillary  vessels,  which  frequently  give  rise  to  local  inflamma- 
tion, active  hemorrhage,  etc.  If  the  pulse  is  small  and  feeble  at  the 
jaw,  we  may  conclude  that  there  is  some  obstacle  to  the  escape  of  the 
blood  from  the  left  ventricle  into  the  aorta,  which  has  given  rise  to 
the  hypertrophy.  In  case  of  hypertrophy  with  dilatation,  the  im- 
pulse is  not  only  powerful  and  heaving,  but  it  is  diffused  over  the 


DISEASES  OF  HEART,  BLOOD   VESSELS,  AND  LYMPHATICS  261 

whole  reo:ion  of  the  heart,  aiul  the  normal  sounds  of  the  heart  are 
g^'eatly  increased  in  intensity.  Percussion  reveals  an  enlar}z:ed  area 
of  dullness,  while  the  impulse  is  usually  much  stronjrer  than  normal. 

Dropsy  of  the  pericardium  will  give  the  same  wide  space  of  dull- 
ness, but  the  impulse  and  sound  are  lessened.  An  animal  with  a 
moderate  degree  of  enlargement  may  possil)ly  live  a  number  of  years 
and  be  capable  of  ordinaiv  work;  it  depends  largely  upon  con- 
comitant disease.  As  a  rule,  an  animal  affected  with  hypertrophy 
of  the  heart  will  soon  be  incapacitated  for  work,  and  becomes  useless 
and  incurable. 

Ttrafmcnf. — If  the  cause  can  be  disco\ered  and  is  removable,  it 
should  be  done.  The  iodid  of  potassium,  in  cases  of  valvular  thicken- 
ing, nuiy  be  of  some  benefit  if  continued  for  a  sufiicient  length  of 
time:  it  may  be  given  in  '2-dram  doses,  twice  a  day,  for  a  month  or 
more.  The  tincture  of  digitalis  may  be  given,  in  cases  where  the 
pulse  is  weak,  in  doses  of  2  teaspoonfuls  three  times  daily.  This 
remedy  should  not  be  continued  if  the  pulse  becomes  irregular. 
General  tonics,  freedom  from  excitement  or  fatigue,  avoidance  of 
bulky  food,  good  ventilation,  etc.,  are  indicated. 

DILATATION'   OF  THE   HEART. 

This  is  an  enlargement,  or  stretching,  of  the  cavities  of  the  heart, 
and  may  be  confined  to  one  or  extend  to  all.  Two  forms  of  dilata- 
tion may  be  mentioned — simple  dilatation,  where  there  is  normal 
thickness  of  the  walls,  and  passive,  or  attenuated,  dilatation,  where 
the  walls  are  simply  distended  or  stretched  out  without  any  addition 
of  substance. 

Causes. — Anj^  cause  producing  constant  and  excessive  exertion  of 
the  heart  may  lead  to  dilatation.  Valvular  disease  is  the  most  fre- 
quent cause.  General  anemia  predisposes  to  it  by  producing  relaxa- 
tion of  muscular  fiber.  Changes  in  the  muscular  tissue  of  tiie  heart 
walls,  serous  infiltration  from  {K'ricarditis,  myocaiditis,  fatty  degen- 
eration and  infiltration,  and  atrophy  of  the  muscular  fibers  may  all 
lead  to  dilatation. 

Syjjiptonis. — The  movements  of  the  lieart  are  feeble  and  pro- 
longed, a  disposition  to  staggering  or  vertigo,  dropsy  of  the  limbs, 
very  pale  or  very  dark-colored  membranes,  and  dillicult  breathing 
on  the  slightest  excitement. 

Treatment. — General  tonics,  rich  ficd.  and  rest. 

FATTY    DEGENERATION   OF   THE    HEART. 

Fatty  degeneration  may  involve  the  whole  organ,  or  may  be  lim- 
ited to  its  walls,  or  even  to  circumscribed  patches.  The  latter  is 
situated  at  the  exterior,  and  gives  it  a  mottled  appearance.     When 


262  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

generally  involved  it  is  flabby  or  flaccid,  and  in  extreme  cases  col- 
lapses when  emptied  or  cut.  Upon  dissection  the  interior  of  the 
ventricles  is  observed  to  be  covered  with  buff-colored  spots  of  a 
singular  zigzag  form.  This  appearance  may  be  noticed  beneath  the 
pericardium,  and  pervading  the  whole  thiclaiess  of  the  ventricular 
walls,  and  in  extreme  cases  those  of  the  fleshy  columns  in  the  interior 
of  the  heart.  These  spots  are  found  to  be  degenerated  muscular 
fibers  and  colonies  of  oil  globules.  Fatty  degeneration  is  often  asso- 
ciated with  other  morbid  conditions  of  the  heart,  such  as  obesity, 
dilatation,  rupture,  aneurism,  etc.  It  may  be  connected  with  fatty 
diseases  of  other  organs,  such  as  the  liver,  kidneys,  etc.  Wlien  it 
exists  alone  its  presence  is  seldom  suspected  previous  to  death.  It 
may  be  secondary  to  hypertrophy  of  the  heart,  to  myocarditis,  or 
to  pericarditis.  It  may  be  due  to  deteriorated  conditions  of  the 
blood  in  wasting  diseases,  excessive  hemorrhages,  etc.,  or  to  poisoning 
with  arsenic  and  phosphorus. 

Symptoms. — The  most  prominent  symptoms  of  fatty  degeneration 
are  a  feeble  action  of  the  heart,  a  remarkably  slow  pulse,  general 
debility,  and  attacks  of  vertigo.  It  may  exist  for  a  long  time,  but  is 
apt  to  terminate  suddenly  in  death  upon  the  occurrence  of  other 
diseases,  surgical  operations,  etc.  It  may  involve  a  liability  to 
sudden  death  from  rupture  of  the  ventricular  walls. 

Treatm£nt. — Confinement  in  feed  to  oats,  wheat  or  rye  bran,  and 
timothy  hay.  Twenty  drops  of  sulphuric  acid  may  be  given  in 
drinking  water  three  times  a  day,  and  hypophosphite  of  iron  in  2- 
dram  doses,  mixed  with  the  feed,  twice  a  day.  Other  tonics  and  stim- 
ulants as  they  may  be  indicated. 

RUPTURE  OF  THE   HEART. 

This  may  occur  as  the  result  of  some  previous  disease,  such  as 
fatty  degeneration,  dilatation  with  weakness  of  the  muscular  walls, 
etc.  It  may  be  caused  by  external  violence,  a  crushing  fall,  pressure 
of  some  great  weight,  etc.  Usually  death  follows  a  rupture  very 
quickly,  though  an  animal  may  live  for  some  time  when  the  rent  is 
not  very  large. 

WEAKNESS  OF  THE   HEART. 

This  may  arise  from  general  debility,  the  result  of  exhausting  dis- 
ease, ovei'work,  or  heart  strain,  or  loss  of  blood.  It  is  indicated  by  a 
small,  feeble,  but  generally  regular  pulse,  coldness  of  the  body,  etc. 

Treatment  should  be  directed  to  support  and  increase  the  strength 
of  the  animal  by  tonics,  rest,  and  nutritious  feed.  Carbonate  of 
ammonia  may  be  given  to  stimulate  the  heart's  action  and  to  prevent 
the  formation  of  heart  clot. 


DISEASES  OF  HEART,  BLOOD   VESSELS,  AND  LYMPHATICS.         263 
CONGESTION    OF   THE    HEART. 

Congestion,  or  an  accunuilation  of  the  blood  in  the  cavities  of  the 
heart,  may  occnr  in  consequence  of  fibrinous  deposits  interfering 
with  the  free  movements  of  the  valves,  u.sually  the  product  of  endo- 
carditis or  as  a  result  of  excessive  umscular  e.xertion. 

Symptoms  are  great  difliculty  of  breathing,  paleness  of  the  visible 
mucous  membranes,  great  anxiety,  frecjuently  accouipanied  by  a  gen- 
eral tremor  and  cold  perspiration,  followed  by  death.  It  usually 
results  in  death  very  quickly. 

CYANOSIS  OF  NEWBORN   FOALS. 

This  is  a  condition  sometimes  found  in  foals  immediately  after 
birth,  and  is  due  to  nonclosure  of  the  foramen  ovale,  which  allows  a 
mixture  of  the  venous  with  the  arterial  blood  in  the  left  cavities  of 
the  heart.  It  is  characterized  by  a  dark  purple  or  bluish  color  of  the 
visible  mucous  membranes,  shortness  of  breath,  and  a  general  feeble- 
ness.    Foals  thus  affected  generally  live  only  a  few  hours  after  birth. 

DISEASES    OF    ARTERIES.    OR    ARTERITIS    AND    ENDARTERITIS. 

Inflammation  of  arteries  is  rarely  observed  in  the  horse  as  a  pri- 
mary affection.  Direct  injuries,  such  as  blows,  may  produce  a  con- 
tusion and  subse(|uent  inflammation  of  the  wall  of  an  artery;  severe 
muscular  strain  may  involve  an  arterial  trunk;  hypertrophy  of  the 
heart,  by  increasing  arterial  tension,  may  result  in  the  production  of 
a  general  endarteritis.  Septic  infection  may  affect  the  inner  coat 
and  ultimately  involve  all  three,  or  it  may  be  the  result  of  an  inflam- 
mation in  the  vicinity  of  the  vessels,  etc.  Inflammation  of  arteries, 
whatever  the  cause  may  be,  often  leads  to  very  serious  results  in  the 
development  of  secondary  changes  in  their  walls.  Arteritis  may  be 
acute,  subacute,  or  chronic;  when  the  inner  coat  alone  is  affected  it 
is  known  as  endarteiitis. 

Si/mptoma. — Arteritis  is  characterized  by  a  ])ainful  swelling  along 
the  inflamed  ves.sel,  throbbing  puLse,  coldness  of  the  parts  su])plied  by 
the  inflamed  vessel,  sometimes  the  foiiuation  of  gangrenous  sloughs, 
suppuration,  abscess,  etc.  In  an  inflaniiuation  of  the  iliac  arteries  we 
find  coldness  and  excessive  lameness  or  ])aralysis  of  one  or  both  hind 
limbs. 

Pathoiof/if. — In  acute  arteritis  we  find  swelling  along  the  vessel, 
loss  of  ela.sticity,  friability,  and  thickening  of  the  walls;  a  roughness 
and  loss  of  gloss  of  the  inner  coat,  with  the  formation  of  congida  or 
pus  in  the  vessel.  Subacute  or  chronic  arteritis  nuiy  affect  only  the 
outer  coat  (periarteritis),  both  the  outer  and  middle  coat,  or  the 
inner  coat  alone  (endarteritis)  ;  and  by  weakening  the  respective 
coats  leads  to  rupture,  aneuri.sm,  or  to  degenerations,  .such  as  bony, 
calcareous,  fatty,  atheromatous,  etc.     It  may  also  lead  to  sclerosis  or 


264  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

increase  of  fibrous  tissue,  especially  in  the  kidneys,  when  it  may  result 
in  the  condition  known  as  arterio-capillary  fibrosis.  Chronic  endar- 
teritis is  fruitful  in  the  production  of  thrombus  and  atheroma.  Ar- 
teritis may  be  limited  to  single  trunks  or  it  may  affect,  more  or  less, 
all  the  arteries  of  the  body.  Arteries  which  are  at  the  seat  of  chronic 
endarteritis  are  liable  to  suffer  degenerative  changes,  consisting 
chiefly  of  fatty  degeneration,  calcification,  or  the  breaking  down  of 
the  degenerated  tissue,  and  the  formation  of  erosions  or  ulcerlike 
openings  in  the  inner  coat.  These  erosions  are  frequently  called 
atheromatous  ulcers,  and  fragments  of  tissue  from  these  ulcers  may 
be  carried  into  the  circulation,  forming  emboli.  Fibrinous  thrombi 
are  apt  to  form  upon  the  roughened  surface  of  the  inner  coat  or  upon 
the  surface  of  the  erosions. 

Fatty  degeneration  and  calcification  of  the  middle  and  outer  coats 
may  occur,  and  large,  hard,  calcareous  plates  project  inward,  upon 
which  thrombi  may  form  or  may  exist  in  connection  with  atheroma 
of  the  inner  coat.  When  there  is  much  thickening  and  increase  of 
new  tissue  in  the  wall  of  the  affected  artery  it  may  encroach  upon  the 
capacity  of  the  vessel, "and  even  lead  to  obliteration.  This  is  often 
associated  with  interstitial  inflammation  of  glandular  organs. 

Treatment. — Carbonate  of  potassium  in  1-dram  doses,  to  be  given 
in  4  ounces  liquor  acetate  of  ammonia  every  six  hours ;  scalded  bran 
sufficient  to  produce  loosening  of  the  bowels,  and  complete  rest; 
externally,  applications  of  hot  water  or  hot  hop  infusion. 

ATHEROMA. 

Atheroma  is  a  direct  result  of  an  existing  chronic  endarteritis,  the 
lining  membrane  of  the  vessels  being  invariably  involved  to  a  greater 
or  less  degree.  It  is  most  frequently  found  in  the  arteries,  although 
the  veins  may  develop  an  atheromatous  condition  when  exposed  to 
any  source  of  prolonged  irritation.  Atheroma  may  affect  arteries  in 
any  part  of  the  body;  in  some  instances  almost  every  vessel  is  dis- 
eased, in  others  only  a  few,  or  even  parts  of  one  vessel.  It  is  a  very 
common  result  of  endocarditis  extending  into  the  aorta,  which  we 
find  perhaps  the  most  frequent  seat  of  atheroma.  As  a  result  of  this 
condition  the  affected  vessel  becomes  impaired  in  its  contractile 
power,  loses  its  natural  strength,  and,  in  consequence  of  its  inability 
to  sustain  its  accustomed  internal  pressure,  undergoes  in  many  cases 
dilatation  at  the  seat  of  disease,  constituting  aneurism.  In  an 
atheromatous  vessel,  calcareous  deposits  soon  occur,  which  render  it 
rigid,  brittle,  and  subject  to  ulceration  or  rupture.  In  such  vessels 
the  conti-actility  is  destroyed,  the  middle  coat  atrophied  and  beyond 
repair.  Atheroma  in  the  vessels  of  the  brain  is  a  frequent  cause  of 
cerebral  apoplexy.  No  symptoms  are  manifested  by  which  we  can 
recognize  this  condition  during  life. 


DISEASES  OF  HEART,  BLOOD   VESSELS,  AND  LYMPHATICS.         265 
CONSTRICTION   OF  AN   ARTERY. 

This  is  usually  the  result  of  arteritis,  and  may  partly  or  wholly  be 
impervious  to  the  flow  of  blood.  When  this  occurs  in  a  large  vessel 
it  may  be  followed  by  gangi-ene  of  the  parts;  usually,  however,  col- 
lateral circulation  will  be  established  to  nourish  the  parts  previously 
supplied  by  the  obliterated  vessel.  In  a  few  instances  constriction  of 
the  aorta  has  produced  death. 

ANEURISM. 

Aneurism  is  usually  described  as  true  or  false.  True  aneurism  is  a 
dilatation  of  the  coats  of  an  artery  over  a  larger  or  smaller  part  of  its 
course.  Such  dilatations  are  usually  due  to  chronic  endarteritis  and 
atheroma.  False  aneurism  is  formed  after  a  puncture  of  an  artery  by 
a  dilatation  of  the  adhesive  lymph  by  which  the  puncture  was  united. 

Symptoms. — If  the  aneurism  is  seated  along  the  neck  or  a  limb  it 
appears  as  a  tumor  in  the  course  of  an  artery  and  pulsating  with  it. 
The  tumor  is  round,  soft,  and  compressible,  and  yields  a  peculiar 
fluctuation  upon  pressure.  By  applying  the  ear  over  it  a  peculiar 
purring  or  hissing  sound  may  sometimes  be  heard.  Pulsation,  syn- 
chronous with  the  action  of  the  heart,  is  the  diagnostic  symptom.  It 
is  of  a  slow,  expansive,  and  heavy  character,  as  if  the  whole  tumor 
were  enlarging  under  the  hand.  Aneurisms  seated  internally  ma}' 
occupy  the  cavity  of  the  cranium,  chest,  or  abdomen.  As  regards  the 
first,  little  is  known  during  life,  for  all  the  symptoms  which  they  pro- 
duce may  arise  from  other  causes.  Aneurism  of  the  anterior  aorta 
may  be  situated  very  closely  to  the  heart  or  in  the  arch,  and  it  is  very 
seldom  that  we  can  distinguish  it  from  disease  of  the  heart.  The 
tumor  may  encroach  upon  the  windpipe  and  produce  difliculty  in 
breathing,  or  it  may  produce  pressure  upon  the  vena  cava  or  the 
thoracic  duct,  obstructing  the  flow  of  blood  and  lymph.  In  fact, 
whatever  pails  the  aneurism  may  reach  or  subject  to  its  pressure,  may 
have  their  functions  suspended  or  disturbed.  When  the  tumor  in  the 
chest  is  large,  we  generally  find  mufh  ii-regularity  in  the  action  of  the 
heart;  the  superficial  veins  of  the  neck  are  distended,  and  there  is 
usually  dropsical  swelling  under  the  breast  and  of  the  limbs.  There 
may  be  a  very  troublesome  cough  witliout  any  evidence  of  lung  affec- 
tion. Sometimes  pulsation  of  the  tumor  may  be  felt  at  the  lower 
part  of  the  neck  where  it  joins  the  chest.  AMien  the  aneurism  occurs 
in  the  posterior  aorta  no  diagnostic  symptoms  are  appreciable;  when 
it  occurs  in  the  internal  iliac  arteries  an  examination  per  rectum  will 
reveal  it. 

There  is  one  form  of  aneurism  which  is  not  infrequently  over- 
looked, affecting  the  anterior  mesenteric  artery,  primarily  induced  by 
a  worm — StrongyJus  vulgaris.    This  worm  produces  an  arteritis,  with 


266  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

atheroma,  degeneration,  and  dilatation  of  tlie  mesenteric  arteries, 
associated  with  thrombus  and  aneurism.  The  aneurism  gives  rise  to 
colic,  which  appears  periodically  in  a  very  violent  and  often  persis- 
tent type.  Ordinary  colic  remedies  have  no  effect,  and  after  a  time 
the  animal  succumbs  to  the  disease.  In  all  cases  of  animals  which  are 
habitually  subject  to  colicky  attacks,  parasitic  aneurism  of  the  an- 
terior mesenteric  artery  may  be  suspected.      (See  p.  92.) 

Pathology. — Aneurisms  may  be  diffuse  or  sacculated.  The  diffuse 
consists  in  a  uniform  dilatation  of  all  the  coats  of  an  artery,  so  that  it 
assumes  the  shape  of  a  cjdindrical  swelling.  The  wall  of  the  aneu- 
rism is  atheromatous,  or  calcified ;  the  middle  coat  may  be  atrophied. 
The  sacculated,  or  circumscribed,  aneurism  consists  either  in  a  dila- 
tation of  the  entire  circumference  of  an  artery  over  a  short  portion 
of  its  length,  or  in  a  dilatation  of  only  a  small  portion  of  one  side  of 
the  wall.  Aneurism  may  become  very  large ;  as  it  increases  in  size  it 
presses  upon  and  causes  the  destruction  of  neighboring  tissues.  The 
cavity  of  the  aneurismal  sac  is  filled  with  fluid  or  clotted  blood  or 
with  layers  of  fibrin  which  adhere  closely  to  its  wall.  Death  is  pro- 
duced usually  by  the  pressure  and  interference  of  the  aneurism  with 
adjoining  organs  or  by  rupture.  In  worm  aneurism  we  usually  find 
large  thrombi  within  the  aneurismal  dilatation  of  the  artery,  which 
sometimes  plug  the  whole  vessel  or  extend  into  the  aorta.  Portions  of 
this  thrombus,  or  clot,  may  be  washed  away  and  produce  embolism  of 
a  smaller  artery.  The  effect  in  either  case  is  to  produce  anemia  of  the 
intestinal  canal,  serous  or  bloody  exudation  in  its  walls,  which  leads 
to  paralysis  of  the  intestine  and  resultant  colicky  symptoms. 

Treatment. — The  only  treatment  advisable  is  to  extirpate  or  ligate 
the  tumor  above  and  below. 

RUPTURE   OF  AN   ARTERY. 

Endarteritis,  with  its  subsequent  changes  in  the  walls  of  arteries,  is 
the  primary  cause  of  rupture  in  the  majority  of  instances.  The  rup- 
ture may  be  partial,  involving  only  one  or  two  coats,  and  will  then 
form  an  aneurism.  If  complete,  it  may  produce  death  when  it  in- 
volves a  large  vessfel,  especially  if  it  is  situated  in  one  of  the  large 
cavities  permitting  an  excessive  escape  of  blood.  Rupture  may  be 
produced  by  mechanical  violence  or  accident. 

Symvtoms. — In  fatal  rupture,  associated  with  profuse  bleeding, 
the  animal  becomes  weak,  the  visible  mucous  membranes  become 
blanched,  the  breathing  hurried  or  gasping,  pupils  dilated,  stagger- 
ing in  gait,  syncope,  death.  When  the  hemorrhage  is  limited  the 
symptoms  may  not  become  noticeable;  if  it  is  near  the  surface  of 
the  body  a  round  or  diffuse  swelling  or  tumor  may  form,  constituting 
a  hygroma.  If  the  rupture  is  associated  with  an  external  woimd, 
the  bleeding  artery  should  be  ligated,  or  where  a  bandage  is  ap- 


DISEASES  OF  HEART,  BLOOD  VESSELS,  AND  LYMPHATICS.         267 

plicable,  pressure  may  be  jipplied  by  tight  btinclugiug.  As  a  sec- 
oiulary  result  of  rupture  of  an  artery  we  may  have  formation  of 
abscess,  gangrene  of  a  part,  etc. 

Treatment. — When  rupture  of  a  deep-seated  artery  is  suspected, 
hirge  doses  of  fluid  extract  of  ergot  nuiy  be  given  to  produce  con- 
traction of  the  bh)()d  vessels.  Tannin  and  iron  arc  also  useful.  The 
animal  should  be  allowed  to  have  as  nuich  water  as  he  desires.  After- 
wards stimulants  and  nourishing  feed  are  indicated. 

THROMBUS    AND    EMBOLISM. 

By  thrombosis  is  generally  understood  the  partial  or  complete  clo- 
sure of  a  vessel  by  a  morbid  product  developed  at  the  site  of  the 
obstruction.  The  conguluin,  which  is  usually  fibrinous,  is  known  as 
a  thrombus.  The  term  "  embolism''  designates  an  obstruction  caused 
by  any  body  detached  and  transported  from  the  interior  of  the  heart 
or  of  some  vessel.  Thrombi  occur  as  the  result  of  an  injury  to  the 
wall  of  the  vessel  or  may  follow  its  compression  or  dilatation;  they 
may  result  from  some  alteration  of  the  wall  of  the  vessel  by  disease 
or  by  the  retardation  of  the  circulation.  These  fornuitions  may 
occur  during  life,  in  the  heart,  arteries,  veins,  or  in  the  portal  system. 
When  a  portion  of  fibrin  coagulates  in  one  of  the  arteries  and  is 
carried  along  i)y  the  circulation,  it  will  be  arrested,  of  course,  in  the 
capillaries,  if  not  before;  when  in  the  veins,  it  may  not  be  stopped 
\mtil  it  reaches  the  lungs;  and  when  in  the  portal  system  the  capil- 
laries of  the  liver  will  prevent  its  further  progress.  The  fornuition 
of  thrombi  may  act  primarily  by  causing  partial  or  complete  obstruc- 
tion, and,  secondarily,  either  by  larger  or  smaller  fragments  becom- 
ing detached  from  their  end  and  by  being  carried  along  by  the 
circulation  of  the  blood  to  remote  vessels,  embolism;  or  by  the  coagu- 
lum  becoming  softened  and  converted  into  pus,  constituting  sup- 
purative phlebitis.  These  substances  occur  most  frequently  in  those 
affections  characterized  by  great  exhaustion  or  debility,  such  as 
pneumonia,  pur])ura  hemorrhagica,  endocarditis,  phlebitis,  puerperal 
fever,  hemorrhages,  etc.  These  concretions  nuiy  form  suddenly  and 
produce  instantaneous  death  by  retarding  the  blood  current,  or  thoy 
nuiy  arise  gradually,  in  which  case  the  thrombi  may  be  organized  and 
attached  to  the  walls  of  the  heart,  or  they  nuiy  soften,  and  frag- 
ments of  them  (emboli)  may  be  carried  away.  The  small,  wartlike 
excrescences  occurring  sometimes  in  endocarditis  nuiy  occasionally 
form  a  foundation  on  which  a  thrombi  may  develop. 

Sijmpto-m^'<. — When  heart  clot,  or  thrombus,  exists  in  the  right  side, 
the  return  of  blood  from  the  body  and  the  aeration  in  the  lungs  is 
impeded,  and  if  death  occurs,  it  is  owing  to  .syncope  rather  than  to 
strangulation  in  pulmonary  respiration.    There  will  be  hurried  and 


268  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

gasping  breathing,  paleness  and  coldness  of  the  surface  of  the  body, 
a  feeble  and  intermittent  or  fluttering  pulse,  and  fainting.  When  a 
fibrinous  coagulum  is  carried  into  the  pulmonary  artery  from  the 
right  side  of  the  heart,  the  indications  are  a  swelling  and  infiltration 
of  the  lungs  and  pulmonary  apoplexy.  Wlien  the  clot  is  situated  in 
the  left  cavities  of  the  heart  or  in  the  aorta,  death,  if  it  occurs,  takes 
place  either  suddenly  or  at  the  end  of  a  few  hours  from  coma. 

Pathology. — When  a  coagulum  is  observed  in  the  heart  it  may  be- 
come a  question  whether  it  was  formed  during  life  or  after  death. 
The  loose,  dark  coagula  so  often  found  after  death  are  polypi.  If 
the  deposition  has  taken  place  during  the  last  moments  of  life,  the 
fibrin  will  be  isolated  and  soft,  but  not  adherent  to  the  walls;  if  it 
be  isolated,  dense,  and  adherent  or  closely  intertwined  with  the 
muscles  of  the  papillae  and  tendinous  cords,  the  deposition  has  oc- 
curred more  or  less  remote  from  the  act  of  dying.  Occasionally  the 
fibrin  may  be  seen  lining  one  of  the  cavities  of  the  heart,  like  a  false 
endocardium,  or  else  forming  an  additional  coat  to  the  aorta  or  other 
large  vessels  without  producing  much  obstruction.  Thrombi,  in 
some  instances,  soften  in  their  centers,  and  are  then  observed  to  con- 
tain a  puslike  substance.  If  this  softening  has  extended  considerably, 
an  outer  shell,  or  cyst,  only  may  remain.  The  sources  of  danger  exist 
not  only  in  the  interruption  of  the  circulation  of  the  blood,  but  also 
in  a  morbid  state  of  the  system,  produced  by  the  disturbed  nutrition 
of  a  limb  or  organ,  as  well  as  the  mingling  of  purulent  and  gan- 
grenous elements  with  the  blood. 

Treatment. — The  urgent  symptoms  should  be  relieved  by  rest, 
stimulants,  and  the  use  of  agents  which  will  act  as  solvents  to  the 
fibrinous  clots.  Alkalis  are  specially  useful  for  this  purpose.  Car- 
bonate of  ammonia  may  be  administered  in  all  cases  of  thrombus, 
and  should  be  continued  for  a  long  time  in  small  doses  several  times  a 
day.  In  cases  of  great  debility  associated  with  a  low  grade  of  fever, 
stimulants  and  tonics,  and  nitro-muriatic  acid  as  an  antiseptic,  may 
be  beneficial. 

DISEASES   OF  VEINS,   OR  PHLEBITIS. 

Inflammation  of  veins  may  be  simple  or  diffuse.  In  simple  phleb- 
itis the  disease  of  the  vein  is  confined  to  a  circumscribed  or  limited 
portion  of  a  vein ;  in  diffuse  it  involves  the  vein  for  a  long  distance ; 
it  may  even  extend  from  a  limb  or  foot  to  the  heart. 

Causes. — Phlebitis  may  be  induced  by  contusions  or  direct  injuries, 
an  extension  of  inflammation  from  surrounding  tissue,  such  as  in 
abscess,  formation  of  tumor,  or  malignant  growth.  It  is  often  due 
to  embolism  of  infective  material,  gangi-enous  matter,  etc.  Blood- 
letting from  the  jugular  vein  is  occasionally  followed  by  dangerous 
phlebitis. 


DISEASES   OF   HEART,  BLOOD   VESSELS,  AND  LYMPHATICS.  269 

Si/Tnptoms. — The  symptoms  vary  according:  to  tho  extent  and  sever- 
ity of  the  infhuuniation.  In  most  cases  the  vein  is  swollen,  thick- 
ened, and  indurated  to  such  a  dep'ee  as  to  resemble  an  artery.  A 
diffused  swelling,  with  great  tenderness,  may  extend  along  the  af- 
fected vessel  and  the  animal  manifest  all  the  symptoms  connected 
with  acute  fever  and  general  functional  disturbance. 

Paf?u>logi/. — The  disease  is  only  serious  when  large  veins  are 
affected.  Tho  coats  undergo  the  same  changes  as  in  arteritis;  clots 
of  blood  and  lymph  plug  the  inflamed  vessel,  and,  if  the  inflannuatory 
process  continues,  these  are  converted  into  pus.  which  ruptures  the 
vessel  and  produces  a  deep  abscess;  or  it  may  be  carried  away  in  the 
circulation  and  produce  metastatic  abscess  in  the  lungs  or  other  i<»- 
mote  organs.  In  mild  cases  the  clots  may  become  absorbed  and  the 
vessel  restored  to  health.  Phlebitis  in  the  course  of  the  veins  of  the 
limbs  frequently  leads  to  numerous  abscesses,  which  may  be  mistaken 
for  farcy  ulcerations.  A  very  common  result  of  phlebitis  is  an  oblit- 
eration o-f  the  affected  portion  of  the  vein,  but  as  collateral  circulation 
is  readily  established  this  is  seldom  of  any  material  inconvenience. 

Trcafm-ciit. — Phlebitis  should  be  treated  by  the  application  of  a 
smart  blister  along  the  course  of  the  inflamed  vessel;  early  opening 
of  any  abscesses  which  may  form;  the  animal  should  have  complete 
rest,  and  the  bowels  be  kept  loose  with  bran  mashes.  TTlien  the  fever 
runs  high,  half-ounce  doses  of  nitrate  of  potassium  may  be  given  in 
tlie  drinking  water,  which  may  be  changed  in  two  or  three  days  for 
1-dram  doses  of  the  iodid  of  potassium.  If  the  animal  becomes  de- 
i)ilitated.  carbonat<^  of  ammonia.  1  dram,  and  powdered  gentian,  3 
drams,  may  be  given  every  six  hours. 

VARICOSE  VEINS,  VARIX,  OR  DILATATION  OF  VEINS. 

This  may  be  a  result  of  weakening  of  the  coats  from  inflammatoiy 
disease  and  degeneration.  It  may  also  be  due  to  mechanical  obstruc- 
tion from  internal  or  external  sources.  It  is  sometimes  found  in  the 
vein  which  lies  superficial  over  the  inside  of  the  hock  joint,  and  may 
be  due  to  the  ])ressure  of  a  spavin.  Occasionally  it  may  be  ol)sei-ved 
in  stallions,  which  are  more  or  less  subject  to  varicocele,  or  dilatation 
of  the  veins  of  the  testicular  cord.  Hemorrhoidal  veins,  or  piles,  are 
occasionally  met  with,  generally  in  horses  which  run  at  pasture. 
Varicose  veins  may  ulcerate  and  form  an  abscess  in  the  surrounding 
tissues,  or  they  may  rupture  from  internal  blood  pressure  and  the 
blood  form  large  tumors  where  the  tissues  are  soft. 

Treatment, — Stallions  which  manifest  a  tendency  to  varicocele 
should  wear  suspensory  bags  when  they  are  exercised.  Piles  may 
often  bo  reduced  by  astringent  washes — tea  nuide  from  white-oak 
bark  or  a  saturated  solution  of  alum.  The  lx>wels  should  be  kept 
loose  with  bran  mashes  and  the  animal  kept  quiet  in  the  stable. 


270  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE, 

When  varicose  veins  exist  superficially  and  threaten  to  produce  incon- 
venience, they  may  be  ligated  above  and  below  and  thus  obliterated. 
Sometimes  absorption  may  be  induced  by  constant  bandages. 

AIR  IN  VEINS,   OR  AIR  EMBOLISM. 

It  was  formerly  supposed  that  the  entrance  of  air  into  a  vein  at  the 
time  of  the  infliction  of  a  wound  or  in  blood-letting  was  extremely 
dangerous  and  very  often  produced  sudden  death  by  interfering  with 
the  circulation  of  the  blood  through  the  heart  and  lungs.  Danger 
from  air  embolism  is  exceedingly  doubtful,  unless  great  quantities 
were  forced  into  a  large  vein  by  artificial  means. 

PURPURA  HEMORRHAGICA. 

Purpura  hemorrhagica  usually  occurs  as  a  sequel  to  debilitating 
diseases,  such  as  strangles,  influenza,  etc.  It  may,  however,  arise  in 
the  absence  of  any  previous  disease  in  badly  ventilated  stables,  among 
poorly  fed  horses,  and  in  animals  subject  to  exhausting  work  and 
extreme  temperatures.  The  disease  is  probably  due  to  some  as  yet 
undiscovered  infectious  principle.  Its  gi-avity  does  not  depend  so 
much  upon  the  amount  of  blood  extra vasated  as  it  does  upon  the  dis- 
turbance or  diminished  action  of  the  vaso-motor  centers. 

SyTnptovis. — This  disease  becomes  manifested  by  the  occurrence  of 
sudden  swellings  on  various  parts  of  the  body,  on  the  head  or  lips, 
limbs,  abdomen,  etc.  These  swellings  may  be  diffused  or  very  mark- 
edly circumscribed,  though  in  the  advanced  stages  they  cover  large 
areas.  They  pit  on  pressure  and  are  but  slightly  painful  to  the  touch. 
The  limbs  may  swell  to  a  very  large  size,  the  nostrils  may  become 
almost  closed,  and  the  head  and  throat  may  swell  to  the  point  of  suf- 
focation. The  swellings  not  infrequently  disappear  from  one  portion 
of  the  body  and  develop  on  another,  or  may  recede  from  the  surface 
and  invade  the  intestinal  mucous  membrane.  The  mucous  lining  of 
the  nostrils  and  mouth  show  more  or  less  dark-red  or  purple  spots. 
There  may  be  a  discharge  of  blood-colored  serum  from  the  nostrils; 
the  tongue  may  be  swollen  so  as  to  prevent  eating  or  closing  of  the 
jaws.  In  the  most  intense  cases,  within  from  twenty-four  to  forty- 
eight  hours  bloody  serum  may  exude  through  the  skin  over  the 
swollen  parts,  and  finally  large  gangrenous  sloughs  may  form.  The 
temperature  is  never  very  high,  the  pulse  is  frequent  and  com- 
pressible, and  becomes  feebler  as  the  animal  loses  strength.  A  cough 
is  usually  present.  The  urine  is  scanty  and  high  colored,  and  when 
the  intestines  are  much  affected  a  bloody  diarrhea  may  set  in,  with 
colicky  pains.  Some  of  the  internal  organs  become  implicated  in  the 
disease,  the  lungs  may  become  edematous,  extravasation  may  occur 
in  the  intestinal  canal,  or  effusion  of  serum  into  the  cavity  of  the 


DISEASES  OF   HEART,  BLOOD    VESSELS,  AND  LYMPHATICS.  271 

chest  or  abdomen;  occasionally  tlie  brain  becomes  affected.  A  few 
cases  run  a  mild  course  and  recovery  may  connneiu-e  in  three  or 
four  days;  generally,  however,  the  outkwk  is  unfavorable.  In  severe 
cases  septic  poisoning  is  liable  to  occur,  which  soon  brings  the  case 
to  a  fatal  issue. 

Pathology. — On  section  we  find  the  cai)illaries  dilated,  the  connec- 
tive tissue  filled  with  a  coagulable  or  coagulate<l  lyni})h,  and  fre- 
quently we  may  discover  gangrenous  spots  beneath  the  skin  or  involv- 
ing the  skin.  The  lymphatic  glands  are  swollen  and  inflamed.  Ex- 
tensive extravasations  of  blood  may  bo  found  embedded  between  the 
coats  of  the  intestines,  or  excessive  effusion  into  the  substance  of 
the  lungs. 

Treatment. — Diffusible  stimulants  and  tonics  should  be  given  from 
the  start.  Carbonate  of  anunonia,  1  dram,  fluid  extract  of  rod  cin- 
chona bark,  2  drams,  and  tincture  of  ginger  half  an  ounce,  with  hall 
a  pint  of  water;  thin  gruel  or  milk  should  be  given  every  four  or  six 
hours.  But  especial  care  should  be  exercised  to  avoid  injury  by 
drenching.  If  the  horse  has  difficulty  in  getting  the  head  up  and 
swallowing,  smaller  doses  must  be  given  with  a  small  hard-rubber 
syringe.  Sulphate  of  iron  in  1-dram  doses  may  be  dissolved  in  water 
and  given  every  six  hours.  Chlorate  of  potassium,  in  2-ounce  doses, 
may  be  given  every  eight  or  twelve  hours.  Colloidal  silver  may  bo 
administered  intravenously  in  doses  of  from  T)  to  12  grains.  Wash- 
ings with  lead  and  alum  water  are  useful  and  may  be  repeated  several 
times  each  day.  If  the  swellings  are  very  great,  they  may  be  incised 
freely  and  the  resulting  wounds  should  be  washed  at  least  twice  daily 
with  a  warm  3  per  cent  solution  of  carbolic  acid  or  other  good  anti- 
septic. Tracheotomy  may  be  necessary.  Complications,  when  they 
arise,  must  be  treated  with  ]:»roper  circumspection. 

DISEASES  OF  THE   LYMPHATIC   SYSTEM. 

The  lymphatic,  or  absorbent,  system  is  connected  with  the  blood- 
vascular  system,  and  consi.sts  of  a  .series  of  tubes  wliich  absorb  and 
convey  to  the  blood  certain  fluids.  These  tubes  lead  to  lymphatic 
glands,  through  which  the  fluids  pass  to  reach  the  right  lyuijihatic 
vein  and  thoracic  duct,  ])oth  of  which  enter  the  venous  system  near 
the  heart.  Through  the  excessively  thin  walls  of  the  capillaries  the 
fluid  part  of  the  blood  transudes  to  nourish  the  tis.sues  outside  the 
cajiillaries;  at  the  same  time  fluid  pas.ses  fi-om  the  ti.ssues  into  the 
blood.  The  fluid,  after  it  passes  into  the  tissues,  constitutes  the 
lymph,  and  acts  like  a  stream  irrigating  the  tissue  elements.  Much  of 
the  surplus  of  this  lyuij>h  j)as.ses  into  the  lymph  vesstds,  which  in  their 
commencement  can  hardly  l)e  treated  as  independent  structures,  since 
their  walls  are  so  closely  joined  with  the  tissues  through  which  they 


272  niSKASKs  ok   iiik  iiohsk. 

pass,  being  nothing  nioio  than  spaces  in  the  connectivo  tissue  until 
they  reach  the  larger  lymph  vessels,  which  finally  em])ty  into  lymph 
ginnils.  These  lymph  glands  are  structures  so  placed  that  the  lymph 
llowing  toward  the  larger  trunks  passes  through  them,  undergoing  a 
sort  of  filtration.  From  the  fact  of  this  arrangement  lymph  glands 
are  subject  to  inlhuumatory  diseases  in  the  vicinity  of  diseased  struc- 
tures, because  infective  material  being  conveyed  in  the  lymph  sti'cam 
lodges  in  the  glands  and  produces  irritation. 

LOCAL  INFLAMMATION  AND  ABSCESS   OF  LYMPHATIC   GLANDS. 

Acute  inthunmation  id'  tlie  lymjih  glands  usually  occurs  in  connec- 
tion with  some  inflammatory  process  in  the  region  from  whicli  its? 
lym[ih  is  gathei'cd.  Several  or  all  of  the  glands  in  a  cluster  may 
become  atl'ected,  as  in  strangles,  nasal  catarrh,  or  nasal  gleet,  diseased 
or  ulcerated  teeth,  the  lymph  glands  between  the  branches  of  tho 
lower  jaw  almost  in\ariably  become  alVected,  which  may  lead  to  sup- 
puration or  induration.  Similar  results  obtain  in  other  portions  of 
the  body;  in  pneumonia  the  bronchial  glands  become  affected;  in 
]>haryngitis  the  postpharyngeal  glands  lying  abo\o  the  trachea  be- 
come all'ected,  etc. 

Si/mptom^'. — The  glands  swell  and  become  painful  to  the  touch,  the 
connective  tissue  surrounding  them  becomes  involved,  suppuration 
usually  takes  place,  antl  one  or  more  abscesses  form.  If  the  inllam- 
nuition  is  of  a  milder  tyi)e,  resolution  may  take  place  and  the  swelling 
recede,  the  exmlative  material  i>cing  absorbed,  and  the  gland  restoicd 
without  the  occurrence  of  suppuration.  In  the  limbs  a  wlude  chain 
of  the  glands  along  the  lymphatic  vessels  may  become  affected,  as  \u 
farcy,  phlebitis,  or  septic  iM)isoning. 

Trcatnunt. — l'\>mentation  with  hot  water  ami  the  application  of 
camphorateil  soap  iininieut  or  camphorated  oil  may  produce  a  revul- 
sive action  ami  prcNcnt  suppuration.  If  there  is  any  indication  of 
abscess  forming,  poultices  of  linseed  meal  ami  bran  made  into  a  jniste 
with  hot  water  should  be  apjdietl,  or  a  mild  blistering  ointment 
rubbed  in  over  the  swollen  glaiul.  As  soon  as  fluctuation  can  be  felt 
a  free  opening  must  be  n\ade  f(U'  the  escape  of  the  containeil  pus. 
The  wound  may  subsequently  be  washed  out  with  a  solution  of 
chlorid  of  zinc.  .'>  grains  to  the  ounce  of  water,  three  times  a  day. 

LYMPHANGITIS. 

Specilic  inflanunation  of  the  lymphatic  structures  usually  affects 
the  hind  legs;  very  seldom  a  fore  leg.  This  disease  is  very  sudden  in 
its  attack,  exceeilingly  painful,  accompanied  by  a  high  temperature 
and  great  general  disturbance. 


DISELASES  OF   HEART,  BLOOD   VESSELS,  AND   LYMPHATICS.         273 

Causes. — Horses  of  lymphatic  or  sluggish  temperament  are  predis- 
posed to  this  affection.  It  usually  attark>  wi'11-fcd  animals,  and  in 
such  cases  may  be  due  to  an  excess  of  nutritive  elements  in  the  blood- 
Sudden  changes  in  work  or  in  the  habits  of  the  animal  may  induce  an 
attack. 

Symptoms. — It  is  usually  ushered  in  by  a  chill,  rise  in  temperature, 
and  some  uneasiness;  in  a  very  short  time  this  is  followed  by  lame- 
ness in  one  leg  and  swelling  on  the  inside  of  the  thigh.  The  swelling 
gradually  surrounds  the  whole  limb  and  continues  on  downward  until 
it  reaches  the  foot.  The  limb  is  excessively  tender  to  the  touch,  the  ani- 
mal perspires,  the  breathing  is  ucr?lerated.  ])ul.se  hard  and  quick,  and 
llie  tcmi>eraturc  may  reach  10G°  F  The  bowels  early  become  very  con- 
stipated and  urine  scanty.  The  sj'mptoms  usually  are  on  the  increase 
for  about  two  days,  then  they  remain  stationary  for  the  same  length 
of  time;  the  fever  then  abates;  the  swelling  recedes  and  becomes  less 
painful.  It  is  very  seldom,  though,  that  all  the  swelling  leaves  the 
leg;  generally  it  leaves  some  permanent  enlargement,  and  the  animal 
becomes  subject  to  recurrent  attacks.  Occasionally  the  inguinal  lymph- 
atic glands  (in  the  groin)  undergo  suppuration,  and  pyemia  may 
supervene  and  prove  fatal.  In  severe  cases  the  limb  Ijecomes  de- 
nuded of  hair  in  patches,  and  the  skin  remains  indurated  with  a 
fibrous  growth,  which  is  known  by  the  name  of  elephantiasis. 

Treatment. — The  parts  should  be  bathed  freely  and  fnMjuently  with 
water  as  hot  as  the  hand  can  bear  and  then  fomented  with  vinegar 
and  water,  equal  parts,  to  which  add  2  ounces  of  nitrate  of  potassium 
for  each  gallon.  This  should  be  applied  frequently,  after  the  hot 
water,  for  the  first  day.  Afterwards  the  leg  may  be  dried  with  a 
woolen  cloth  and  bathed  with  camphorated  soap  liniment.  Internally 
administer  artificial  CarLsbad  salts  in  2  to  4  ounce  doses  three  times 
daily.  Feed  lightly  and  give  complete  rest.  This  treatment,  if  insti- 
tuted ejirly  in  the  attack,  very  fre<juently  brings  about  a  remarkable 
change  within  24  hours. 

30444°— 16 18 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EYE. 

By  James  Law,  F.  R.  C.  Y.  S.. 
Formerly  Professor  of  Teterinarii  Science,  etc.,  Cornell  University. 

We  can  scarcely  overestimate  the  value  of  sound  eyes  in  the  horse, 
and  hence  all  diseases  and  injuries  which  seriously  interfere  with 
vision  are  matters  of  extreme  gravity  and  apprehension,  for  should 
they  prove  j)ermanent  they  invariably  depreciate  the  selling  price  to 
a  considerable  extent.  A  blind  horse  is  always  dangerous  in  the  sad- 
dle or  in  single  harness,  and  he  is  scarcely  less  so  when,  with  partiall}'^ 
impaired  vision,  he  sees  things  imperfectly,  in  a  distorted  form  or  in 
a  wrong  place,  and  when  he  shies  or  avoids  objects  which  are  com- 
monplace or  familiar.  AMien  we  add  to  this  that  certain  diseases  of 
the  eyes,  like  recurring  inflammation  (moon  blindness),  are  habitu- 
ally transmitted  from  parent  to  offspring,  we  can  realize  still  more 
fully  the  importance  of  these  maladies.  Again,  as  a  mere  matter  of 
beauty,  a  sound,  full,  clear,  intelligent  eye  is  something  which  must 
always  add  a  high  value  to  our  equine  friends  and  servants. 

STRUCTURE  OF  THE  EYE. 

(PI.  XXII.) 
THE   EYEBALL. 

A  full  description  of  the  structure  of  the  eye  is  incompatible  with 
our  prescribed  limits,  and  yet  a  short  description  is  absolutely  essen- 
tial to  the  clear  understanding  of  what  is  to  follow. 

The  horse's  eye  is  a  spheroidal  body,  flattened  behind,  and  with  its 
posterior  four-fifths  inclosed  by  an  opaque,  white,  strong  jSbrous 
membrane  (the  sclerotic),  on  the  inner  side  of  which  is  laid  a  more 
delicate,  friable  membrane,  consisting  mainlj'^  of  blood  vessels  and 
pigment  cells  (the  choroid),  which  in  its  turn  is  lined  by  the  ex- 
tremely delicate  and  sensitive  expansion  of  the  nerve  of  sight  (the 
retina).  The  anterior  fifth  of  the  globe  of  the  eye  bulges  forward 
from  what  would  have  been  the  direct  line  of  the  sclerotic,  and  thus 
forms  a  segment  of  a  much  smaller  sphere  than  is  inclosed  by  the 
sclerotic.  Its  walls,  too,  have  in  health  a  perfect  translucencj^,  from 
which  it  has  derived  the  name  of  transparent  cornea.  This  trans- 
parent coat  is  composed,  in  the  main,  of  fibers  with  lymph  interspaces, 
274 


DISEASES   OF    THE   EYE.  275 

and  it  is  to  the  condition  of  these  and  their  condensation  and  com- 
pression that  the  translucency  is  hirgely  due.  Tiiis  may  be  shown 
by  compressing  with  tlie  hn<2:ers  the  eye  of  an  ox  which  has  just  been 
killed,  when  the  cleiir  transparent  cornea  will  suddenly  become 
clouded  over  with  a  whitish-blue  opacity,  and  this  will  remain  until 
the  compression  is  interrupted.  The  interior  of  the  eye  cunlains 
three  transparent  media  for  the  refraction  of  the  rays  of  light  on 
their  way  from  the  cornea  to  the  visual  nerve.  Of  these  media  the 
anterior  one  (aqueous  humor)  is  liijuid,  the  posterior  (vitreous 
humor)  is  semisolid,  and  the  intermediate  one  (crystalline  lens)  is 
solid.  The  space  occupied  by  the  a(iueous  humor  corresponds  nearly 
to  the  portion  of  the  eye  covered  by  the  transparent  cornea.  It  is, 
however,  divided  into  two  chambers,  anterior  and  posterior,  by  the 
iris,  a  contractile  curtain  with  a  hole  in  the  center  (the  pupil),  and 
which  may  be  looked  on  as  in  some  sense  a  projection  inward  of  the 
vascular  and  pigmentary  coat  from  its  anterior  margin  at  the  point 
where  the  sclerotic  or  opaque  outer  coat  becomes  continuous  with  the 
cornea  or  transparent  one.  This  iris,  or  curtain,  besides  its  abun- 
dance of  blood  vessels  and  pigment,  possesses  two  sets  of  muscular 
fibers,  one  set  radiating  from  the  margin  of  the  pupil  to  the  outer 
border  of  the  curtain  at  its  attachment  to  the  sclerotic  and  choroid, 
and  the  other  encircling  the  pupil  in  the  manner  of  a  ring.  The 
action  of  the  two  sets  is  necessarily  antagonistic,  the  radiating  fibers 
dilating  the  pupil  and  exposing  the  interior  of  the  eye  to  view, 
while  the  circular  fibers  contract  this  opening  and  shut  out  the  rays 
of  light.  The  form  of  the  pupil  in  the  horse  is  ovoid,  with  ifs  longest 
diameter  from  side  to  side,  and  its  upper  border  is  fi'inged  by  several 
minute,  black  bodies  (corpora  nigra)  projecting  forward  and  serving 
to  some  extent  the  purpose  of  eyebrows  in  arresting  and  absorbing 
the  excess  of  rays  of  light  which  fall  upon  the  eye  from  above.  These 
pigmentary  projections  in  front  of  the  upper  border  of  the  pupil  are 
often  mistaken  for  the  products  of  disease  or  injury  in  place  of  the 
normal  and  beneficent  jH'otectors  of  the  nerve  of  sight  which  they 
are.  Like  all  other  parts,  they  may  become  the  seat  of  disease,  but  so 
long  as  they  and  the  iris  retain  their  clear,  dark,  aspect,  without  any 
tints  of  brown  or  yellow,  they  may  be  held  to  be  healthy. 

The  vitreous  or  semisolid  refracting  medium  occupies  the  posterior 
part  of  the  eye — the  pait  corresponding  to  the  sclerotic,  choioid.  and 
retina — and  has  a  consistency  corresponding  to  that  of  the  white  of 
an  Qgf^,  and  a  jiower  of  refraction  of  the  light  rays  correspondingly 
greater  than  the  aqueous  humor. 

The  third  or  solid  refra«-ting  medium  is  a  biconvex  lens,  with  its 
convexity  greatest  on  its  posterior  surface,  which  is  lodged  in  a  de- 
pression in  the  vitreous  humor,  while  its  antenor  surface  corresponds 
to  the  opening  of  the  pupil.    It  is  inclosed  in  a  membranous  covering 


276  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

(capsule)  and  is  maintained  in  position  by  a  membrane  (suspensory 
ligament)  Avhich  extends  from  the  margin  of  the  lens  outward  to  the 
sclerotic  at  the  point  of  junction  of  the  choroid  and  iris.  This  liga- 
ment is,  in  its  turn,  furnished  with  radiating,  muscular  fibers,  which 
change  the  form  or  position  of  the  lens  so  as  to  adapt  it  to  see  with 
equal  clearness  objects  at  a  distance  or  close  by. 

Another  point  which  strikes  the  observer  of  the  horse's  eye  is  that 
in  the  darkness  a  bright,  bluish  tinge  is  reflected  from  the  widely 
dilated  pupil.  This  is  owing  to  a  comparative  absence  of  pigment 
in  the  choroid  coat  inside  the  upper  part  of  the  ej^eball,  and  enables 
the  animal  to  see  and  advance  with  security  in  darkness  where  the 
human  eye  would  be  of  little  use.  The  lower  part  of  the  cavity 
of  the  horse's  eye,  into  which  the  dazzling  rays  fall  from  the  sky,  is 
furnished  with  an  intensely  black  lining,  by  which  the  rays  penetrat- 
ing the  inner  nervous  layer  are  instantly  absorbed. 

MUSCLES  OF  THE  EYE. 

These  consist  of  four  straight  muscles,  two  oblique,  and  one  re- 
tractor. The  straight  muscles  pass  from  the  depth  of  the  orbit 
forward  on  the  inner,  outer,  upper,  and  lower  sides  of  the  eyeball, 
and  are  fixed  to  the  anterior  portion  of  the  fibrous  (sclerotic)  coat, 
so  that  in  contracting  singly  they  respectively  turn  the  eye  inward, 
outward,  upAvard,  and  downward.  "When  all  act  together  they  draw 
the  e3'eball  deeply  into  its  socket.  The  retractor  muscle  also  consists 
of  four  ^muscular  slips,  repeating  the  straight  muscles  on  a  smaller 
scale,  but  as  they  are  only  attached  on  the  back  part  of  the  eyeball 
they  are  less  adapted  to  roll  the  eye  than  to  draw  it  down  into  its 
socket.  The  two  oblique  muscles  rotate  the  e^^e  on  its  own  axis,  the 
upper  one  turning  its  outer  surface  upward  and  inward,  and  the 
lower  one  turning  it  downward  and  inward. 

THE  HAW   (THE  WINKING  CARTILAGE,  OR  CARTILAGO  NICTITANS). 

This  is  a  structure  which,  like  the  retractor  muscle,  is  not  found  in 
the  eye  of  man,  but  it  serves  in  the  lower  animals  to  assist  in  remov- 
ing foreign  bodies  from  the  front  of  the  eyeball.  It  consists,  in  the 
horse,  of  a  cartilage  of  irregular  form,  thickened  inferiorly  and  pos- 
teriorly where  it  is  intimately  connected  with  the  muscles  of  the  eye- 
ball and  the  fatt}"  material  around  them,  and  expanded  and  flattened 
anteriorly  where  its  upper  surface  is  concave,  and,  as  it  were,  molded 
on  the  lower  and  inner  surface  of  the  eyeball.  Externally  it  is  cov- 
ered b}^  the  mucous  membrane  which  lines  the  eyelids  and  extends 
over  the  front  of  the  eye.  In  the  ordinary  restful  state  of  the  eye  the 
edge  of  this  cartilage  should  just  appear  as  a  thin  fold  of  membrane 
at  the  inner  angle  of  the  eye,  but  when  the  eyeball  is  drawn  deeply 
into  the  orbit  the  cartilage  is  pushed  forward,  outward,  and  upward 


J.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


Fi,  vi'i"    x:^]i. 


"*^,  fit 


'riioorolical  Sectionofilio  Horse's  Eye. 
a',0;'ti<:  ricr-i-f :    h,  Sclciolrr  ;   c,('/ior<>uf  ^    (/,  fff/tntf  ;    cCornm,    I'.lti.s; 
f/.h.  Ciliary rirrlc.  ior lOju/iirnl  J  nrid  pfocc^.fcs  f/i^-i'ft  ot'l'ffytitc  '/m.-rjid 
thntit/fi   refUT.scfUcc/  ir.ii'.x/latf'/  from  it, in  or'Ucr  lo  uirliratet/ifir  li/iiitA- 
nrcrr  clenrly.    i,  /n.fcriio.-i  nt'lfic  cifiary  i^rc>cefi.-,es- on  the  cryMallinr  len.s-: 
i,Cry.siiilU/ie  ti'/is.    /cOylfi/iinc  aipsiifr ;  I Mtrcou.'!  Ixii/y;    //i./i,.{/i/rri<>r 
(iiitl  posuiior  ilitiiahrr:s,-  t.>,Th€o/TtH(il  i/idtralton  oi"l/i'  rnr/iitiniiir  of 
the  aqueous  I'litnoiin  i>,f>.Tarsi ;    !/,e),l''if)roti^  mcmOrattr  of  t/ic  i-yi{i<l.v; 
r,J'Jl(\-(tior  iiuisclr  of  the  upper  cyclixl :   .•',s,Orhicii/(i/ii  niu.yeir  oft/n; 
evrlid.s:  t.t.S/dii  of  (he  cycliii-v:  ii.,ConfUi;rtiv/i :  v,  h'/>i(lf'rmii    'riyf-rof 
[lii-i  rnctn!>r(i/ir  co\-i'rui</  t/ic  Cor  lira :  .c,  PoiUej-inr  rectxi.'i  muscle  : 
y,.Siiprn{'rirc(nsinti.sch-:    x./n/irior  rrrf'ts  imtscfc ;    i>-,  JubroiiA- 
^/irtit/r  qi'iiic  orhii  (or  oit/itnl  ineitiitrane i . 


tlel.iiisci  lV,\rlK.«il  i> 


DIAGRAMMMIC   VEHTICAL  SECTION  THROUGH   HORSE'S  EYE. 


DISEASES   OF    THE   EYE.  277 

over  it  until  the  entire  globe  may  be  hidden  from  sight.  This  pro- 
trusion of  the  cartilage  so  as  to  cover  tlie  eye  may  be  induced  in  the 
healthy  eye  by  pressing  the  linger  and  tlnimb  on  tiie  upper  and  lower 
lids,  so  as  to  cause  retraction  of  the  eyeball  into  the  soclcet.  When 
foreign  bodies,  such  as  sand,  dust,  and  diaff,  or  otlier  irritants,  have 
fallen  on  the  e3'eball  or  eyelids  it  is  similarly  projected  to  push  them 
off,  their  expulsion  being  further  favored  by  a  profuse  flow  of  tears. 
This  is  seen,  to  a  lesser  extent,  in  all  painful  indammations  of  the 
eye,  and  to  a  very  marked  ilegree  in  lockjaw,  when  the  spasm  of  tlie 
nniscles  of  the  eyeball  draws  the  latter  deeply  into  the  orbit  and  pro- 
jects forward  the  masses  of  fat  and  the  cartilage.  The  brutal  prac- 
tice of  cutting  oil  this  apparatus  whenever  it  is  projected  necessitates 
this  explanation,  which  it  is  hoped  may  save  to  many  a  faithful  serv- 
ant a  most  valuable  appendage.  That  the  cartilage  and  membrane 
nuiy  become  the  seat  of  disease  is  undeniable,  but  so  long  as  its  edge 
is  thin  and  even  and  its  surface  smooth  and  regular  the  mere  fact  of 
its  projection  over  a  portion  or  the  mIioIc  of  the  eyeball  is  no  evi- 
dence of  disease  in  its  substance,  nor  any  warrant  for  its  removal.  It 
is  usually  but  the  evidence  of  the  presence  of  some  pain  in  another 
part  of  the  eye,  which  the  suffering  animal  endoavoi-s  to  iissuage  l)y 
the  use  of  this  beneficent  provision.  For  the  diseases  of  the  cartilage 
itself,  see  "'  Encephaloid  cancer."' 

LACRIMAL  APPARATUS. 

This  consists,  first,  of  a  gland  for  the  secretion  of  the  tears,  and, 
second,  of  a  series  of  canals  for  the  conveyance  of  the  superfluous 
tears  into  the  cavity  of  the  nose. 

The  gland  is  situated  above  the  outer  part  of  the  eyeball,  and  the 
tears  which  have  flowed  over  the  eye  and  reached  the  inner  angle  are 
there  directed  by  a  small,  conical  papilla  (lacrimal  canuu-le)  into 
two  minute  orifices,  and  thence  by  two  ducts  (lacrinud)  to  a  snudl 
pouch  (lacrimal  sac)  from  which  a  canal  leads  through  the  bones 
of  the  face  into  the  nose.  Tliis  opens  in  the  lowei*  part  of  the  nose  on 
the  floor  of  the  passage  and  a  little  outside  the  line  of  union  of  the 
skin  which  lines  the  fahse  nostril  with  the  mucous  membrane  of  the 
nose.  In  the  ass  and  nude  this  opening  is  situated  on  the  roof  instead 
of  the  floor  of  the  nose,  but  still  close  to  the  extermil  opening. 

EXAMINATION  OF  THE  EYE. 

To  avoid  unnecessary  ro])etiti«'n  the  following  general  «lii"octions  are 
given  for  the  examination  of  the  eye  :  The  cnc,  and  to  a  certain  extent 
the  mucous  membrane  lining  the  eyelids,  may  be  exposed  to  view 
by  gently  parting  the  eyelids  with  the  thuml)  and  forefinger  pressed 
on  the  middle  of  the  respective  lids.    The  pressure,  it  is  true,  causes 


278  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

the  protrusion  of  the  haw  over  a  portion  of  the  lower  and  inner  part 
of  the  eye,  but  by  gentleness  and  careful  graduation  of  the  pressure 
this  may  be  kept  within  bounds,  and  oftentimes  even  the  interior  of 
the  eye  can  be  seen.  As  a  rule  it  is  best  to  use  the  right  hand  for  the 
left  eye,  and  the  left  hand  for  the  right,  the  finger  in  each  case  being 
pressed  on  the  upper  lid  while  the  thumb  depresses  the  lower  one.  In 
cases  in  which  it  is  desirable  to  examine  the  inner  side  of  the  eyelid 
further  than  is  possible  by  the  above  means,  the  upper  lid  may  be 
drawn  down  by  the  eyelashes  with  the  one  hand  and  then  everted 
over  the  tip  of  the  forefinger  of  the  other  hand,  or  over  a  probe  laid 
flat  against  the  middle  of  the  lid.  Wlien  the  interior  of  the  eye  must 
be  examined  it  is  useless  to  make  the  attempt  in  the  open  sunshine  or 
under  a  clear  sky.  The  worst  cases,  it  is  true,  can  be  seen  under  such 
circumstances,  but  for  the  slighter  forms  the  horse  should  be  taken 
indoors,  where  all  light  from  above  will  be  shut  off,  and  should  be 
placed  so  that  the  light  may  fall  on  the  eye  from  the  front  and  side. 
Then  the  observer,  placing  himself  in  front  of  the  animal,  will  receive 
the  reflected  rays  from  the  cornea,  the  front  of  the  lens  and  the  back, 
and  can  much  more  easily  detect  any  cloudiness,  opacity,  or  lack  of 
transparency.  The  examination  can  be  made  much  more  satisfactory 
by  placing  the  horse  in  a  dark  chamber  and  illuminating  the  eye  by 
a  lamp  placed  forward  and  outward  from  the  eye  which  is  to  be  exam- 
ined. Any  cloudiness  is  thus  easily  detected,  and  any  doubt  may  be 
resolved  by  moving  the  lamp  so  that  the  image  of  the  flame  may  be 
passed  in  succession  over  the  w^hole  surface  of  the  transparent  cornea 
and  of  the  crystalline  lens.  Three  images  of  the  flame  will  be  seen, 
the  larger  one  upright,  reflected  from  the  anterior  surface  of  the  eye ; 
a  smaller  one  upright,  reflected  from  the  anterior  surface  of  the  lens; 
and  a  second  small  one  inverted  from  the  back  surface  of  the  lens. 

So  long  as  these  images  are  reflected  from  healthy  surfaces  they, 
will  be  clear  and  perfect  in  outline,  but  as  soon  as  one  strikes  on  an 
area  of  opacity  it  will  become  diffused,  cloudy,  and  indefinite.  Thus, 
if  the  large,  upright  image  becomes  hazy  and  imperfect  over  a  partic- 
ular spot  of  the  cornea,  that  will  be  found  to  be  the  seat  of  disease 
and  opacity.  Should  the  large  image  remain  clear,  but  the  small 
upright  one  become  diffuse  and  indefinite  over  a  given  point,  it  indi- 
cates opacity  on  the  front  of  the  capsule  of  the  lens.  If  both  upright 
images  remain  clear  while  the  inverted  one  becomes  indistinct  at  a 
given  point,  then  the  opacity  is  in  the  substance  of  the  lens  itself  or  in 
the  posterior  part  of  its  capsule. 

If  in  a  given  case  the  pupil  remains  so  closely  contracted  that  the 
deeper  parts  of  the  eye  can  not  be  seen,  the  eyelids  may  be  rubbed 
with  extract  of  belladonna,  and  in  a  short  time  the  pupil  will  be 
found  widely  dilated. 


I 


DISE^iSES  OF   THE   EYE.  279 

DISEASES  OF  THE  EYELIDS. 

CONGENITAL   DISORDERS. 

.  Some  faulty  conditions  of  the  eyelids  are  congenital,  as  division 
of  an  eyelid  in  two.  after  the  manner  of  harelii),  al^nonnally  .small 
openinir  between  the  lids,  often  connected  with  imperfect  devel(>i>- 
ment  of  the  eye,  and  closure  of  the  lids  by  adhesion.  The  first  is 
to  be  remedied  by  paring  the  edges  of  the  division  and  then  bring- 
ing tliem  together,  as  in  torn  lids.  Tlie  last  two,  if  remediable  at  all. 
require  separation  by  the  knife,  and  subsequent  treatment  with  a 
cooling  astringent  eyewash. 

NERVOUS  DISORDERS. 

Spasm  of  eyt-.tjos  may  be  owing  to  constitutional  susceptibility,  or 
to  the  presence  of  local  irritants  (insects,  chemical  irritants,  sand, 
etc.)  in  tlie  eye,  to  wounds  or  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane, 
or  to  disease  of  the  brain.  AMien  due  to  local  irritation  it  may  be 
temporarily  overcome  by  instilling  a  few  drops  of  a  4  per  cent  solu- 
tion of  cocaine  into  the  eye,  when  the  true  cause  may  be  ascertained 
and  removed.  The  nervous  or  constitutional  disease  must  be  treated 
according  to  its  nature. 

Drooping  eyelids,  ok  ptosis. — This  Ls  usually  present  in  the  upper 
lid,  or  is  at  least  little  noticed  in  the  lower.  It  is  sometimes  but  a 
symptom  of  paralysis  of  one-half  of  tlie  face,  in  which  case  the  ear. 
lips,  and  nostrils  on  the  same  side  will  be  found  soft,  drooping,  and 
inactive,  and  even  the  half  of  the  tongue  may  partake  of  the  palsy. 
If  the  Siime  condition  exists  on  both  sides,  there  is  difficult,  snuffling 
breathing,  from  the  air  drawing  in  the  flaps  of  the  nostrils  in  inspira- 
tion, and  all  feed  is  taken  in  by  the  teeth,  as  the  Yips  are  useless.  In 
both  there  is  a  free  discharge  of  saliva  from  the  mouth  during  mas- 
tication. This  paralysis  is  a  fre<juent  result  of  injury,  by  a  poke,  to 
the  seventh  nerve,  as  it  passes  over  the  back  of  the  lower  jaw.  In 
some  cases  the  paralysis  is  confined  to  the  lid,  the  injury  having  been 
sustained  by  the  muscles  which  raise  it,  or  by  the  supraorbital  nerve, 
which  emerges  from  tbe  bone  just  above  the  eye.  Such  injufy  to  the 
nerve  may  have  resulted  from  fracture  of  the  orbital  process  of  the 
frontal  bone  above  the  eyeball. 

The  condition  may,  however,  be  due  to  spasm  of  the  sphincter 
muscle,  which  closes  the  lids,  or  to  inflammation  of  the  upper  lid, 
usually  a  result  of  blows  on  the  orbit.  In  the  latter  case  it  may  run 
a  slow  course  with  chronic  thickening  of  the  lid. 

The  paralysis  due  to  the  poke  may  l>e  often  remedied,  fir.st,  by  the 
removal  of  any  remaining  inflammation  by  a  wet  sponge  worn  be- 
neath the  ear  and  kept  in  place  by  a  bandage;  secondly,  wlien  all  in- 
flanmiation  has  passed,  by  a  blister  on  the  same  region,  or  by  rubbing 


280  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

it  daily  with  a  mixture  of  olive  oil  and  strong  aqua  ammonia  in  equal 
proportions.  Improvement  is  usually  slow,  and  it  may  be  months 
before  complete  recovery  ensues. 

In  paralysis  from  blows  above  the  eyes  the  same  treatment  may  be 
applied  to  that  part. 

Thickening  of  the  lid  may  be  treated  by  painting  with  tincture  of 
iodin,  and  that  failing,  by  cutting  out  an  elliptical  strip  of  the  skin 
from  the  middle  of  the  upper  lid  and  stitching  the  edges  together. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  EYELIDS. 

The  eyelids  suffer  more  or  less  in  all  severe  inflammations  of  the 
eye,  whether  external  or  internal,  but  inasmuch  as  the  disease  some- 
times starts  in  the  lids  and  at  other  times  is  exclusively  confined  to 
them,  it  deserves  independent  mention. 

Among  the  causes  may  be  named:  Exposure  to/lrafts  of  cold  air, 
or  to  cold  rain  or  snow  storms ;  the  bites  or  stings  of  mosquitoes,  flies, 
or  other  insects;  snake  bites,  pricks  with  thorns,  blows  of  whip  or 
club ;  accidental  bruises  against  the  stall  or  ground,  especially  during 
the  violent  struggles  of  colic,  enteritis,  phrenitis  (staggers),  and 
when  thrown  for  operations.  It  is  also  a  result  of  infecting  inocula- 
tions, as  of  erysipelas,  anthrax,  boil,  etc.,  and  is  noted  by  Leblanc  as 
especially  prevalent  among  horses  kept  on  low,  marshy  pastures. 
Finally,  the  introduction  of  sand,  dust,  chaff,  beards  of  barley  and 
seeds  of  the  finest  grasses,  and  the  contact  with  irritant,  chemical 
powders,  liquids,  and  gases  (ammonia  from  manure  or  factory, 
chlorin,  strong  sulphur  fumes,  smoke,  and  other  products  of  com- 
bustion, etc.)  may  start  the  inflammation.  The  eyelids  often  imdergo 
extreme  inflammatory  and  dropsical  swelling  in  urticaria  (nettle- 
rash,  surfeit)  and  in  the  general  inflammatory  dropsj'  known  as 
purpura  hemorrhagica. 

The  affection  will,  therefore,  readily  divide  itself  into  (1)  inflam- 
mations due  to  constitutional  causes;  (2)  those  due  to  direct  injury, 
mechanical  or  chemical ;  and  (3)  such  as  are  due  to  inoculation  with 
infecting  material. 

(1)  Inflammations  due  to  constitutional  causes  are  distinguished 
by  the  absence  of  any  local  wound,  and  the  history  of  a  low,  damp 
pasture,  exposure,  indigestion  from  unwholesome  feed,  or  the  pres- 
ence elsewhere  on  the  limbs  or  body  of  the  general,  doughy  swellings 
of  purpura  hemorrhagica.  The  lids  are  swollen  and  thickened;  it 
may  be  slightly  or  it  may  be  so  extremely  that  the  eyeball  can  not  be 
seen.  If  the  lid  can  be  everted  to  show  its  mucous  membrane,  that 
is  seen  to  be  of  a  deep-red  color,  especially  along  the  branching  lines 
of  the  blood  vessels.  The  part  is  hot  and  painful,  and  a  profuse  flow 
of  tears  and  mucus  escapes  on  the  side  of  the  face,  causing  irritation 


DISEASES   OF   TUE   EYE.  281 

and  loss  of  the  hair.  If  improvement  follows,  this  discharge  becomes 
more  tenacious,  and  tends  to  cause  adhesion  to  the  edges  of  the  upper 
and  lower  lids  and  to  mat  together  the  eyelashes  in  bundles.  This 
gradually  decreases  to  tlie  natural  amount,  and  the  redness  and  con- 
gested appearance  of  the  eye  disappears,  but  swelling,  thickening, 
and  stiffness  of  the  lids  may  continue  for  a  time.  There  may  bo 
more  or  less  fever  according  to  the  violence  of  the  inllammation,  but 
so  long  as  there  is  no  serious  disease  of  the  interior  of  the  eye  or  of 
other  vital  organ,  it  is  usually  moderate. 

The  local  treatment  consists  in  astringent,  soothing  lotions  (sugar 
«  f  lead  30  grains,  laudanum  2  teaspoonfuls,  rain  water — l)oiled  and 
cooled — 1  pint),  applied  with  a  soft  cloth  kei)t  wet  with  the  lotion, 
and  hung  over  the  eye  by  tying  it  to  the  headstall  of  the  bridle  on  the 
two  sides.  If  the  mucous  membrane  lining  of  tlie  lids  is  the  seat  of 
little  red  granular  elevations,  a  drop  of  solution  of  2  gi'ains  of  nitrate 
of  silver  in  an  ounce  of  distilled  water  should  be  applied  with  tlie  soft 
end  of  a  clean  feather  to  the  inside  of  the  lid  twice  a  day.  The 
patient  should  be  removed  from  all  such  conditions  (pasture,  faulty 
feed,  exposure,  etc.)  as  may  have  caused  or  aggravated  the  disease, 
and  from  dust  and  irritant  fumes  and  gases.  He  should  be  fed  from 
a  manger  high  enough  to  favor  the  return  of  blood  from  the  head, 
and  should  be  kept  from  work,  especially  in  a  tight  c(;llar  which 
would  prevent  the  descent  of  blood  by  the  jugular  veins.  The  diet 
should  be  laxative  and  nonstimulating  (grass,  bran  mashes,  carrots, 
turnips,  beets,  potatoes,  or  steamed  hay),  and  any  costiveness  shouhl 
be  corrected  by  a  mild  dose  of  raw  linseed  oil  (1  to  1\  pints).  In 
cold  weather  warm  blanketing  may  be  needful,  and  even  loose  flannel 
bandages  to  the  limbs,  but  heat  should  never  l^e  souglit  at  the  expense 
of  pure  air. 

(2)  In  inflanunations  due  to  local  in-itants  of  a  noninfective  kind 
a  careful  examination  will  ustially  i-eveal  their  presence,  and  the  first 
step  must  be  their  remo\  al  with  a  paii-  of  blunt  forceps  or  the  point 
of  a  lead  pencil.  Sui)se(iuent  treatment  will  be  in  tlie  main  the  local 
treatment  advi.»ed  ai)ove. 

(3)  In  case  of  infective  inflammation  there  will  often  be  found  a 
prick  or  tear  by  which  the  septic  matter  has  entered,  and  in  such  case 
tiu^  inflammation  will  for  a  time  be  concentrated  at  that  point.  A 
round  or  conical  swelling  around  an  insect  bite  is  especially  character- 
istic. A  snake  l)ite  is  marked  by  the  double  prick  made  by  the  two 
teeth  and  by  the  violent  and  rapidly  spreading  inflannnation.  Ery- 
sipelas is  attended  with  much  swelling,  extending  beyond  the  lids 
and  causing  the  mu(C)\is  membrane  to  protrude  beyond  the  edge  of 
the  eyelid  (chemosis).  Tliis  is  characterized  by  a  bright,  uniform, 
rosy  red,  disappearing  on  pressure,  or  later  by  a  dark,  livid  hue,  but 
with  less  branching  redness  than  in  noninfecting  inflammation  and 


282  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

less  of  the  dark,  dusky,  brownish  or  yellowish  tint  of  anthrax.  Lit- 
tle vesicles  may  appear  on  the  skin,  and  pus  may  be  found  without 
any  distinct  limiting  membrane,  as  in  abscess.  It  is  early  attended 
with  high  fever  and  marked  general  weakness  and  inappetence.  An- 
thrax of  the  lids  is  marked  by  a  firm  swelling,  surmounted  b}'  a  blis- 
ter, with  bloody  serous  contents,  which  tends  to  burst  and  dry  up 
into  a  slough,  while  the  surrounding  parts  become  involved  in  the 
same  way.  Or  it  may  show  as  a  diffuse,  dropsical  swelling,  with  less 
of  the  hard,  central  sloughing  nodule,  but,  like  that,  tending  to  spread 
quickly.  In  both  cases  alike  the  mucous  membrane  and  the  skin,  if 
white,  assumes  a  dusky-brown  or  j'ellowish-brown  hue,  which  is 
largely  characteristic.  This  may  pass  into  a  black  color  by  reason 
of  extravasation  of  blood.  Great  constitutional  disturbance  appears 
early,  with  much  prostration  and  weakness  and  generalized  anthrax 
sj'mptoms. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  will  vary  according  to  the  severity. 
Insect  bites  may  be  touched  with  a  solution  of  equal  parts  of  glycerin 
and  aqua  ammonia,  or  a  10  i>er  cent  solution  of  carbolic  acid  in  water. 
Snake  bites  may  be  bathed  with  aqua  ammonia,  and  the  same  agent 
given  in  doses  of  2  teaspoonfuls  in  a  quart  of  water,  or  alcohol  may 
be  given  in  pint  or  quart  doses,  according  to  the  size  of  the  animal. 
In  erysipelas  the  skin  may  be  painted  with  tincture  of  chlorid  of 
iron,  or  with  a  solution  of  20  grains  of  iodin  in  an  ounce  of  carbolic 
acid,  and  one-half  an  ounce  of  tincture  of  chlorid  of  iron  may  be 
given  thrice  daily  in  a  bottle  of  water.  In  anthrax  the  swelling 
should  be  painted  with  tincture  of  iodin,  or  of  the  mixture  of  iodin 
and  carbolic  acid,  and  if  very  threatening  it  may  have  the  tincture  of 
iodin  injected  into  the  swelling  with  a  hypodermic  syringe,  or  the 
hard  mass  may  be  freely  incised  to  its  depth  with  a  sharp  lancet  and 
the  lotion  applied  to  the  exposed  tissues.  Internally,  iodid  of  potas- 
sium may  be  given  in  doses  of  2  drams  thrice  a  day,  or  tincture  of 
the  chlorid  of  iron  every  four  hours. 

STY,  OR  FURUNCLE    (fiOIL)   OF  THE  EYELID. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  limited  extent,  advancing  to  the  forma- 
tion of  matter  and  the  sloughing  out  of  a  small  mass  of  the  natural 
tissue  of  the  eyelid.  It  forms  a  firm,  rounded  swelling,  usually  near 
the  margin  of  the  lid,  which  suppurates  and  bursts  in  four  or  five 
days.  Its  course  may  be  hastened  by  a  poultice  of  camomile  flowers, 
to  which  have  been  added  a  few  drops  of  carbolic  acid,  the  whole 
applied  in  a  very  thin  muslin  bag.  If  the  swelling  is  slow  to  open 
after  having  become  yellowish  white,  it  may  be  opened  by  a  lancet, 
the  incision  being  made  at  right  angles  to  the  margin  of  the  lid. 


DISEASES   OF   THE    EVE.  283 

ENTROPION    AND    ECTROPION,    OR    INVERSION    AND    EVERSION    OF    THE    EYELID. 

These  are  respectively  caused  bv  wouiuls,  sluiiglis,  ulcers,  or  other 
causes  of  loss  of  substance  of  the  nuicous  luenibiane  on  the  inside  of 
the  lid  and  of  the  skin  on  the  outside:  also  of  tunu)rs,  skin  diseases, 
or  paralysis  which  leads  to  displacement  of  the  margin  of  the  eyelid. 
As  a  rule,  they  ie(|uire  a  surjjica!  operation,  with  lenioval  of  an  ellip- 
tical portion  of  the  mucous  membrane  or  skin,  as  the  case  may  be,  but 
which  requires  the  skilled  and  delicate  hand  of  the  surgeon. 

TRICHIASIS. 

This  consists  in  the  turning  in  of  the  eyelashes  so  as  to  irritate  the 
front  of  the  eye.  If  a  single  eyelash,  it  may  be  snipped  olF  with  scis- 
sors close  to  the  margin  of  the  eyelid  or  pulled  out  by  the  root  with  a 
pair  of  flat-bladed  forceps.  If  the  divergent  lashes  are  more  numer- 
ous, the  treatment  may  be  as  for  entropion,  by  excising  an  elliptical 
portion  of  skin  opposite  the  offending  lashes  and  stitching  the  edges 
together,  so  as  to  draw  outward  the  margin  of  the  lid  at  that  point. 

WARTS  AND  OTHER  TUMORS   OF  THE   EYELIDS. 

The  eyelids  form  a  favorite  site  for  tumors,  and  above  all,  warts, 
which  consist  in  a  simple  diseased  overgrowth  (hypertrophy)  of  the 
surface  layers  of  the  skin.  If  small,  they  may  be  snipped  off  with 
scissors  or  tied  around  the  neck  with  a  stout,  waxed  thread  and  left 
to  drop  off.  the  destruction  being  com[)leted,  if  necessary,  by  the 
daily  application  of  a  piece  of  sulphate  of  copper  (blue  vitriol), 
until  any  unhealthy  material  has  been  removed.  If  more  widely 
spread,  the  wart  may  still  be  clipped  off  with  curved  scissors  or 
knife,  and  the  caustic  thoroughly  applied  day  by  day. 

A  bleeding  wart,  or  erectile  tumor,  is  more  liable  to  bleed,  and  is 
best  removed  by  constricting  its  neck  with  the  waxed  cord  or  rubber 
baiul,  or  if  too  broad  it  may  be  transfixed  through  its  base  by  a 
needle  armed  with  a  double  thread,  which  is  then  to  be  cut  in  two 
and  tied  around  the  two  portions  of  the  neck  of  the  tumor.  If  still 
broader,  the  armed  needle  may  lie  carried  through  the  base  of  the 
tumor  at  regular  intervals,  so  that  the  whole  nuiy  be  tied  in  moder- 
ately sized  .sections. 

In  gray  and  in  white  horses  black,  pigmentary  tumors  (melanotic) 
are  common  on  the  black  portions  of  skin,  stub  as  the  eyelids,  and  are 
to  be  removed  by  scissoi-s  or  knife,  according  to  their  size.  In  the 
horse  they  do  not  usually  tend  to  recur  when  thoroughly  removed, 
luit  at  time^  they  prove  cancerous  (as  is  the  rule  in  man),  and  then 
they  tend  to  reap|)ear  in  the  same  site  or  in  internal  organs  with,  it 
mav  be,  fatal  effect. 


284  DISEASES   OF    THE   HGBSE. 

Encysted,  honeylike  (meliceroiis),  sebaceous,  and  fibrous  tumors  of 
the  lids  all  require  removal  Avith  the  knife. 

TORN  EYELIDS  OR  WOUNDS  OF   EYELIDS. 

The  eyelids  are  torn  by  attacks  with  horns  of  cattle,  or  with  the 
teeth,  or  by  getting  caught  on  nails  in  stall,  rack,  or  manger,  on  the 
point  of  stumps,  fences,  or  fence  rails,  on  the  barbs  of  wire  fences, 
and  on  other  pointed  bodies.  The  edges  should  be  brought  together 
as  promptly  as  possible,  so  as  to  effect  union  without  the  formation  of 
matter,  puckering  of  the  skin,  and  unsightly  distortions.  Great  care 
is  necessary  to  bring  the  two  edges  together  evenly  without  twisting 
or  puckering.  The  simplest  mode  of  holding  them  together  is  by  a 
series  of  sharp  pins  passed  through  the  lips  of  the  wound  at  intervals 
of  not  more  than  a  third  of  an  inch,  and  held  together  by  a  thread 
twisted  around  each  pin  in  the  form  of  the  figure  8,  and  carried 
obliquely  from  pin  to  i^in  in  two  directions,  so  as  to  prevent  gaping 
of  the  wound  in  the  intervals.  The  points  of  the  pins  may  then  be 
c-ut  off  with  scissors,  and  the  wound  may  be  wet  twice  a  day  with  a 
weak  solution  of  carbolic  acid. 

TUMOR  OF  THE  HAW,  OR  CARIES  OF  THE  CARTILAGE. 

Though  cruelly  excised  for  alleged  ''"  hooks,"  when  itself  perfectly 
healthy,  in  the  various  diseases  which  lead  to  retraction  of  the  eye 
into  its  socket,  the  haw  may,  like  other  bodily  structures,  be  itself  the 
seat  of  actual  disease.  The  pigmentary,  black  tumors  of  white  horses 
and  soft  (encephaloid)  cancer  may  attack  this  part  primarily  or 
extend  to  it  from  the  eyeball  or  eyelids ;  hairs  have  been  found  grow- 
ing from  its  surface,  and  the  mucous  membrane  covering  it  becomes 
inflamed  in  common  with  that  covering  the  front  of  the  eye.  These 
inflammations  are  but  a  phase  of  the  inflammation  of  the  externa] 
structures  of  the  eye,  and  demand  no  particular  notice  nor  special 
treatment.  The  tumors  lead  to  such  irregular  enlargement  and  dis- 
tortion of  the  haw  that  the  condition  is  not  to  be  confounded  with 
the  simple  projection  of  the  healthy  structure  over  the  eye  when  the 
lids  are  pushed  apart  with  the  finger  and  thumb,  and  the  same  re- 
mark applies  to  the  ulceration,  or  caries,  of  the  cartilage.  In  tlie 
latter  case,  besides  the  swelling  and  distortion  of  the  haw,  there  is 
this  peculiarity,  that  in  the  midst  of  the  red  inflamed  mass  there 
appears  a  white  line  or  mass  formed  by  the  exposed  edge  of  the 
ulcerating  cartilage.  The  animal  having  been  thrown  and  properly 
fixed,  an  assistant  holds  the  eyelids  apart  while  the  operator  seizes 
the  haw  with  forceps  or  hook  and  carefully  dissects  it  out  with  blunt- 
pointed  scissors.  The  eye  is  then  covered  with  a  cloth,  kept  wet 
with  an  eyewash,  as  for  external  ophthalmia. 


DISEASES    OF    THE   EYE.  285 

OBSTRUCTION  OF  THE  LACRIMAL  APPARATUS,  OR  WATERING 

EYE. 

The  escai)e  of  teaib  on  the  tiicle  of  the  cheek  is  a  svinptoiu  of  exter- 
nal infhiuunation  of  the  eye,  but  it  nnxy  also  occur  from  any  disease 
of  the  lacrimal  apparatus  Nvhich  interferes^  Avith  the  normal  prog- 
ress of  the  tears  to  the  no>e;  hence,  in  all  cases  when  this  symptom 
is  not  attended  with  special  redness  (ir  swelling  of  the  eyelids,  it  is 
well  to  examine  the  lacrimal  ap[)aratus.  In  some  instances  the  orilice 
of  the  lacrimal  duct  on  the  iloor  of  the  nasal  chamber  and  close  to 
its  anterior  outlet  will  be  found  blocked  by  a  i)ortion  of  dry  muco- 
purulent matter,  on  the  removal  of  which  tears  may  begin  to  escape. 
This  implies  an  inllammation  of  the  canal,  which  may  be  helped  by 
occasional  sponging  out  of  the  nose  with  warm  water,  and  the  a})- 
plication  of  the  same  on  the  face.  Another  remedy  is  to  feed  warm 
mashes  of  wheat  bran  from  a  nosebag,  so  that  the  relaxing  effects 
of  the  water  vapor  nuiy  be  secured. 

The  two  lacrimal  openings,  situated  at  the  uiner  angle  of  the  eye, 
may  fail  to  admit  the  tears  by  reason  of  their  deviation  outward  in 
connection  with  the  e version  of  the  lower  lid  or  b}'  reason  of  their 
constriction  in  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane.  The  lacrimal 
sac,  into  which  the  lacrimal  ducts  open,  may  fail  to  discharge  its 
contents  by  reason  of  constriction  or  closure  of  the  duct  leading  to  the 
nose,  and  it  then  forms  a  rounded  swelling  beneath  the  inner  angle  of 
the  eye.  The  duct  leading  froui  the  sac  to  the  nose  may  be  compressed 
or  obliterated  by  fractures  of  the  bones  of  the  face,  and  in  disease  of 
these  bones  (osteosarcoma,  so-called  osteoporosis,  diseased  teeth, 
glanders  of  the  nasal  sinuses,  abscess  of  the  same  cavities). 

The  narrowed  or  obstructed  ducts  may  be  made  pervious  by  a  fine, 
silver  probe  passed  down  to  the  lacrimal  sac,  and  any  existing  inflam- 
mation of  the  passages  may  be  counteracted  by  the  use  of  steaming 
mashes  of  wheat  bran,  by  fomentations  or  wet  cloths  over  the  face, 
and  even  by  the  use  of  astringent  eyewashes  and  the  injection  of 
similar  lifjuids  into  the  lacriuial  canal  from  its  nasal  opening.  The 
ordinary  eyewash  may  be  used  for  this  purpose,  or  it  may  be  injected 
after  dilution  to  half  its  strength.  The  fractures  and  diseases  of  the 
bones  and  teeth  must  be  treated  according  to  their  special  demands 
when,  if  the  canal  is  still  left  ])ervif)ns.  it  may  be  again  rendered 
useful. 

EXTERNAL  OPHTHALMIA,  OR  CONJUNCTIVITIS. 

In  inflammation  of  the  outer  parts  of  the  eyeball  the  exposed  vas- 
cular and  sensitive  mucous  membrane  (conjunctiva)  which  covers  the 
ball,  the  eyelids,  the  haw,  and  the  lacrimal  apparatus,  is  usiuilly  the 
most  deeply  involved,  yet  adjacent  parts  are  more  or  less  implicated, 
and  when  disease  is  concentrated  on  these  contiguous  parts  it  consti- 


286  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

tutes  a  phase  of  external  opththalmia  which  demands  a  special  notice. 
These  have  accordingly  been  already  treated  of. 

Causes. — The  causes  of  external  opththalmia  are  mainly  those  that 
act  locally — blows  with  whips,  clubs,  and  twigs,  the  presence  of  for- 
eign bodies,  like  hayseed,  chaff,  dust,  lime,  sand,  snuff,  pollen  of 
plants,  flies  attracted  by  the  brilliancy  of  the  eye,  wounds  of  the 
bridle,  the  migration  of  the  scabies  (mange)  insect  into  the  eye, 
smoke,  ammonia  arising  from  the  excretions,  irritant  emanations 
from  drying  marshes,  etc.  Road  dust  containing  infecting  microbes 
is  a  common  factor.  A  very  dry  air  is  alleged  to  act  injuriously  by 
drying  the  eye  as  well  as  by  favoring  the  production  of  irritant  dust ; 
the  undue  exposure  to  bright  sunshine  through  a  window  in  front  of 
the  stall,  or  to  the  reflection  from  snow  or  water,  also  is  undoubtedly 
injurious.  The  unprotected  exposure  of  the  eyes  to  simshine  through 
the  use  of  a  very  short  overdraw  check  is  to  be  condemned,  and  the 
keeping  of  the  horse  in  a  very  dark  stall,  from  which  it  is  habitually 
led  into  the  glare  of  full  sunlight,  intensified  by  reflection  from  snow 
or  white  limestone,  must  be  set  down  among  the  locally  acting  causes. 
Exposure  to  cold  and  wet,  to  wet  and  snow  storms,  to  cold  drafts  and 
wet  lairs  must  also  be  accepted  as  causes  of  conjunctivitis,  the  gen- 
eral disorder  which  they  produce  affecting  the  eye,  if  that  happens  to 
be  the  weakest  and  most  susceptible  organ  of  the  body,  or  if  it  has 
been  subjected  to  any  special  local  injury,  like  dust,  irritant  gases,  or 
excess  of  light.  Again,  external  opththalmia  is  a  constant  concom- 
itant of  inflammation  of  the  contiguous  and  continuous  mucous  mem- 
branes, as  those  of  the  nose  and  throat — hence  the  red,  watery  eyes 
that  attend  on  nasal  catarrh,  sore  throat,  influenza,  strangles,  nasal 
glanders,  and  the  like.  In  such  cases,  however,  the  affection  of  the 
eye  is  subsidiary  and  is  manifestly  overshadoAved  by  the  primary  and 
predominating  disease. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  watering  of  the  eye,  swollen  lids, 
redness  of  the  mucous  membrane  exposed  by  the  separation  of  the 
lids — it  may  be  a  mere  pink  blush  with  more  or  less  branching  red- 
ness, or  it  may  be  a  deep,  dark  red,  as  from  effusion  of  blood — and  a 
bluish  opacity  of  the  cornea,  which  is  normally  clear  and  translucent. 
Except  when  resulting  from  wounds  and  actual  extravasation  of 
blood,  however,  the  redness  is  seen  to  be  superficial,  and  if  the  opacity 
is  confined  to  the  edges,  and  does  not  involve  the  entire  cornea,  the 
aqueous  humor  behind  is  seen  to  be  still  clear  and  limpid.  The  fever 
is  always  less  severe  than  in  internal  ophthalmia,  and  runs  high  only 
in  the  worst  cases.  The  eyelids  may  be  kept  closed,  the  eyeball  re- 
tracted, and  the  haw  protruded  over  one-third  or  one-half  of  the  ball, 
but  this  is  due  to  the  pain  only  and  not  to  any  excessive  sensibility  to 
light,  as  shown  by  the  comparatively  widely  dilated  pupil.  In  in- 
ternal ophthalmia,  on  the  contrary,  the  narrow,  contracted  pupil  is 


DISEASES  OP   THE   EYE.  28*7 

the  measure  of  the  pain  caused  by  the  falling  of  light  on  the  inflamed 
and  sensitive  optic  nerve  (retina)  and  clioroid. 

If  tlie  all'ection  luis  resulted  from  a  wound  of  the  cornea,  not  only 
is  that  the  point  of  greatest  opacity,  forming  a  white  speck  or  fleecy 
cloud,  but  too  often  blood  vessels  begiu  to  extend  from  the  adjacent 
vascular  covering  of  the  eye  (sclerotic)  to  the  white  si)ot,  and  that 
portion  of  the  cornea  is  rendered  permanently  opaque.  Again,  if  the 
wound  has  been  se\ere,  though  still  short  of  cutting  iuto  tlie  anterior 
layers  of  the  cornea,  the  injury  iiuiy  lead  to  ulceration  ihat  nuiy  pene- 
trate more  or  less  deeply  and  leave  a  breach  in  the  tissue  which,  if 
fdlcd  up  at  all,  is  repaired  by  opaque  fibrous  tissue  in  place  of  the 
transparent  cellular  structure.  Pus  may  form,  and  the  cornea  as- 
sumes a  yellowish  tinge  and  bursts,  giving  rise  to  a  deep  sore  which 
is  liable  to  extend  as  an  ulcer,  ami  may  be  in  its  turn  followed  by 
bulging  of  the  cornea  at  that  point  (staphyloma).  This  inflamma- 
tion of  the  conjunctiva  nuiy  be  simply  catarrhal,  with  profuse  muco- 
purulent discharge:  it  may  be  granular,  the  surface  being  covered 
with  minute  reddish  elevations,  or  it  may  become  the  seat  of  a  false 
membrane  (diphtheria ) . 

Treatment. — In  treating  external  ophthalmia  the  first  object  i.^  the 
removal  of  the  cause.  Remove  any  dust,  chart",  thorn,  or  other  for- 
eign body  from  the  conjunctiva,  purify  the  stable  from  all  sources  of 
ammoniacal  or  other  irritant  gas;  keep  the  horse  from  dusty  roads, 
and,  above  all,  from  the  proximity  of  a  leading  wagon  and  its  attend- 
ant cloud  of  dust:  remove  from  pasture  and  feed  from  a  rack  which 
is  neither  so  high  as  to  drop  seeds,  etc..  into  the  eyes  nor  so  low  as  to 
favor  the  accumulation  of  blood  in  the  head :  avoid  equally  excess  of 
light  from  a  sunny  window  in  front  of  the  stall  and  excess  of  darkness 
from  the  absence  of  windows;  preserve  from  cold  drafts  and  rains 
and  wet  bedding,  and  apply  curative  measures  for  inflammation  of 
the  adjacent  mucous  membranes  or  skin.  If  the  irritant  has  been  of  a 
caustic  nature,  remove  any  remnant  of  it  by  persistent  bathing  with 
tepid  water  and  a  soft  sponge,  or  with  water  mixed  with  white  of  egg, 
or  a  glass  filled  with  the  li(|uid  may  be  inverted  over  the  eye  so  that 
its  contents  may  dilute  and  remove  the  irritant.  If  the  sutFering  is 
very  severe,  a  lotion  with  a  few  grains  of  extract  of  Ixdladonna  or  of 
morphia  in  an  ounce  of  water  may  be  applied,  or,  if  it  is  available, 
a  few  drops  of  4  per  cent  solution  of  cocaine  may  be  instilled  into 
the  eye. 

In  strong,  vigorous  patients  benefit  will  usually  be  obtained  from  a 
laxative,  such  as  2  tal)lespoonfuls  of  CJlauber's  salt  daily,  and  if  the 
fever  runs  high  from  a  daily  dose  of  half  an  ounce  of  saltpeter.  As 
local  applications,  astringent  solutions  are  usually  the  l)est,  as  30 
grains  of  borax  or  of  sulphate  of  zinc  in  a  quart  of  water,  to  be  ap- 
plied constantly  on  a  cloth,  as  advised  under  "  Inflammation  of  the 


288  DISEASES   OF   THE   HOBSE, 

eyelids."  In  the  absence  of  anything  better,  cold  water  may  serve 
every  purpose.  Above  all,  adhesive  and  oily  agents  (molasses,  sugar, 
fats)  are  to  be  avoided,  as  only  adding  to  the  irritation.  By  way  of 
suggesting  agents  that  may  be  used  with  good  effect,  salt  and  sulphate 
of  soda  may  be  named,  in  solutions  double  the  strength  of  sulphate  of 
zinc,  or  7  grains  of  nitrate  of  silver  may  be  added  to  a  quart  of  dis- 
tilled water,  and  will  be  found  especially  applicable  in  gi*anular  con- 
junctivitis, diphtheria,  or  commencing  ulceration.  A  cantharides 
blister  (1  part  of  Spanish  fly  to  -i  parts  lard)  may  be  rubbed  on  the 
side  of  the  face  3  inches  below  the  eye,  and  washed  off  next  morning 
M^ith  soapsuds  and  oiled  daily  till  the  scabs  are  dropped. 

WHITE  SPECKS  AND  CLOUDINESS  OF  THE  CORNEA. 

As  a  result  of  external  ophthalmia,  opaque  specks,  clouds,  or  hazi- 
ness are  too  often  left  on  the  cornea  and  require  for  their  removal 
that  they  be  daily  touched  with  a  soft  feather  dipped  in  a  solution  of 
3  gi'ains  nitrate  of  silver  in  1  ounce  distilled  water.  This  should  be 
applied  until  all  inflammation  has  subsided,  and  until  its  contact  is 
comparatively  painless.  It  is  rarely  successful  with  an  old,  thick  scar 
following  an  ulcer,  nor  with  an  opacity  having  red  blood  vessels 
running  across  it. 

ULCERS  OF  THE  CORNEA. 

These  may  be  treated  with  nitrate  of  silver  lotion  of  twice  the 
strength  used  for  opacities.  Powdered  gentian,  one-half  ounce,  and 
sulphate  of  iron,  one-fourth  ounce,  daily,  may  improve  the  general 
health  and  increase  the  reparatory  power. 

INTERNAL  OPHTHALMIA   (IRITIS,  CHOROIDITIS,  AND  RETINITIS). 

Although  inflammations  of  the  iris,  choroid,  and  retina — the  inner, 
vascular,  and  nervous  coats  of  the  eye — occur  to  a  certain  extent  inde- 
pendently of  ea?h  other,  yet  one  usually  supervenes  upon  the  other, 
and,  as  the  symptoms  are  thus  made  to  coincide,  it  will  be  best  for 
our  present  purposes  to  treat  the  three  as  one  disease. 

Causes. — The  causes  of  internal  ophthalmia  are  largely  those  of  the 
external  form  only,  acting  with  greater  intensity  or  on  a  more  suscep- 
tible eye.  Severe  blows,  bruises,  punctures,  etc.,  of  the  eye,  the 
penetration  of  foreign  bodies  into  the  eye  (thorns,  splinters  of  iron, 
etc.),  sudden  transition  from  a  dark  stall  to  bright  sunshine,  to  the 
glare  of  snow  or  water,  constant  glare  from  a  sunny  window,  abuse 
of  the  overdraw  checkrein,  vivid  lightning  flashes,  drafts  of  cold, 
damp  air ;  above  all.  when  the  animal  is  perspiring,  exposure  in  cold 
rain  or  snowstorms,  swimming  cold  rivers;  also  certain  general 
diseases  like  rheumatism,  arthritis,  influenza,  and  disorders  of  the 


DISEASES   OP"   THE   EYE.  289 

digestive  organs,  may  bccouK'  coniplicati'd  by  this  affection.  From 
the  close  relation  between  the  brain  and  eye — alike  in  the  blood  ves- 
sels and  nerves — disorders  of  the  first  lead  to  affection  of  the  second, 
and  the  same  remark  applies  to  the  persistent  irritation  to  Avhich  the 
jaws  are  subjected  in  the  course  of  dentition.  So  potent  is  the  last 
agency  that  we  dread  a  recurrence  of  ophthalmia  so  long  as  dentition 
is  incomplete,  and  hope  for  immunity  if  the  animal  completes  its 
dentition  without  any  permanent  structural  change  in  the  eye. 

iSi/mptom^. — The  symptoms  will  vary  according  to  the  cause.  If 
the  attack  is  due  to  direct  physical  injury,  the  inlhunmation  of  the 
eyelids  and  superficial  structures  nuiy  be  quite  as  marked  as  that  of 
the  interior  of  the  eye.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  from  general  causes,  or 
as  a  complication  of  some  distant  disease,  the  affection  may  be  largely 
confined  to  the  deeper  structures,  and  the  swelling,  redness,  and  ten- 
derness of  the  superficial  structures  will  be  less  marked.  "When  the 
external  coats  thus  comparatively  escape,  the  extreuie  anterior  edge  of 
the  white  or  sclerotic  coat,  Avhere  it  overlaps  the  border  of  the  trans- 
parent cornea,  is  in  a  measure  free  from  congestion,  and,  in  the  ab- 
sence of  the  obscuring  dark  pigment,  forms  a  whitish  ring  arounil  the 
cornea.  This  is  partly  due  to  the  fact  that  a  series  of  arteries  (cili- 
ary) passing  to  the  inflamed  iris  penetrate  the  sclerotic  coat  a  short 
distance  behind  its  anterior  border,  and  there  is  therefore  a  uiaiked 
difference  in  color  between  the  general  sclerotic  occupied  between 
these  congested  vessels  and  the  anterior  rim  from  which  they  arc 
absent.  Unfortunately,  the  pigment  is  often  so  abundant  in  the 
anterior  part  of  the  sclerotic  as  to  hide  this  symptom.  In  internal 
ophthalmia  the  opacitv  of  the  cornea  may  be  confined  to  a  zone 
around  the  outer  inargin  of  the  cornea,  and  even  this  may  be  a  bluish 
haze  rather  than  a  deep,  fleecy  white.  In  consequence  it  becomes  impos- 
.sible  to  see  the  intei'ior  of  the  chauiber  for  the  a(]ueous  humor  and  the 
condition  of  the  iris  and  pupil.  The  a(iueous  humor  is  usually  turbid, 
and  has  numerous  yellowish-white  flakes  floating  on  its  substance 
or  deposited  in  the  lower  i)art  of  the  chamber,  so  as  to  cut  off  the 
view  of  the  lower  portion  of  the  iris.  The  still  visible  portion  of 
the  iris  has  lost  its  natural,  clear,  dark  luster,  which  is  replaced  by 
a  brownish  or  yellowish  sere-leaf  .color.  This  is  more  marked  in 
])roportion  as  the  iris  is  inflamed,  and  less  so  as  the  inflannnaticm  is 
confined  to  the  choroid.  The  quantity  of  flocculent  deposit  in  the 
chamber  of  the  aqueous  humor  is  also  in  direct  ratio  to  the  inflaunna- 
tion  of  the  iris.  Perhaps  the  most  marked  feature  of  internal  ()ph- 
thalmia  is  the  extreme  and  painful  sensitiveness  to  light.  On  this 
account  the  lids  are  usually  closed,  but  when  opened  the  pupil  is 
seen  to  be  narrowly  closed,  even  if  the  animal  has  been  kept  in  a 
darkened  stall.     Exceptions  to  this  are  seen  when  inflammatory  effu- 

36444°— 10 19 


290  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOBSE. 

sion  has  overfilled  the  globe  of  the  eye.  and  by  pressure  on  the  retina 
has  paralyzed  it,  or  when  the  exudation  into  the  substance  of  the 
retina  itself  has  similarly  led  to  its  paralysis.  Then  the  pupil  may 
be  dilated,  and  frequenth^  its  margin  loses  its  regular,  ovoid  outline 
and  becomes  uneven  bv  reason  of  the  adhesions  which  it  has  con- 
tracted with  the  capsule  of  the  lens,  through  its  inflammatory  exu- 
dations. In  the  case  of  excessive  effusion  into  the  globe  of  the  eye 
that  is  found  to  have  become  tense  and  hard  so  that  it  can  not  be 
indented  with  the  tip  of  the  finger,  paralysis  of  the  retina  is  liable  to 
result.  "With  such  paralysis  of  the  retina,  vision  is  heavily  clouded 
or  entirely  lost ;  hence,  in  spite  of  the  open  pupil,  the  finger  may  be 
approached  to  the  eye  without  the  animal's  becoming  conscious  of  it 
until  it  touches  the  surface,  and  if  the  nose  on  the  affected  side  is 
gently  struck  and  a  feint  made  to  repeat  the  blow  the  patient  makes 
no  effort  to  evade  it.  Sometimes  the  edges  of  the  contracted  pupil 
become  adherent  to  each  other  by  an  intervening  plastic  exudation, 
and  the  opening  becomes  virtually  abolished.  In  severe  inflamma- 
tions pus  may  form  in  the  choroid  or  iris,  and  escaping  into  the 
cavity  of  the  aqueous  humor  show  as  a  yellowish-white  stratum  be- 
low. In  nearly  all  cases  there  is  resulting  exudation  into  the  lens 
or  its  capsule,  constituting  a  cloudiness  or  opacity  (cataract) ,  which 
in  severe  and  old-standing  cases  appears  as  a  white,  fleecy  ijiass  be- 
hind a  widely  dilated  pupil.  In  the  slighter  cases  cataract  is  to  be 
recognized  by  examination  of  the  eye  in  a  dark  chamber,  with  an  ob- 
lique side  light,  as  described  in  the  introduction  to  this  article.  Cata- 
racts that  appear  as  a  simple  haze  or  indefinite,  fleecy  cloud  are 
usually  on  the  capsule  (capsular),  while  those  that  show  a  radiating 
arrangement  are  in  the  lens  (lenticular),  the  radiating  fibers  of  which 
the  exudate  follows.  Black  cataracts  are  formed  by  the  adhesion  of 
the  pigment  on  the  back  of  the  iris  to  the  front  of  the  lens,  and  by 
the  subsequent  tearing  loose  of  the  iris,  leaving  a  portion  of  its  pig- 
ment adherent  to  the  capsule  of  the  lens.  If  the  pupil  is  so  con- 
tracted that  it  is  impossible  to  see  the  lens,  it  may  be  dilated  by 
appljdng  to  the  front  of  the  eye  with  a  feather  some  drops  of  a  solu- 
tion of  4  grains  of  atropia  in  an  ounce  of  water. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  internal  ophthalmia  should  embrace, 
first,  the  removal  of  all  existing  causes  or  sources  of  aggravation  of 
the  disease,  which  need  not  be  repeated  here.  Special  care  to  protect 
the  patient  against  strong  light,  cold,  wet  weather,  and  active  exer- 
tion must,  however,  be  insisted  on.  A  dark  stall  and  a  cloth  hung 
over  the  eye  are  important,  while  cleanliness,  warmth,  dryness,  and 
rest  are  equally  demanded.  .  If  the  patient  is  strong  and  vigorous,  a 
dose  of  4  drams  of  Barbados  aloes  may  be  given,  and  if  there  is  any 
reason  to  suspect  a  rheumatic  origin  one-half  a  dram  powdered  col- 
chicum  and  one-half  ounce  salicylate  of  soda  may  be  given  daily. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    EYE.  291 

Locally  the  astriniient  lotions  adviseil  for  I'Xtonml  ophthalmin  may 
be  resorted  to,  espeeially  when  the  superfieial  inllaiuniatiou  is  well 
marked.  Moi-e  important,  however,  is  to  instill  into  the  eye.  a  few 
drops  at  a  time,  a  solution  of  4  <rrains  of  atropia  in  1  ounce  of  dis- 
tilled water.  This  may  he  etl'ected  with  the  aid  of  a  soft  feather,  and 
may  be  i-epeated  at  intervals  of  10  minutes  until  the  pupil  is  widely 
dilated.  As  the  horse  is  to  l)e  kept  in  a  dark  st-all.  the  consefpient 
admission  of  litrht  will  be  hannless,  and  the  dilation  of  the  pupil 
prevents  adhesion  between  the  iris  and  lens,  relieves  the  constant 
tension  of  the  eye  in  the  effort  to  adapt  the  jMipil  to  the  liiiht.  and 
solicits  the  contraction  of  the  blood  vessels  of  the  eye  and  the  lessen- 
ing of  conjfcstitm,  exudation,  and  intraocular  pressure.  Should 
atropiiv  not  a^ree  with  the  CAse,  it  may  be  replaced  by  mori)hia 
(same  strencrth)  or  cocaine  in  4  per  cent  solution.  Another  local 
measure  is  a  blister,  which  can  usually  be  api)lied  to  advantaire  on 
the  side  of  the  nose  or  beneath  the  ear.  Spanish  flies  may  be  used  as 
for  external  ophthalmia.  In  very  severe  cases  the  parts  beneath  the 
eye  may  be  shaved  and  three  or  four  leeches  apjiliod.  Setons  are 
sometimes  beneficial,  and  even  puncture  of  the  eyeball,  but  these 
should  be  reserved  for  professional  hands. 

The  diet  throu«;hout  should  be  easily  digestible  and  moderate  in 
quantity — bran  mash,  middlings,  grass,  steamed  hay,  etc. 

Even  after  the  active  inflammation  hus  subsided  the  atropia  lotion 
should  be  continued  for  several  weeks  to  keep  the  eye  in  a  .state  of  i-est 
in  its  still  weak  and  irritable  condition,  and  during  this  period  the 
patient  should  l>e  kept  in  semidarknei=s.  or  taken  out  only  with  a  dark 
shade  over  the  eye.  For  the  same  reason  heavy  drafts  and,  rapid 
paces,  which  would  cause  congestion  of  the  head,  should  be  carefully 
avoided. 

RECURRENT    OPHTHALMIA    (PERIODIC    OPHTHALMIA,    OR    MOON- 
BLINDNESS). 

This  is  an  inflannnatory  affection  of  the  interior  of  the  eye,  inti- 
mately related  to  certain  soils,  climates,  and  systems,  .showing  a  strong 
tetidencv  to  recur  again  and  again,  and  usually  ending  in  blindness 
from  cataract  or  other  .serious  injury. 

('cntses. — Its  causes  may  be  fundamentally  attributed  to  soil.  On 
dami>  clays  and  marshy  grounds,  on  the  fn'(|uently  overflowed  river 
bottoms  and  deltas,  on  the  coasts  of  seas  and  lakes  alternately  sub- 
merged and  exposed,  this  disease  prevails  extensively,  and  in  many 
instances  in  France  (Keynal).  Belgium.  Als-jice  (Zundel.  Milten- 
berger),  fiermany.  and  England  it  has  \eiv  largely  decri-ased  under 
land  drainage  and  improved  methods  of  culture.  Other  influences, 
more  or  less  associated  with  such  soil,  are  potent  causativ<'  fartors. 
Thus  damp  air  and  a  cloudy,  wet  climate,  so  constantly  associated 


292  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

with  wet  lands,  are  universally  charged  with  causing  the  disease. 
These  act  on  the  animal  body  to  produce  a  lymphatic  constitution 
Tzith  an  excess  of  connective  tissue,  bones,  and  muscles  of  coarse,  open 
texture,  thick  skins,  and  gummy  legs  covered  with  a  profusion  of 
long  hair.  Hence  the  heavy  horses  of  Belgium  and  southwestern 
France  have  suffered  severely  from  the  affection,  while  high,  dry 
lands  adjacent,  like  Catalonia,  in  Spain,  and  Dauphiny,  Provence, 
and  Languedoc.  in  Fiance,  have  in  the  main  escaped. 

The  rank,  aqueous  fodders  grown  on  such  soils  are  other  causes,  but 
these  again  are  calculated  to  undermine  the  character  of  the  nervous 
and  sanguineous  temperament  and  to  superinduce  the  hmiphatic. 
Other  feeds  act  by  leading  to  constipation  and  other  disorders  of  the 
digestive  organs,  thus  impairing  the  general  health.  Hence  in  any 
animal  joredisposed  to  this  disease,  heating,  starchy  feeds,  such  as 
maize,  wheat,  and  buckwheat,  are  to  be  carefully  avoided.  It  has 
been  widely  charged  that  beans,  peas,  vetches,  and  other  Leguminosse 
are  dangerous,  but  a  fuller  inquiry  contradicts  the  statement.  If 
these  feeds  are  well  grown,  they  invigorate  and  fortify  the  system, 
while,  like,  any  other  fodder,  if  grown  rank^  aqueous,  and  deficient  in 
assimilable  principles,  they  tend  to  lower  the  health  and  open  the 
way  for  the  disease. 

The  period  of  dentition  and  training  is  a  fertile  exciting  cause,  for 
though  the  malady  may  appear  at  any  time  from  birth  to  old  age, 
yet  the  great  majority  of  victims  are  from  2  to  6  years  old,  and  if  a 
horse  escapes  the  affection  till  after  6  there  is  a  reasonable  hope  that 
he  will  continue  to  resist  it.  The  irritation  about  the  head  during 
the  eruption  of  the  teeth,  and  while  fretting  in  the  unwonted  bridle 
and  collar,  the  stimulating  grain  diet  and  the  close  air  of  the  stable 
all  combine  to  rouse  the  latent  tendency  to  disease  in  the  eye,  while 
direct  injuries  by  bridle,  whip,  or  hay  seeds  are  not  without  their 
influence.  In  the  same  way  local  irritants,  like  dust,  severe  rain  and 
snow  storms,  smoke,  and  acrid  vapors  are  contributmg  causes. 

It  is  evident,  however,  that  no  one  of  these  is  sufficient  of  itself  to 
produce  the  disease,  and  it  has  been  alleged  that  the  true  cause  is  a 
microbe,  or  the  irritant  products  of  a  microbe,  which  is  harbored  in 
the  marshy  soil.  The  prevalence  of  the  disease  on  the  same  damp 
soils  which  produce  ague  in  man  and  anthrax  in  cattle  has  been 
quoted  in  support  of  this  doctrine,  as  also  the  fact  that,  other  things 
being  equal,  the  malady  is  always  more  prevalent  in  basins  sur- 
rounded by  hills  where  the  air  is  still  and  such  products  are  concen- 
trated, and  that  a  forest  or  simple  belt  of  trees  will,  as  in  ague,  at 
times  limit  the  area  of  its  prevalence.  Another  argument  for  the 
same  view  is  found  in  the  fact  that  on  certain  farms  irrigated  by 
town  sewage  this  malady  has  become  extremely  prevalent,  the  sewage 
being  assumed  to  form  a  suitable  nidus  for  the  growth  of  the  germ. 


DISEASES   OF   THE  EYE.  293 

But  on  these  sewage  farms  a  livsh  crop  may  be  cut  every  fortnight, 
ami  tlie  ])r()(hict  is  precisely  that  aciueoii.s  material  which  contributes 
to  a  lymphatic  structure  and  a  low  tone  <»!'  health.  The  presence  of 
u  definite  germ  in  the  system  has  not  yet  been  prcncd,  and  in  the 
present  state  of  our  lvnowled«j;e  we  are  only  warranted  in  charging 
the  disease  to  tiie  deleterious  emanations  from  the  marshy  soil  in 
which  bactei-ial  ferments  are  constantly  producing  them. 

Heredity  is  one  of  the  most  potent  causes.  The  lymi)hatic  consti- 
tution is  of  course  transmitted  and  with  it  the  proclivity  to  recur- 
ring ophthalmia.  This  is  notorious  in  the  case  of  both  parents,  male 
and  female.  The  teiulency  apjioars  to  be  stronger,  however,  if  either 
parent  has  already  sutfered.  Thus  a  mare  may  have  borne  a  number 
of  sound  foals,  and  then  fallen  a  victim  to  the  malady,  and  all  foals 
subse<juently  borne  have  likewise  sufi'ered.  So  it  is  in  the  case  of  the 
stallion.  Reynal  even  quotes  the  appearance  of  the  disease  in  alter- 
nate generations,  the  stallion  offspring  of  blind  parents  remaining 
sound  through  life  and  yet  producing  foals  which  furnish  numerous 
victims  of  recurrent  ophthalmia.  On  the  contrary,  the  oli'si)ring  of 
diseased  parents  removed  to  high,  dry  regions  and  furnished  with 
wholesome,  nourishing  rations  will  nearly  all  escape.  Hence  the 
dealers  take  colts  that  are  still  sound  or  have  had  but  one  attack 
from  the  atTected  low  Pyrenees  (France)  to  the  unaffected  Catalonia 
(Spain),  with  confidence  that  they  will  escape,  and  from  the  Jura 
Valley  to  Dauphiny  with  the  same  result. 

Yet  the  hereditary  taint  is  so  strong  and  pernicious  that  intelligent 
horsemen  everywhere  refuse  to  breed  from  either  horse  or  mare  that 
has  once  sutfered  from  recurrent  ophthalmia,  and  the  French  (iovern- 
ment  studs  not  only  reject  all  unsound  stallions,  but  refuse  service  to 
any  mare  which  has  suH'ered  with  her  eyes.  It  is  this  avoidance  of 
the  hereditary  predisposition  more  than  anything  else  that  has  re- 
duced the  formerly  wide  prevalence  of  this  disease  in  the  European 
countries  generally.  A  consideration  for  the  future  of  our  horses 
would  demand  the  disuse  of  all  sires  that  are  unlicensed,  and  the 
refusiil  of  a  license  to  any  sire  which  has  suffered  from  this  or  any 
other  comnninicable  constitutional  disease. 

Other  contributing  causes  deserve  passing  mention.  Unwholesome 
feed  and  a  faulty  metliod  of  feeding  undoubtedly  predisposes  to  the 
disease,  and  in  the  same  district  the  carefully  fed  will  escape  in  far 
larger  proportion  than  the  badly  fed;  it  is  so  also  with  every  other 
condition  which  undermines  the  general  health.  The  presence  of 
worms  in  the  intestines,  overwork,  and  debilitating  diseases  and 
causes  of  every  kind  weaken  the  vitality  and  lay  the  system  more 
open  to  attack.  Thierry  long  ago  showed  that  the  improvement  of 
close,  low,  dark,  damp  stables,  where  the  disease  had  previously  pre- 
vailed, practically  banished  the  affection.     AVhatever  contributes  to 


294  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

strength  and  vigor  is  protective;  whatever  contributes  to  weakness 
and  poor  health  is  provocative  of  the  disease  in  the  predisposed 
subject. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  vary  according  to  the  severity  of  the 
attack.  In  some  cases  there  is  marked  fever,  and  in  some  slighter 
cases  it  may  be  almost  altogether  wanting,  but  there  is  always  a 
lack  of  vigor  and  energy,  bespeaking  general  disorder.  The  local 
symptoms  are  in  the  main  those  of  internal  ophthalmia,  in  many  cases 
with  an  increased  hardness  of  the  eyeball  from  effusion  into  its 
cavity.  The  contracted  pupil  does  not  expand  much  in  darkness,  nor 
even  under  the  action  of  belladonna.  Opacity  advances  from  the 
margin,  over  a  part  or  whole  of  the  cornea,  but  so  long  as  it  is  trans- 
parent there  may  be  seen  the  turbid,  aqueous  humor  with  or  without 
flocculi,  the  dingy  iris  robbed  of  its  clear,  black  aspect,  the  slightly 
clouded  lens,  and  a  greenish-yellow  reflection  from  the  depth  of  the 
eye.  From  the  fifth  to  the  seventh  day  the  flocculi  precipitate  in  the 
lower  part  of  the  chamber,  exposing  more  clearly  the  iris  and  lens, 
and  absorption  commences,  so  that  the  eye  may  be  cleared  up  in  ten 
or  fifteen  days. 

The  characteristic  of  the  disease  is,  however,  its  recurrence  again 
and  again  in  the  same  eye  until  blindness  results.  The  attacks  may 
follow  one  another  after  intervals  of  a  month,  more  or  less,  but  they 
show  no  relation  to  any  particular  phase  of  the  moon,  as  might  be 
inferred  from  the  familiar  name,  but  are  determined  rather  by  the 
weather,  the  health,  the  feed,  or  by  some  periodicity  of  the  system. 
From  five  to  seven  attacks  usually  result  in  blindness,  and  then  the 
second  eye  is  liable  to  be  attacked  until  it  also  is  ruined. 

In  the  intervals  between  the  attacks  some  remaining  symptoms 
betray  the  condition,  and  they  become  more  marked  after  each  suc- 
cessive access  of  disease.  Even  after  the  first  attack  there  is  a  bluish 
ring  around  the  margin  of  the  transparent  cornea.  The  eye  seems 
smaller  than  the  other,  at  first  because  it  is  retracted  in  its  socket,  and 
often  after  several  attacks  because  of  actual  shrinkage  (atrophy). 
The  upper  eyelid,  in  place  of  presenting  a  uniform,  continuous  arch, 
has,  about  one-third  from  its  inner  angle,  an  abrupt  bend,  caused  by 
the  contraction  of  the  levator  muscle.  The  front  of  the  iris  has 
exchanged  some  of  its  dark,  clear  brilliancy  for  a  lusterless  yellow, 
and  the  depth  of  the  eye  presents  more  or  less  of  the  greenish-yellow 
shade.  The  pupil  remains  a  little  contracted,  except  in  advanced  and 
aggravated  cases,  when,  with  opaque  lens,  it  is  widely  dilated.  If, 
as  is  common,  one  eye  only  has  suffered,  the  contrast  in  these  respects 
with  the  sound  eye  is  all  the  more  characteristic.  Another  feature  is 
the  erect,  attentive  carriage  of  the  ear.  to  compensate  to  some  extent 
for  the  waning  vision. 


DISEASES   OF   TIFE   EYE.  '295 

The  attacks  vurv  <;re!itiy  in  severity  in  diiroioiit  (uses,  but  the 
reciirrt'iKo  is  rliar:uteri.sti<',  and  all  alike  lead  to  cataiaet  and  intra- 
ocular etfu^iun,  with  pressure  on  the  retijui  autl  abolition  of  si»;ht. 

Prevention, — ^The  prevention  of  this  disease  is  the  preat  object  to 
be  aimed  at.  and  this  demands  the  most  careful  brev'din<;,  fcedinof, 
housing,  and  general  numagement,  as  indicated  under  "Causes.'' 
Much  can  also  be  done  by  migration  t>>  a  high,  diy  location,  l)Ut  for 
this  and  malarious  atl'ei-tions  the  inifirovrrncnt  of  the  laud  by  drain- 
age and  good  cultivation  should  be  the  linal  aim. 

2'reatiiunt  is  not  sjitisfactory.  but  is  largely  the  .same  as  for  com- 
mon internal  oi)hthalmia.  Some  cases,  like  rheumatism,  are  l)euefited 
by  l-scru})le  closes  of  powdcied  colchicum  and  "J-drain  doses  of  sali- 
cylate of  soda  twice  a  day.  In  other  cases,  with  marked  hardness  of 
the  globe  of  the  eye  from  intiaocular  efl'usion.  aseptic  pnnctiire  of  the 
eye,  or  even  the  excision  of  a  portion  of  the  iiis,  has  helped.  During 
recovery  a  course  of  tonics  (2  drams  oxid  of  iron,  10  grains  nux 
vomica,  and  1  ounce  sulphate  of  soda  daily)  is  desirable  to  invigorate 
the  .system  and  help  to  ward  off  another  attack.  The  vulgar  resort  to 
knocking  out  the  wolf  teeth  and  cutting  out  the  haw  can  only  be  con- 
demned. The  temporary  recovery  would  take  place  in  one  or  two 
weeks,  though  no  such  thing  had  been  done,  and  the  breaking  of  a 
small  tooth,  leaving  its  fang  in  the  jaw.  only  increases  the  irritation. 

CATARACT. 

The  common  result  of  internal  ophthalmia,  as  of  the  recurrent 
type,  may  be  recognized  as  described  under  the  first  of  these  dis- 
eases. Its  offensive  appearance  nuiy  be  obviated  by  extraction  or 
depression  of  the  lens,  but  as  the  rays  of  light  would  no  longer  be 
properly  refracted,  perfect  visicm  would  not  be  restored,  and  the 
animal  would  be  liable  to  prove  an  inveterate  shyer.  Tf  jierfect 
blindness  continued  by  reason  of  pressure  on  the  nerve  of  sight,  no 
shying  would  result. 

PALSY  (W  T?5E  NERVE  OF  SIGHT,  OK  A.MAUROSIS. 

<  >/?/.sr.s'.— i  lie  caii.MS  of  this  affection  are  tunu)rs  or  other  disea.se 
of  the  brain  implicating  the  roots  of  the  optic  nerve,  injury  to  the 
nerve  between  the  brain  and  eye,  and  inflammation  of  the  ojitic  nerve 
within  the  eye  (retina),  or  undue  pressure  on  the  same  from  drop- 
sical or  inflammatory  effusion.  Tt  may  also  occur  fnmi  overloaded 
stomach,  from  a  profuse  bleeding,  and  even  from  the  pressure  of  the 
gravid  womb  in  gestation. 

'^>/mptoms. — The  symptoms  are  wide  dilatation  «)f  the  pupils,  so 
as  to  expose  fully  the  inteiior  of  the  globe,  the  expansion  remaining 


296  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

the  same  in  light  and  darkness.  Ordinary  eyes  when  brought  to  the 
light  have  the  pupils  suddenly  contract  and  then  dilate  and  contract 
alternately  until  they  adapt  themselves  to  the  light.  The  horse  does 
not  swerve  when  a  feint  to  strike  is  made  unless  the  hand  causes  a 
current  of  air.  The  ears  are  held  erect,  turn  quickly  toward  any 
noise,  and  the  horse  steps  high  to  avoid  stumbling  over  objects  which 
it  can  not  see. 

Treatment  is  only  useful  when  the  disease  is  symptomatic  of  some 
removable  cause,  like  congested  brain,  overloaded  stomach,  or  gravid 
womb.  AVlien  recovery  does  not  follow  the  termination  of  these 
conditions,  apply  a  blister  behind  the  ear  and  give  one-half  dram 
doses  of  nux  vomica  daily. 

TUMORS  OF  THE  EYEBALL. 

A  variety  of  tumors  attack  the  eyeball — dermoid,  papillary,  fatty, 
cystic,  and  melanotic — but  perhaps  the  most  frequent  in  the  horse  is 
encephaloid  cancer.  This  may  grow  in  or  on  the  globe,  the  haw,  the 
eyelid,  or  the  bones  of  the  orbit,  and  can  be  remedied,  if  at  all,  only 
by  early  and  thorough  excision.  It  may  be  distinguished  from  the 
less  dangerous  tumors  by  its  softness,  friability,  and  great  vascu- 
larity, bleeding  on  the  slightest  touch,  as  well  as  by  its  anatomical 

structure. 

STAPHYLOMA. 

This  consists  in  a  bulging  forward  of  the  cornea  at  a  given  point 
by  the  sacculate  yielding  and  distention  of  its  coats,  and  it  may  be 
either  transparent  or  opaque  and  vascular.  In  the  last  form  the  iris 
has  become  adherent  to  the  back  of  the  cornea,  and  the  whole  struc- 
ture is  filled  with  blood  vessels.  In  the  first  form  the  bulging  cornea 
is  attenuated ;  in  the  last  it  ma}^  be  thickened.  The  best  treatment  is 
by  excision  of  a  portion  of  the  rise  so  as  to  relieve  the  intraocular 

pressure. 

PARASITES  IN  THE  EYE. 

Acari  in  the  qjq  have  been  incidentally  alluded  to  under  inflamma- 
tion of  the  lids. 

Filaria  faJpeljralh  is  a  white  worm,  one-half  to  1  inch  long,  which 
inhabits  the  lacrimal  duct  and  the  underside  of  the  eyelids  and  haw 
in  the  horse,  producing  a  verminous  conjunctivitis.  The  first  step  in 
treatment  in  such  cases  is  to  remove  the  worm  with  forceps,  then  treat 
as  for  external  inflammation. 

Setaria  equina  is  a  delicate,  white,  silvery-looking  worm,  which  I 
have  repeatedly  found  2  inches  in  length  (a  length  as  great  as  5  inches 
has  been  reported) .  It  invades  the  aqueous  humor,  where  its  constant 
active  movements  make  it  an  object  of  great  interest,  and  it  is  fre- 


DISEASES   OF    THE   EYE.  297 

queiitly  exhibited  as  a  '*  suiike  in  t'ae  eye."'  When  present  in  the 
eve  it  causes  in(laiiiiiial.i()n  ami  has  to  be  reniovi'd  thi'oiijj^h  an  incision 
nuuk'  Avith  the  hmcet  in  the  ui)i)er  border  t)f  the  cornea  ch)se  to  the 
sclerotic,  the  point  of  the  instrument  being  directed  slightly  forwaid 
to  avoid  injury  to  the  iris.  Then  cold  watci-  or  astringent  antiseptic 
lotions  shouhl  be  api)lietl. 

Fihirla  canjunetiivr,  resembling  Setaria  equina  very  much  in  size 
juul  general  appearance,  is  another  roundwoi-m  wliich  has  l)een  found 
in  the  eye  of  the  hoi'se. 

The  echinococcns.  the  cystic  <  r  l:ir\  al  stage  of  tlie  ecliinococcus 
tai>ew<^i-m  of  tlie  dog.  has  been  found  in  tlie  eve  of  the  liorse.  and  a 
cysticercus  is  also  reported. 

'  This  worm  is  normally  a  parasite  of  the  peritoneal  canity,  and  Is  probably  transmitted 
from  one  horse  to  another  by  some  biting  Insect  which  becomes  Infected  by  emiiryos  in  the 
blood. — M.  C.  IIall. 


LAMENESS:  ITS  CAUSES  AND  TREATMENT. 

By  A.  LiAUTARD,  :M.   D..  V.  M.. 
Formerly  principal  of  the  A)ncrican   Veterinary  College,  Xeio  Yoi'Tc. 

[Revised  by  John  R.  Mohler,  A.  M.,  V.  M.  D.] 

It  is  as  living,  organized,  locomotive  machines  that  the  horse, 
camel,  ox,  and  their  burden-bearing  companions  are  of  practical 
value  to  man.  Hence  the  consideration  of  their  usefulness  and  con- 
sequent value  to  their  human  masters  ultimately  and  naturally  re- 
solves itself  into  an  inquiry  concerning  the  condition  of  that  special 
portion  of  their  organism  which  controls  their  function  of  locomo- 
tion. This  is  especially  true  in  regard  to  the  members  of  the  equine 
family,  the  most  numerous  and  valuable  of  all  the  beasts  of  burden, 
and  it  naturally  follows  that  with  the  horse  for  a  subject  of  dis- 
cussion the  special  topic  and  leading  theme  of  inquiry,  by  an  easy 
lapse,  will  become  an  inquest  into  the  condition  and  efficienc}?-  of  his 
power  for  usefulness  as  a  carrier  or  traveler.  There  is  a  great  deal 
of  abstract  interest  in  the  study  of  that  endowment  of  the  animal 
economy  which  enables  its  possessor  to  change  his  place  at  will 
and  convey  himself  whithersoever  his  needs  or  his  moods  may  in- 
cline him;  how  much  greater,  however,  the  interest  that  attaches  to 
the  subject  when  it  becomes  a  practical  and  economic  question  and 
includes  within  its  purview  the  various  related  topics  which  belong 
to  the  domains  of  physiology,  pathology,  therapeutics,  and  the  entire 
round  of  scientific  investigation  into  which  it  is  finalh^  merged  as  a 
subject  for  medical  and  surgical  consideration — in  a  word,  of  actual 
disease  and  its  treatment.  It  is  not  surprising  that  the  intricate 
and  complicated  apparatus  of  locomotion,  with  its  symmetry  and 
harmony  of  movement  and  the  perfection  and  beauty  of  its  details 
and  adjuncts,  by  students  of  creative  design  and  attentive  observers 
of  nature  and  her  marvelous  contrivances  and  adaptations,  should 
be  admiringly  denominated  a  living  machine. 

Of  all  the  animal  tribe  the  horse,  in  a  state  of  domesticity,  is  the 
largest  sharer  with  his  master  in  his  liability  to  the  accidents  and 
dangers  which  are  among  the  incidents  of  civilized  life.  From  his 
exposure  to  the  missiles  of  war  on  the  battlefield  to  his  chance  of 
picking  up  a  nail  from  the  city  pavement  there  is  no  hour  when  he  is 

298 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  299 

not  in  dan^rer  of  incurring  injuries  which  for  their  repair  may  de- 
niiind  the  Ix'st  skill  of  the  veterinary  practitioner.  This  is  true  not 
alone  of  casualties  Nvhieh  helonj;  to  the  class  (»f  external  aiul  trau- 
matic cases,  but  includes  as  well  those  of  a  Uind  perhaps  more 
numerous,  which  may  result  in  lesions  of  internal  i)aits,  frequently 
the  most  serious  and  ohscure  of  all  in  thi'ir  nature  ami  ctfects. 

The  horse  is  too  important  a  factor  in  the  practical  details  of 
human  life  and  fills  too  lar»re  a  |)lace  in  the  business  and  pleasure  of 
tlie  world  to  justify  any  inditl'erenre  to  his  needs  and  physical  com- 
fort or  ne«j:lect  in  respect  to  the  preservation  of  liis  ])c<'uliar  ])owers 
for  usefulness.  In  enterinir  somewhat  lar<;ely,  therefore,  ujx)!!  a 
review  of  the  subject,  anil  treating  in  detail  of  the  causes,  the  sym[)- 
toms,  the  prt»gress,  the  treatment,  the  results,  and  the  consequences 
of  lameness  in  the  horse,  we  are  performing  a  duty  which  needs  no 
word  of  apology  or  justification.  The  subject  explains  and  justifies 
itstdf,  and  is  its  own  vindication  and  illustration,  if  any  are  needed. 

The  function  of  locomotion  is  performed  by  the  action  of  two  prin- 
cipal systems  of  organs,  known  in  anatomical  and  physiological 
terminology'  as  passive  and  active,  the  muscles  i^erforming  the  active 
and  the  bones  the  passive  portion  of  the  movement.  The  necessary 
connection  In'tween  the  coo})erating  parts  of  the  organism  is  effected 
by  means  of  a  vital  contact  by  which  the  muscle  is  attached  to  the 
bone  at  certain  determinate  points  on  the  surface  of  the  latter. 
These  points  of  attachment  appear  sonietimcs  as  an  eminence,  some- 
times as  a  depression,  sometimes  a  border  or  an  angle,  or  again  as  a 
mere  roughness,  but  each  i)erfectly  fulfilling  its  purpose,  while  the 
necessary  motion  is  provided  for  by  the  formation  of  the  ends  of  the 
long  bones  into  the  requisite  articulations,  joints,  or  hinges.  Every 
motion  is  the  product  of  the  contraction  of  one  or  more  of  the 
muscles,  which,  as  it  acts  upon  the  bony  lexers,  gives  rise  to  a  move- 
ment of  extension  or  flexion,  abduction  or  adduction,  rotation  or  cir- 
cumduction. Tlie  movement  of  abduction  is  that  which  passes  from 
an«l  that  of  adductiim  that  which  passes  toward  the  median  line,  or 
the  center  of  the  body.  The  movements  of  flexion  and  extension  are 
too  well  imderstood  to  need  defining.  Tt  is  the  combination  and 
raj^id  alterations  of  these  movements  which  produce  the  ditferent 
postures  and  various  gaits  of  the  animal,  and  it  is  their  interruption 
and  derangement,  from  whatever  causes,  which  constitute  the  patho- 
logical condition  known  as  lameness. 

A  concise  examination  of  the  general  anatomy  of  these  organs, 
however,  must  preceile  the  consideration  of  the  pathological  (jues- 
tions  i:)€rtaining  to  the  subject.  A  statement,  such  as  we  have  just 
given,  containing  only  the  briefest  hint  of  matters  which,  though  not 
necessarily  in  their  ultimate  s<Mentific  minutia%  must  be  clearly  com- 
prehended in  order  to  acquire  a  SA'mmctrical  and  satisfactory  view  of 


300  DISEASES   OF    THE    IIOESE. 

the  theme  as  a  practical  collation  of  facts  to  be  remembered,  analyzed, 
ai^plied,  and  utilized. 

It  was  the  great  Bacon  vvho  Avrote :  "  The  human  body  may  be 
compared,  from  its  complex  and  delicate  organization,  to  a  musical 
instrument  of  the  most  perfect  construction,  but  exceedingly  liable 
to  derangement."  In  its  degTee  the  remark  is  equally  applicable  to 
the  equine  body,  and  if  we  would  keep  it  in  tune  and  profit  by  its 
harmonious  action  we  must  at  least  acquaint  ourselves  w^ith  the  rela- 
tions of  its  parts  and  the  mode  of  their  cooperation. 

ANATOMY. 

The  bones,  then,  are  the  hard  organs  which  in  their  connection  and 
totality  constitute  the  skeleton  of  an  animal  (see  Plate  XXIII). 
They  are  of  various  forms,  three  of  which — the  long,  the  flat,  and  the 
small — are  recognized  in  the  extremities.  These  are  more  or  less 
regular  in  their  form,  but  present  upon  their  surfaces  a  variety  of 
aspects,  exhibiting  in  turn,  according  to  the  requirement  of  each 
case,  a  roughened  or  smooth  surface,  variously  marked  with  grooves, 
crests,  eminences,  and  depressions,  for  the  necessary  muscular  attach- 
ments, and,  as  before  mentioned,  are  connected  by  articulations  and 
joints,  of  which  some  are  im.movable  and  ethers  movable. 

The  substance  of  the  bone  is  composed  cf  a  mass  of  combined 
earthy  and  animal  matter  surrounded  by  a  fine,  fibrous  enveloping 
membrane  (the  periosteum)  which  is  intimately  adherent  to  the 
external  surface  of  the  bone,  and  is,  in  fact,  the  secreting  membrane 
of  the  bony  structure.  The  bony  tissue  proper  is  of  two  consisten- 
cies, the  external  portion  being  hard  and  "  compact,"  and  called  by 
the  latter  term,  while  the  internal,  known  as  the  "  spongy  "  or  "  areo- 
lar tissue,"  corresponds  to  the  descriptive  terms.  Those  of  the  bones 
that  possess  this  latter  consistency  contain  also,  in  their  spongy  por- 
tion, the  medullary  substance  known  as  marrow,  which  is  deposited 
in  large  quantities  in  the  interior  of  the  long  bones,  and  especially 
where  a  central  cavity  exists,  called,  for  that  reason,  the  medullary 
cavity.  The  nourishment  of  the  bones  is  effected  by  means  of  what 
is  known  as  the  nutrient  foramen,  an  opening  established  for  the 
passage  of  the  blood  vessels  which  convey  the  nourishment  necessary 
to  the  interior  of  the  organ.  Concerning  the  nourishment  of  the 
skeleton,  there  are  other  minutiae,  such  as  the  venous  arrangement 
and  the  classification  of  their  arterial  vessels  into  several  orders, 
Avhich,  though  of  interest  as  an  abstract  study,  are  not  of  sufficient 
practical  A-alue  to  refer  to  here. 

The  active  organs  of  locomotion,  the  muscles  (see  Plate  XXIII), 
speaking  generally,  form  the  fleshy  covering  of  the  external  part  of 
the  skeleton  and  surround  the  bones  of  the  extremities.     They  vary 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  301 

greatly  in  shape  and  size,  being  flat,  triangular,  long,  short,  or  broad, 
ami  are  variously  aud  c-apiioiously  nauuMl,  some  fioiu  their  shape, 
some  from  their  situation,  others  from  their  use;  and  thus  \ve  have 
abductors  and  adductors — the  pyramidal,  orbicular,  tlie  digastricus, 
the  vastus,  and  so  on.  Those  ^vhi(•h  are  under  the  contiol  of  the  will, 
known  a>  the  voluntaiy  muscles.  ai)pear  \n  the  form  of  fleshy  struc- 
tures, red  in  color,  and  with  fibei*s  of  various  degrees  of  fineness, 
and  are  composed  of  fasciculi,  or  bundles  of  fibers,  united  by  con- 
nective or  cellular  tissue,  each  fasciculus  being  composed  of  suialler 
ones  but  united  in  a  similar  manner  to  compose  the  larger  forma- 
tions, each  of  which  is  enveloi)ed  by  a  structure  of  similar  nature 
known  as  the  sarcolemma.  Many  of  the  muscles  are  imited  to  the 
bones  by  the  direct  contact  of  their  fleshy  fibers,  but  in  other 
instances  the  body  of  the  muscle  is  more  or  less  gradually  trans- 
formed into  a  cordy  or  membranous  structure  known  as  the  tendon 
or  sinew,  and  the  attachment  is  made  by  the  very  short  fibrous 
threads  through  the  medium  of  a  long  tendinous  band,  which,  pass- 
ing from  a  single  ouc  to  sev(?ral  others  of  the  bones,  effects  its  object 
at  a  point  far  distant  from  its  original  attachment.  In  thus  carrying 
its  action  from  one  bone  to  another,  or  from  one  region  of  a  limb  to 
another,  these  tendons  must  necessarily  have  smooth  surfaces  over 
which  to  glide,  either  upcm  the  bones  themselves  or  formed  at  their 
articulations,  ami  this  need  is  supplied  by  the  secretion  of  the  syno- 
vial fluid,  a  yellowish,  unctuous  substance,  furnished  by  a  peculiar 
teudinous  synovial  sac  designed  for  the  purpose. 

Illustrations  in  point  of  the  agency  of  the  synovial  fluid  in  assist- 
ing the  sliding  movements  of  the  tendons  may  be  found  under  their 
various  forms  at  the  shoulder  joint,  at  the  upper  part  of  the  bone  of 
the  arm,  at  the  posterior  part  of  the  knee  joint,  and  also  at  the  fet- 
locks, on  their  posterior  part. 

As  the  tendons,  whether  singly  or  in  company  witli  others,  pass 
()ver  these  natural  pulleys  they  are  retained  in  place  by  strong, 
fibrous  bands  or  sheaths,  which  are  by  no  moans  exempt  from  danger 
of  injury,  as  will  be  readily  inferred  from  a  consideration  of  their 
important  special  use  as  supports  and  reenforcements  of  the  tendons 
themselves,  with  which  they  must  necessarily  share  the  stress  of 
whatever  force  or  strain  is  brought  to  bear  upon  both  or  either. 

We  have  referred  to  that  special  formation  of  the  external  surface 
of  a  bone  by  which  it  is  adapted  to  form  a  joint  or  articulation, 
either  movable  or  fixed,  and  a  concise  examination  of  the  formation 
and  structure  of  the  movable  articulations  will  here  be  in  place. 
These  are  formed  generally  by  the  extremities  of  the  long  bones,  or 
may  exist  on  the  surfaces  of  the  short  ones.  The  points  or  regions 
where  the  contact  occurs  are  denominated  the  articular  surface.which 
assumes  from  this  circumstance  a  considerable  variety  of  aspect  and 


302  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOBSE. 

form,  being  in  one  case  compuiiitively  flat  and  another  elevated;  or 
as  forming  a  protruding  head  or  knob,  with  a  distinct  convexity; 
and  again  presenting  a  corresponding  depression  or  cavity,  accu- 
rately adapted  to  complete,  by  their  coaptation,  the  ball-and-socket 
joint.  The  articulation  of  the  arm  and  shoulder  is  an  example  of 
the  first  kind,  while  that  of  the  hip  with  the  thigh  bone  is  a  perfect 
exhibition  of  the  latter. 

The  structure  whose  office  it  is  to  retain  the  articulating  surfaces  in 
place  is  the  ligament.  This  is  usually  a  white,  fibrous,  inelastic 
tissue;  sometimes,  however,  it  is  elastic  in  character  and  yellowish. 
In  some  instances  it  is  funicular  shaped  or  corded,  serving  to  bind 
more  firmly  together  the  bones  to  which  its  extremities  are  attached ; 
in  others  it  consists  of  a  broad  membrane,  wholly  or  partially  sur- 
rounding the  broad  articulations,  and  calculated  rather  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  cavity  from  intrusion  by  the  air  than  for  other  security. 
This  latter  form,  known  as  capsular,  is  usually  found  in  connection 
with  joints  which  possess  a  free  and  extended  movement.  The 
capsular  and  funicular  ligaments  are  sometimes  associated,  the  cap- 
sular appearing  as  a  membranous  sac  wholly  or  partially  inclosing 
the  joint,  the  funicular,  here  known  as  an  interarticular  ligament, 
occupying  the  interior,  and  thus  securing  the  union  of  the  several 
bones  more  firmly  and  effectively  than  would  be  possible  for  the  cap- 
sular ligament  unassisted. 

The  universal  need  which  pertains  to  all  mechanical  contrivances 
of  motion  has  not  been  forgotten  while  providing  for  the  perfect 
working  of  the  interesting  piece  of  living  machinery  which  performs 
the  function  of  locomotion,  as  we  are  contemplating  it,  and  nature 
has  consequently  provided  for  obviating  the  evils  of  attrition  and 
friction  and  insuring  the  easy  play  and  smooth  movement  of  its 
parts  by  the  establishment  of  the  secretion  of  the  synovia,  the  vital 
lubricant  of  which  we  have  before  spoken,  as  a  yellow,  oil}'',  or  rather 
glairy  secretion,  which  performs  the  indispensable  office  of  facili- 
tating the  play  of  the  tendons  over  the  joints  and  certain  given 
points  of  the  bones.  This  fluid  is  deposited  in  a  containing  sac,  the 
lining  (serous)  membrane  of  which  forms  the  secreting  organ.  This 
membrane  is  of  an  excessively  sensitive  nature,  and  while  it  lines 
the  inner  face  of  the  ligaments,  both  capsular  and  fascicular,  it  is 
attached  only  upon  the  edges  of  the  bones,  without  extending  upon 
their  length,  or  between  the  layers  of  cartilage  which  lie  between 
the  bones  and  their  articular  surfaces. 

Our  object  in  thus  partially  and  concisely  reviewing  the  structure 
and  condition  of  the  essential  organs  of  locomotion  has  been  rather 
to  outline  a  sketch  which  may  seiwe  as  a  reference  chart  of  the  gen- 
eral features  of  the  subject  than  to  offer  a  minute  description  of  the 
parts  referred  to.     Other  points  of  interest  will  receive  proper  atten- 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  303 

tion  as  we  proceed  with  the  illustration  of  our  subject  and  examine 
tlif  matters  which  it  most  concerns  us  to  brin*^  under  consideraticm. 
The  fdundatiun  of  I'atts  which  we  have  thus  far  prepared  will  be 
found  sufficiently  broad,  we  trust,  to  include  whatever  may  be  neces- 
sary to  insure  a  ready  comprehension  of  the  essential  matters  whicii 
are  to  follow  as  our  review  is  carried  forward  to  completion.  What 
we  have  said  touching  these  elementary  truths  will  probably  be  suffi- 
cient to  facilitate  a  clear  understandinfi  of  the  requirements  essential 
to  the  j)erfection  and  reiruhirity  which  charucteri/e  the  normal  per- 
formance of  the  various  movements  that  result  in  the  accomplish- 
ment of  the  action  of  locomotion.  So  lon^  as  the  bones,  the  nniscles 
and  their  tendons,  the  joints  with  their  cartilages,  their  li<jfaments, 
and  their  synovial  structure,  the  nerves  and  the  controlling  influ- 
ences which  they  exei-cise  over  all,  with  the  blood  vessels  which  dis- 
tril)ute  to  every  part,  however  minute,  the  vitalizing  fluid  which 
sustains  the  whole  fabric  in  being  and  activity — so  long  as  these 
various  const itiUMits  and  ailjuncts  of  animal  life  preserve  their 
normal  exemption  from  disease,  traumatism,  and  pathological  change, 
the  function  of  locomotion  will  continue  to  be  performed  with  per- 
fection and  efficiency. 

On  the  other  hand,  let  any  element  of  disea.se  become  implanted, 
in  one  or  several  of  the  parts  destined  for  combined  action,  any  change 
or  incgidaiity  of  form,  dimensions,  location,  or  action  occur  in  any 
portion  of  the  a])paratus — any  obstruction  or  misdirection  of  vital 
power  take  place,  any  interference  with  the  order  of  the  phenomena 
of  normal  nature,  any  loss  of  harmony  and  laclc  of  bidance  l)e  be- 
trayed— and  we  have  in  the  result  the  condition  of  lameness. 

DEFINITION  OF  LAMENESS. 

Physiology. — Comprehensively  and  universally  considered,  then, 
the  term  lameness  signifies  any  iiiegularity  or  derangement  of  the 
function  of  locomotion,  irrespective  of  the  cause  which  produced  it  or 
the  degree  of  its  manifestation.  However  slightly  or  severely  it  may 
be  exhibited,  it  is  all  the  same.  The  nice.st  ob.servation  may  be 
demanded  for  its  detection,  and  it  nuiy  need  the  most  thoioughly 
trained  powers  of  discernment  to  identify  and  locate  it,  as  in  aises  in 
which  the  animal  is  said  t<»  be  fainting,  tender,  or  to  go  sore.  On  the 
contiary,  the  j)aticnt  may  be  so  far  alFected  as  to  i^efuse  utterly  to  use 
an  injured  leg,  and  under  compulsory  motion  keep  it  raised  from  the 
grt)und,  and  prefer  to  travel  on  three  legs  rather  than  to  in-ar  any  por- 
tion of  his  weight  upon  the  alllicted  member.  In  these  two  extivmes, 
and  in  all  the  intermediate  degrees,  the  patient  is  simply  lame — 
])athognomonic  minutiae  being  considered  and  settled  in  a  place  of 
their  own. 


304  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

This  last  condition  of  disabled  function — lameness  on  three  legs — • 
and  many  of  the  lower  degrees  of  simple  lameness  are  very  easy  of 
detection,  but  the  first,  or  mere  tenderness  or  soreness,  may  be  very 
difficult  to  identify,  and  at  times  very  serious  results  have  followed 
from  the  obscurity  which  has  enveloped  the  early  stages  of  the  malady. 
For  it  may  easily  occur  that  in  the  absence  of  the  treatment  which  an 
early  correct  diagnosis  would  have  indicated,  an  insidious  ailment 
may  so  take  advantage  of  the  lapse  of  time  as  to  root  itself  too  deeply 
into  the  economy  to  be  subverted,  and  become  transformed  into  a 
disabling  chronic  case,  or  possibly  one  that  is  incurable  and  fatal. 
Hence  the  impolicy  of  depreciating  early  symptoms  because  they  are 
not  accomjDanied  with  distinct  and  pronounced  characteristics,  and 
from  a  lack  of  threatening  appearances  inferring  the  absence  of 
danger.  The  possibilities  of  an  ambush  can  never  be  safely  ignored. 
An  extra  caution  costs  nothing,  even  if  wasted.  The  fulfillment  of 
the  first  duty  of  a  practitioner,  when  introduced  to  a  case,  is  not 
always  an  easy  task,  though  it  is  too  frequently  expected  that  the 
diagnosis,  or  "  what  is  the  matter  "  verdict,  will  be  reached  by  the 
quickest  and  surest  kind  of  an  "  instantaneous  process  "  and  a  sure 
prognosis,  or  "  how  will  it  end,"  guessed  at  instanter. 

Usually  the  discovery  that  the  animal  is  becoming  lame  is  compar- 
atively an  easy  matter  to  a  careful  observer.  Such  a  person  wall 
readily  note  the  changes  of  movements  which  will  have  taken  place 
in  the  animal  he  has  been  accustomed  to  drive  or  ride,  unless  they 
are  indeed  slight  and  limited  to  the  last  degree.  But  what  is  not 
always  easy  is  the  detection,  after  discovering  the  fact  of  an  existing 
irregularity,  of  the  locality  of  its  point  of  origin,  and  whether  its 
seat  be  in  the  near  or  off  leg,  or  in  the  fore  or  the  hind  part  of  the 
body.  These  are  questions  too  often  wrongly  answered,  notwith- 
standing the  fact  that  with  a  little  careful  scrutiny  the  point  may  be 
easily  settled.  The  error,  wdiich  is  too  often  committed,  of  pronounc- 
ing the  leg  upon  which  the  animal  travels  soundly  as  the  seat  of  the 
lameness,  is  the  result  of  a  misinterpretation  of  the  physiology  of 
locomotion  in  the  crippled  animal.  Much  depends  upon  the  gait  with 
which  the  animal  moves  while  under  examination.  The  act  of  walk- 
ing is  imfavorable  for  accurate  observation,  though,  if  the  animal 
walks  on  three  legs,  the  decision  is  easy  to  reach.  The  action  of  gal- 
loping will  often,  by  the  rapidity  of  the  muscular  movements  and 
their  quick  succession,  interfere  with  a  nice  study  of  their  rhythm, 
and  it  is  only  under  some  peculiar  circumstances  that  the  examina- 
tion can  be  safely  conducted  while  the  animal  is  moving  with  that 
gait.  It  is  while  the  animal  is  trotting  that  the  investigation  is  made 
with  the  best  chances  of  an  intelligent  decision,  and  it  is  while  mov- 
ing with  that  gait,  therefore,  that  the  points  should  be  looked  for 
which  must  form  the  elements  of  the  diagnosis. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Hor?'- 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  He 


Plate  xxiv. 


l.A.MENKSS:    ITS    CAUSES    AND    TREATMENT.  305 

Our  first  considei'ntion  shoiikl  Uo  the  i)liysiol()«j;y  of  noiiuiil  ov 
healtliy  locomotion,  that  thence  we  may  the  more  easily  reach  our 
conclusions  touchinjr  lameness,  or  that  Avliich  is  abnormal,  and  hy 
this  i)r(jcess  ^ve  ought  to  succeed  in  obtaining  a  clew  to  the  sobition 
of  the  first  problem,  to  wit,  in  which  leg  is  the  seat  of  the  lameness? 

A  woid  of  ileHnition  is  here  necessary,  in  order  to  render  that 
which  follows  more  easily  intelligible.  In  veterinary  nomenclature 
each  two  of  the  legs,  as  referred  to  in  pairs,  is  denominated  a  biped. 
Of  the  four  ]>oints  occupied  by  the  feet  of  the  animal  while  staiuling 
at  rest,  foiiuing  a  sfjuare,  the  two  fore  legs  are  known  as  the  anteiior 
biped;  the  two  hinder,  the  posteiioi-;  the  two  on  one  side,  the  latenil : 
and  one  of  either  the  front  oi-  hind  bii)ed  with  the  opposite  leg  of 
the  hind  or  front  biped  will  foiin  the  diagonal  bijHHl. 

Considering,  as  it  is  proper  to  do,  that  in  a  condition  of  health 
each  separate  biped  and  each  individual  leg  is  required  to  pei-foini 
an  equal  and  uniform  function  and  to  carry  an  even  or  equal  por- 
tion of  the  weight  of  the  body,  it  will  be  readily  a])preciatcd  that 
the  result  of  tliis  distribution  will  be  a  regidar,  evenly  lialanced, 
and  smooth  displacement  of  the  body  thus  supported  by  the  four 
legs,  and  that  therefore,  according  to  the  rapidit}'^  of  the  motion  in 
dilTerent  gaits,  each  single  leg  will  be  i-equii"ed  at  certain  succes- 
sive moments  to  bear  the  weight  which  had  rested  upon  its  congener 
while  it  was  itself  in  the  air,  in  the  act  of  moving;  or,  again,  two 
different  legs  of  a  biped  may  be  called  upon  to  bear  the  weight  of 
fhe  two  legs  of  the  opposite  bijied  while  also  in  the  air  in  the  act 
of  moving. 

To  simplify  the  matter  by  an  illustration,  the  weight  of  an  animal 
may  be  placed  at  1.000  pounds,  of  which  each  leg,  in  a  normal  and 
healthy  condition,  supports  while  at  rest  2r)0  pounds.  AVhen  one  of 
the  fore  legs  is  in  action,  or  in  the  aii',  and  carrying  no  weight,  its 
"250  pounds  share  of  the  weight  will  be  thrown  upon  its  congener,  or 
l)artner.  to  sustain.  If  the  two  legs  of  a  biped  are  both  in  action  and 
raised  from  the  groimd,  their  congeners,  still  resting  in  inaction,  will 
carry  the  total  weight  of  the  other  two,  or  500  pounds.  And  as  the 
succession  of  movements  continues,  and  the  change  from  one  leg  to 
another  or  from  one  biped  to  another,  as  may  be  required  by  the 
gait,  proceeds,  there  will  result  a  smooth,  even,  and  equal  balancing 
of  active  movements,  .shifting  the  weight  fioni  one  leg  or  one  biped 
to  another,  with  symmetrical  precision,  and  we  shall  be  presented 
with  an  interesting  example  of  the  ]ilay  of  vital  inachanics  in  a 
healthy  organization. 

Much  may  be  learned  from  the  accurate  study  of  the  action  of  a 
single  leg.  Normally,  its  movements  will  be  without  variation  or 
failure.  When  at  rest  it  will  easily  sustain  the  weight  assigned  to  it 
36444"— IG 20 


306  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

without  showing  hesitancy  or  betraying  pain,  and  when  it  is  raised 
from  the  ground  in  order  to  transfer  the  weight  to  its  mate  it  will 
perform  the  act  in  such  manner  that  Avhen  it  is  again  placed  upon 
the  ground  to  rest  it  will  be  with  a  firm  tread,  indicative  of  its  ability 
to  receive  again  the  burden  to  be  thrown  back  upon  it.  In  planting 
it  upon  the  ground  or  raising  it  again  for  the  forward  movement 
while  in  action,  and  again  replanting  it  upon  the  earth,  each  move- 
ment will  be  the  same  for  each  leg  and  for  each  biped,  whether  the 
act  is  that  of  walking  or  trotting,  or  even  of  galloping.  In  shoi-t, 
the  regular  play  of  every  part  of  the  apparatus  will  testify  to  the 
existence  of  that  condition  of  orderl}'  soundness  and  efficient  activity 
eloquently  suggestive  of  the  condition  of  vital  integrity  which  is 
simply  but  comprehensively  expressed  by  the  terms  health  and 
soundness. 

But  let  some  change,  though  slight  and  obscure,  occur  among  the 
elements  of  the  case;  some  invisible  agency  of  evil  intrude  among 
the  harmonizing  processes  going  forward:  any  disorder  occur  in  the 
relations  of  cooperating  parts:  anything  appear  to  neutralize  the 
efficiency  of  vitalizing  forces:  an}''  disabilitj'  of  a  limb  to  accept  and 
to  throw  back  upon  its  mate  the  portion  of  the  weight  which  belongs 
to  it  to  sustain — present  itself,  whether  as  the  effect  of  accident  or 
otherwise;  in  short,  let  anything  develop  which  tends  to  defeat  the 
purpose  of  nature  in  organizing  the  locomotive  apparatus  and  we 
are  confronted  at  once  by  that  which  may  be  looked  upon  as  a  cause 
of  lameness.  ,        • 

Not  the  least  of  the  facts  which  it  is  important  to  remember  is  that 
it  is  not  sufficient  to  look  for  the  manifestation  of  an  existing  discord- 
ance in  the  action  of  the  affected  limb  alone,  but  that  it  is  shared  by 
the  sound  one  and  must  be  searched  for  in  that  as  well  as  the  halting 
member,  if  the  hazard  of  an  error  is  to  be  avoided.  The  mode  of 
action  of  the  leg  which  is  the  seat  of  the  lameness  will  varj''  greatl}' 
from  that  which  it  exhibited  when  in  a  healthy  condition,  and  the 
sound  leg  will  also  offer  important  modifications  in  the  same  three 
particulars  before  alluded  to,  to  wit,  that  of  resting  on  the  ground, 
that  of  its  elevation  and  forward  motion,  and  that  of  striking  the 
ground  again  when  the  full  action  of  stepping  is  accomplished. 
Inability  in  the  lame  leg  to  sustain  weight  will  imply  excessive  exer- 
tion by  the  sound  one,  and  lack  of  facility'  or  disj)osition  to  rest  the 
lame  member  on  the  ground  will  necessitate  a  longer  continuance  of 
that  action  on  the  sound  side.  Changes  in  the  act  of  elevating  the 
leg,  or  of  carrying  it  forward,  or  in  both,  will  present  entirely  oppo- 
site conditions  between  the  two.  The  lame  member  will  be  elevated 
rapidly,  moved  carefully  forward,  and  returned  to  the  ground  with 
caution  and  hesitancy,  and  the  contact  with  the  earth  will  be  effected 
as  lightly  as  possible,  while  the  sound  limb  will  rest  longer  on  the 


LAMENESS:    ITS   CAUSES   AND   TREATMENT.  307 

ground,  move  boldly  and  rapidly  fotuuiil.  and  strike  the  ground 
promptly  and  forcibly.  All  this  is  due  to  the  fact  that  the  s(jund 
member  carries  more  than  its  normal,  healthy  share  of  the  weijjjht  of 
the  body,  a  share  which  may  be  in  excess  from  1  to  'J.-jO  j)ounils,  and 
thus  bring  its  burden  to  a  figure  varying  from  'jr>l  to  500  pouuds,  all 
depending  upon  the  degree  of  the  existing  lameness,  whether  it  is 
simply  a  slight  tenderness  or  soreness,  or  whether  the  trouble  has 
reached  a  stage  which  compels  the  patient  to  the  awkwardness  of 
traveling  on  three  legs. 

That  all  this  is  not  mere  theory,  but  rests  on  a  foundation  of  fact 
may  be  established  by  observing  the  manifestations  attending  a  single 
alteration  in  ihe  balancing  of  the  botly.  In  health  the  support  aud 
ecjuilibrium  of  that  mass  of  the  body  which  is  borne  by  the  fore  legs 
is  equalized  and  passes  by  regular  alternations  froui  the  right  to  the 
left  side  and  vice  versa.  But  if  the  left  leg,  becoming  disabled, 
relieves  itself  by  leaning,  as  it  were,  on  the  right,  the  latter  becomes, 
conse<iuently,  practically  heavier  and  the  mass  of  the  body  will 
incline  or  settle  upon  that  side.  Lameness  of  the  left  side,  therefore, 
means  dropping  or  settling  on  the  right  and  vice  versa.  We  empha- 
size this  statement  and  insist  upon  it.  the  moie  from  the  frequency 
of  the  instances  of  error  which  have  come  under  our  notice,  in  which 
I^ersons  have  insisted  upon  their  view  that  the  leg  which  is  the  seat 
of  the  lamene.ss  is  that  upon  which  he  drops  and  wliich  the  animal  is 
usually  supposed  to  favor. 

HOW  TO  DETECT  THE  SEAT  OF  LAMENESS. 

Properly  appreciating  the  remarks  which  have  preceded,  and  fully 
comprehending  the  moilus  o[)eiandi  and  the  true  i)athol(»gy  of  lame- 
ness, but  little  remains  to  be  done  in  order  to  reach  an  answer  to  the 
question  as  to  which  side  of  the  animal  is  the  seat  of  the  lameness, 
except  to  examine  the  j)atient  while  in  artion.  We  have  already  stated 
our  reasons  for  preferring  the  movement  of  trotting  for  this  purpose. 
In  conducting  such  an  examination  the  animal  should  be  unblanketed, 
and  held  by  a  plain  haltei-  in  the  hands  of  a  man  who  knows  how  to 
manage  his  paces,  and  the  trial  should  always  be  made  over  a  firm, 
hard  road  whenevei"  it  i>  available.  He  is  to  be  examined  from 
various  positions — from  Ijefore.  from  behiiul.  and  from  each  side. 
Watching  him  as  he  approaches,  as  he  passes  by.  and  as  he  recedes, 
the  observer  should  carefully  study  that  impoitunt  action  which  we 
have  sjx)ken  of  as  the  dropping  of  the  body  upon  one  extremity  or  the 
other,  and  this  can  readily  be  detected  by  attending  closely  to  the 
motions  of  the  head  and  of  the  hi[).  The  head  drops  on  the  same  side 
on  which  the  mass  of  the  body  will  fall,  dropping  toward  the  right 
when  the  lameness  is  in  the  left  fore  leg,  and  the  hip  dropping  in  pos- 
terior lameness,  also  on  the  sound  leg,  the  reversal  of  the  conditions, 


308  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

of  course,  producing  reversed  effects.  In  other  words,  ^vlien  the  ani- 
mal in  trotting  exhibits  signs  of  irregrJarity  of  action,  or  himeness, 
and  this  irregularity  is  accompanied  with  dropping  or  nodding  the 
head,  or  depressing  the  hip  on  the  right  side  of  the  bodj^,  at  the  time 
the  feet  of  the  right  side  strike  the  ground,  the  horse  is  lame  on  the 
left  side.  If  the  dropping  and  nodding  are  on  the  near  side  the  lame- 
ness is  on  the  off  side. 

In  a  majority  of  cases,  however,  the  answer  to  the  first  question  re- 
lating to  the  lameness  of  a  horse  is,  after  all,  not  a  very  difficult  task. 
There  are  two  other  problems  in  the  case  more  difficult  of  solution 
and  which  often  require  the  exercise  of  a  closer  scrutiny,  and  draw 
upon  all  the  resources  of  the  experienced  practitioner  to  settle  satis- 
factorily. That  a  horse  is  lame  in  a  given  leg  may  be  easily  deter- 
mined, but  when  it  becomes  necessary  to  pronounce  upon  the  query  as 
to  what  part,  Avhat  region,  what  structure  is  affected,  the  easy  part 
of  the  task  is  over,  and  the  more  difficult  and  important,  because  more 
obscure,  portion  of  the  investigation  has  commenced — except,  of 
course,  in  cases  of  which  the  features  are  too  distinctly  evident  to  the 
senses  to  admit  of  error.  It  is  true  th{it  by  carefully  noting  the 
manner  in  which  a  lame  leg  is  performing  its  functions,  and  closely 
scrutinizing  the  motions  of  the  whole  extremity,  and  especially  of 
the  various  joints  which  enter  into  its  structure;  by  minutely  ex- 
amining every  part  of  the  limb;  by  observing  the  outlines;  by  testing 
the  change,  if  any,  in  temperature  and  the  state  of  the  sensibility — 
all  these  investigations  may  guide  the  surgeon  to  a  correct  locali- 
zation of  the  seat  of  trouble,  but  he  must  carefully  refrain  from  the 
adoption  of  a  hasty  conclusion,  and,  above  all,  assure  himself  that 
he  has  not  failed  to  make  the  foot,  of  all  the  organs  of  the  horse 
the  most  liable  to  injury  and  lesion,  the  subject  of  the  most  thorough 
and  minute  examination  of  all  the  parts  which  compose  the  suffering 
extremity. 

The  greater  liability  of  the  foot  than  of  any  other  part  of  the 
extremities  to  injuiy  from  casualties,  natural  to  its  situation  and  use, 
should  always  suggest  the  beginning  of  an  inquiry,  especially  in  an 
obscure  case  of  lameness  at  that  point.  Indeed  the  lameness  may 
have  an  apparent  location  elscAvhere  when  that  is  the  true  seat  of  the 
trouble,  and  the  surgeon  who,  Avhile  examining  his  lame  patient, 
discovers  a  ringbone,  and  convincing  himself  that  he  has  encoun- 
tered the  cause  of  the  disordered  action  suspends  his  investigation 
without  subjecting  the  foot  to  a  close  scrutiny,  at  a  later  day  when 
regrets  will  avail  nothing,  may  deeply  regret  his  neglect  and  inad- 
vertence. As  in  human  pathological  experience,  however,  there  are 
instances  when  inscrutable  diseases  will  deliver  their  fatal  messages, 
Avhile  leaving  no  mark  and  making  no  sign  by  which  they  might  be 
identified  and  classified.,  so  it  will  happen  that  in  the  humbler  ani- 


LAMENESS:    ITS    (.'Al'SES    AND    TREATMENT.  309 

mals  the  onset  and  progress  of  mysterious  iuul  iinreeon^iizable  ail- 
ments will  at  times  halHe  the  most  skilled  veterinarian,  and  leave  our 
burden-bearino:  servants  to  siicrnmb  to  the  inevitable,  and  siiU'er  and 
perish  in  unrelieved  distress. 

DISEASES  OF  BONES. 

PERIOSTITIS,   OSTITIS,   AND   EXOSTOSIS. 

From  the  closeness  and  intimaev  of  the  connection  existing;  between 
the  two  jirinoipal  elements  of  the  bony  sti'uctnre  while  in  health,  it 
fre(iiiently  becomes  exceedingly  dillicnlt,  when  a  state  of  disease  has 
supervened,  to  discriminate  accurately- as  to  the  part  primarly  af- 
fected and  to  determine  positively  whether  the  periosteum  or  the 
b<  dy  of  the  bone  is  originally  implicated.  Yet  a  knowledge  of  the 
fact  is  often  of  the  first  importance,  in  order  to  obtain  a  favorable 
I'esult  from  the  treatment  to  be  instituted.  It  is.  however,  quite  evi- 
dent that  in  a  majority  of  instances  the  bony  growths  which  so  fre- 
quently appear  on  the  surface  of  their  structure,  to  which  the  general 
term  of  exostosis  is  applied,  have  had  their  origin  in  an  inflammation 
of  the  periosteum,  or  enveloping  membrane,  and  known  as  periostitis. 
However  this  may  be,  we  have  as  a  frequent  result,  sometimes  on  the 
body  of  the  bone,  sometimes  at  the  extremities,  and  sometimes  in- 
volving the  articulation  itself,  certain  bony  growths,  or  exostoses, 
known  otherwise  by  the  term  of  splint,  ringbone,  and  spavin,  all  of 
which,  in  an  imjwrtant  sense,  may  be  finally  referred  to  the  perios- 
teum as  their  nutrient  source  and  support,  at  least  after  their  forma- 
tion, if  not  for  their  incipient  existence. 

Cmise. — It  is  certain  that  inflammation  of  the  periosteum  is  fre- 
quently referable  to  wounds  and  bruises  caused  by  external  agencies, 
and  it  is  also  true  that  it  may  possibly  result  from  the  spreading 
inflammation  of  surrounding  diseased  tissues,  but  in  any  case  the 
result  is  uniformly  .seen  in  the  deposit  of  a  bony  growth,  moi-e  or  less 
diffuse,  sometimes  of  irregular  outline,  and  at  others  projecting  dis- 
tinctly from  the  surface  from  which  it  springs,  as  so  commonly  pre- 
sented in  the  ringbone  and  the  spavin. 

SyviptorriA. — This  condition  of  periostitis  is  often  diflicult  to  «leter- 
mine.  The  signs  of  inflammation  are  so  ob.scure,  the  swelling  of  the 
parts  so  insignificant,  any  increase  of  heat  so  imperceptible,  and  the 
soreness  so  slight,  that  even  the  most  acute  observer  may  fail  to  find 
the  point  of  its  existence,  and  it  is  often  long  after  the  discovery  of 
the  disease  itself  that  its  location  is  positively  revealed  by  the  visible 
presence  of  the  exostosis.  Yet  the  first  question  had  been  resolved, 
in  discovering  the  fart  of  the  lameness,  while  the  second  and  third 
remained  unanswered,  and  the  identification  of  the  affected  limb 
and  the  point  of  origin  of  the  trouble  remained  unknown  until  their 
palpable  revelation  to  the  sense.s. 


310  DISEASES    OF    THE   HORSE. 

Treatment. — \^lien,  by  careful  scrutin}',  the  ailment  has  been 
located,  a  resort  to  treatment  must  be  had  at  once,  in  order  to  pre- 
vent, if  possible,  any  further  deposit  of  the  calcareous  structuie  and 
increase  of  the  exostotic  growth.  With  tliis  view  the  application  of 
water,  either  warm  or  cold,  rendered  astringent  by  the  addition  of 
alum  or  sugar  of  lead,  will  be  beneficial.  The  tendency  to  the  forma- 
tion of  the  bony  growth,  and  the  increase  of  its  development  after 
its  actual  formation,  may  oft^n  be  checked  by  the  application  of  a 
severe  blister  of  Spanish  fly.  The  failure  of  these  means  and  the 
establishment  of  the  diseased  process  in  the  form  of  chronic  perios- 
titis cause  ^'arious  changes  in  the  bone  covered  by  the  disordered 
membrane,  and  the  result  may  be  softening,  degeneration,  or  necro- 
sis, but  more  usually  it  is  followed  by  the  formation  of  the  bony 
growths  referred  to.  on  the  cannon  bone,  the  coronet,  the  hock,  etc. 

SPLINTS. 

We  first  turn  our  attention  to  the  splint,  as  certain  bony  enlarge- 
ments that  are  developed  on  the  cannon  bone,  between  the  knee  or 
the  hock  and  the  fetlock  joint,  are  called.  (See  Plate  XXY.)  Thej'^ 
are  found  on  the  inside  of  the  leg.  from  the  knee,  near  which  they  are 
frequently  found,  downward  to  about  the  lower  third  of  the  principal 
cannon  bone.  They  are  of  various  dimensions,  and  are  readily  per- 
ceptible both  to  the  eye  and  to  the  touch.  They  vary  considerably  in 
size,  ranging  from  that  of  a  large  nut  downward  to  verj'  small  pro- 
portions. In  searching  for  them  they  may  be  readily  detected  by  the 
hand  if  they  have  attained  sufficient  development  in  their  usual  situ- 
ation, but  must  be  distinguished  from  a  small,  bony  enlargement  that 
may  be  felt  at  the  lower  third  of  the  cannon  bone,  which  is  neither  a 
splint  nor  a  pathological  formation  of  any  kind,  but  merely  the  but- 
tonlike enlargement  at  the  lower  extremity  of  the  small  metacarpal 
or  splint  bone. 

We  have  said  that  splints  are  to  be  found  on  the  inside  of  the  leg. 
This  is  true  as  a  general  statement,  but  it  is  not  invariably  so,  for 
they  occasionally  appear  on  the  outside.  It  is  also  true  that  they 
appear  most  commonly  on  the  fore  legs,  but  this  is  not  exclusively  the 
case,  because  they  may  at  times  be  found  on  both  the  inside  and  out- 
side of  the  hind  leg.  Usually  a  splint  forms  only  a  true  exostosis,  or 
a  single  bony  growth,  with  a  somewhat  diffuse  base,  but  neither  is  this 
invariably  the  case.  In  some  instances  they  assume  more  important 
dimensions,  and  pass  from  the  inside  to  the  outside  of  the  bone,  on 
its  posterior  face,  between  that  and  the  suspensory  ligament.  This 
form  is  termed  the  pegged  splint,  and  constitutes  a  serious  and  per- 
manent deformity,  in  consequence  of  its  interference  with  the  play- 
of  the  fibrous  cord  which  passes  behind  it.  becoming  thus  a  source  of 
continual  irritation  and  consequently  of  permanent  lameness. 


lameness:  its  causes  axd  treatment.  311 

Symptoms. — A  splint  may  thus  frequently  hecouie  :i  eause  of  lame- 
ness though  not  necessarily  in  every  instance,  but  it  is  a  lameness 
possessing  features  peculiar  to  itself.  It  is  not  always  continuous, 
but  at  times  assumes  an  intermittent  character,  and  is  more  marked 
when  the  animal  is  warm  than  when  cool.  If  the  lameness  is  near 
the  kneejoint.  it  is  very  liable  to  become  aggravated  when  the  animal 
is  put  to  work,  aiul  the  gait  a(<|uires  then  a  jieculiar  charactei',  aris- 
ing from  the  manner  in  which  the  limb  is  carried  outward  from  tho 
knees  downward,  which  is  done  by  a  kind  of  abducti(m  of  the  lower 
part  of  the  leg.  Other  symptoms,  however,  than  the  lameness  and 
the  presence  of  the  splint,  which  is  its  cause,  ma}'  be  looked  for  in  the 
same  connection  as  tho?;e  which  have  been  mentioned  as  ]>crtaining  to 
certain  e^'iden(■es  of  periostitis,  in  the  increase  of  the  temperature  of 
the  part,  with  swelling  and  probably  pain  on  pressure.  This  last 
symptom  is  of  no  little  importance,  since  it«  presence  or  absence  has 
in  many  cases  formed  the  determining  point  in  deciding  a  question 
of  difficult  diagnosis. 

Cause. — A  splint  being  one  of  the  rcssults  of  periostitis,  and  the 
latter  one  of  the  effects  of  external  hurts,  it  naturally  follows  that 
the  i^arts  which  aie  most  exposed  to  lilows  and  collisions  will  be 
those  on  which  the  splint  will  most  commonly  be  found,  and  it  may 
not  be  improper,  therefore,  to  refer  to  hurts  from  without  as  among 
the  common  causes  of  the  lesion.  But  other  causes  may  also  be  pro- 
ductive of  the  evil,  and  among  these  may  l)e  mentioned  the  over- 
straining of  an  iinniatuie  organism  by  the  imposition  of  excessive 
lal)or  upon  a  young  animal  at  a  too  early  period  of  his  life.  The 
bones  whicli  enter  into  the  formation  of  the  cannon  are  three  in 
numlxT,  one  large  and  two  smaller,  which,  during  the  youth  of  tho 
iinimal.  are  more  or  less  articulated,  with  a  limitiMl  amount  of  mo- 
bility, but  which  become  in  niatuiity  firndy  joined  by  a  rigid  union 
and  ossification  of  tlu'ir  interarticular  surface.  If  the  immature 
animal  is  comi>elled.  then,  to  perform  exacting  tasks  beyond  liis 
.strength,  the  inevit.d>le  rcMilt  will  follow  in  the  muscular  straining, 
and  perhaps  tearing  astmder  of  the  fibers  which  unite  the  bones  at 
their  points  of  juncture,  and  it  is  diflicult  to  understand  how  inflam- 
mation or  periostitis  can  fail  to  develop  as  the  natuial  conse(]uence 
of  such  local  irritation.  If  the  result  were  deliberately  and  intelli- 
gently designed,  it  could  hardly  be  more  effectually  accomplished. 

The  s]dint  is  an  object  of  the  commonest  occurrence — so  counnon, 
indeed,  that  in  large  cities  a  horse  which  can  not  exhibit  one  or  more 
specimens  upon  some  portion  of  his  extremities  is  one  of  the  rarest  of 
.spectacles.  Though  it  is  in  some  in.stances  a  cause  of  lameness,  and 
its  discovery  and  cure  are  sometimes  beyond  the  ability  of  the 
shrewdest  and  most  exjierienced  veterinarians,  yet  as  a  soiirce  of 
vital  danger  to  the  general  equine  organization,  or  even  of  functional 


312  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

disturbance,  or  of  practical  inconAenience,  aside  from  the  rare  ex- 
ceptional cases  Avhich  exist  as  mere  samples  of  possibility,  it  can  not 
be  considered  to  belong  to  the  category  of  serious  lesions.  The  worst 
stigma  that  attaches  to  it  is  that  in  general  estimation  it  is  ranked 
among  eyesores  and  continues  indefinitely  to  be  that  and  nothing  dif- 
ferent. The  inflammation  in  M'hich  they  originated,  acute  at  first, 
either  subsides  or  assumes  the  chronic  form,  and  the  bony  growth 
becomes  a  permanence — more  or  less  established,  it  is  true,  but  doing 
no  positive  harm  and  not  hindering  the  animal  from  continuing  his 
daily  routine  of  labor.  All  this,  however,  requires  a  proviso  against 
the  occurrence  of  a  subsequent  acute  attack,  when,  as  with  other  ex- 
ostoses, a  fresh  access  of  acute  symptoms  may  be  followed  by  a  new 
pathological  activity,  which  shall  again  develop,  as  a  natural  result, 
a  reappearance  of  the  lameness. 

TreatTnent. — It  is,  of  course,  the  consideration  of  the  comparative 
harmlessness  of  splints  that  suggests  and  justifies  the  policy  of  non- 
interference, except  as  they  become  a  positive  cause  of  lameness.  And 
a  more  positive  argument  for  such  noninterference  consists  in  the 
fact  that  any  active  and  irritating  treatment  may  so  excite  the  parts 
as  to  bring  about  a  renewed  pathological  activity,  which  may  result 
in  a  reduplication  of  the  phenomena,  with  a  second  edition,  if  not  a 
second  and  enlarged  volume,  of  the  whole  story.  For  our  part,  our 
faith  is  firm  in  the  impolicy  of  interference,  and  this  faith  is  founded 
on  an  experience  of  many  years,  during  which  our  practice  has  been 
that  of  abstention. 

Of  course,  there  will  be  exceptional  conditions  which  will  at  times 
indicate  a  different  course.  These  will  become  evident  when  the  occa- 
sions present  themselves,  and  extraordinary  forms  and  effects  of 
inflammation  and  growth  in  the  tumors  offer  special  indications.  But 
our  conviction  remains  unshaken  that  surgical  treatment  of  the  oper- 
ative kind  is  usually  useless,  if  not  dangerous.  "We  have  little  faith 
in  the  method  of  extirpation  except  under  very  special  conditions, 
among  Avhich  that  of  diminutive  size  has  been  named ;  this  seems  in 
itself  to  constitute  a  sufficient  negative  argument.  Even  in  such  a 
rase  a  resort  to  the  knife  or  the  gouge  could  scarcely  find  a  justifi- 
cation, since  no  operative  procedure  is  ever  without  a  degree  of  haz- 
ard, to  say  nothing  of  the  considerations  which  are  always  forcibly 
negative  in  any  question  of  the  infliction  of  pain  and  the  unnecessary 
use  of  the  knife. 

If  an  acute  periostitis  of  the  cannon  bone  has  been  readil}^  discov- 
ered, the  treatment  we  have  already  suggested  for  that  ailment  is 
at  once  indicated,  and  the  astringent  lotions  may  be  relied  upon  to 
bring  about  beneficial  results.  Sometimes,  however,  preference  may 
be  given  to  a  lotion  possessing  a  somewhat  different  quality,  the  alter- 
ative consisting  of  tincture  of  iodin  applied  to  the  inflamed  spot 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


Plate  XXV. 


f^^- 


\v 


> 


A^v    ....  yu>L.   ^^\^    t 


y 


U.  S.  Dept  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


Plate  xxvi. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture.  Diseases  of  the  Hors^ 


•%j 


'•yy-^'V 


^^fik* 


'  ■  '^S.tf-n 


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-      ^ 


■      -•    '-1!^ 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


Plate  XXVlil. 


U.  S.  Dept  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


1  ■  I  .  \  I  1  .     \    .  I  \ 


^ /  A,..  /. 


'y^Jr% ' 


Ai 


y 


H(»NI-,       SI'.W   IN 


lameness:  its  causes  and  TttEATMr.N  r.  ;;i;] 

several  times  daily.  11'  the  lameness  persists  uiulor  this  uiiKl  (ourse 
of  treatment,  it  must,  of  course,  be  attacked  l>v  other  methods,  and  wo 
must  resort  to  tlie  cantharides  ointment  oi*  Spanisli-fly  blister,  as  we 
have  before  recommended,  pjcsidcs  thi>,  and  producin<;  an  analogous 
effect,  the  compounils  of  biniodid  di"  nu  rciiiv  aic  favorecl  by  some. 
It  is  prepared  in  the  form  of  an  ointment,  consisliiii;  of  1  diam  of  the 
biniodid  to  1  ounce  of  either  lard  or  vaseline.  It  forms  an  excellent 
blistering;  and  alterative  application,  and  is  of  special  advanta^ic  in 
newly  foiincd  or  recently  discovered  exostosis. 

It  remains  a  pertinent  (juerv.  however,  and  one  \vhi«h  seems  to  bo 
easily  answered,  whether  a  tinnor  so  diminiitixc  in  size  that  it  can 
be  iletected  only  by  diliuent  seaich.  and  wjiich  is  neither  a  disfij^ure- 
nunt  nor  an  obstruction  to  the  motion  of  the  limb,  need  receive  any 
recogn^itiiin  whatever.  Other  modes  of  treatment  for  splints  are  rec- 
ommended and  ])racticed  w  hich  belon«z  strictly  to  the  domain  of  oper- 
ative veterinary  surjreiy:  amon^  these  are  to  be  reckoned  actual 
cauterization,  or  the  application  of  the  fire  iron  and  the  operati(m  of 
periosteotcmy.  These  are  frecpiently  indicated  in  the  treatment  of 
splints  which  have  resisted  milder  means. 

The  nuxle  of  the  development  of  their  growth ;  their  intimacy, 
jrreater  or  le.<s,  with  both  the  larjre  and  the  small  cannon  bones;  the 
possibility  of  their  cxteiulin;L|:  to  the  bai-k  of  these  bones  under  the  sus- 
pen.sory  lijrament:  the  dangerous  complications  which  may  follow 
the  rouLdi  handlinjrof  the  parts,  with  also  a  pos-sibility.  and.  indeed,  a 
j)robability.  of  their  return  aft<M-  removal — these  are  the  considera- 
tions which  have  infhienced  our  judiruK'nt  in  discardinfr  from  our 
practice  and  our  approval  the  Ujcthod  of  lemovid  by  the  saw  or  the 
chistd,  as  recomnuMided  by  certain  Kuropean  veterinarians. 

RINGBONES. 

Kingbone  is  the  designation  of  the  exostosis  which  is  found  on 
the  coronet  and  in  the  digital  and  phalangeal  regions.  (See  Plate 
XXVI.)  The  name  is  appropriate,  becau.se  the  growth  extends  quite 
around  the  coronet,  which  it  encircles  in  the  manner  of  a  ring,  or  per- 
haps because  it  often  forms  upon  the  back  of  that  bone  a  regular 
osseous  arch,  through  which  the  back  tendons  obtain  a  passage.  The 
places  wliere  these  growths  are  usually  developed  have  caused  their 
.subdivision  and  classification  into  three  varieties,  with  the  designa- 
tions of  high,  middle,  and  low.  though  much  can  be  said  as  to  the 
importance  of  the  distinction.  It  is  true  that  the  ringbone  or  phalan- 
ireal  exostosis  mav  be  found  at  various  i)oints  on  the  foot,  in  one  case 
•forming  a  large  bunch  on  the  upper  part  and  quite  close  to  the  fet- 
lock joint:  in  another  around  the  upper  border  of  the  hoof,  or  per- 
haps on  the  extreme  front  <»r  on  the  very  back  of  the  coronet.  The 
shape  in  whi<h  they  commonly  appear  is  fav«tr:ible  t<>  their  easy  dis- 


314  DISEASES    OF    THE   HORSE. 

coveiy,  their  form  when  near  the  fetlock  usually  varying  too  much 
from  the  natural  outlines  of  the  part  when  compared  with  those  of 
the  opposite  side  to  admit  of  error  in  the  matter.     (See  also  page  439.) 

A  ringbone,  when  on  the  front  of  the  foot,  even  when  not  very 
largely  developed,  assumes  the  form  of  a  diffused  convex  swelling. 
If  situated  on  the  lower  part,  it  will  form  a  thick  ring,  encircling 
that  portion  of  the  foot  immediately  above  the  hoof ;  when  found  on 
the  posterior  part,  a  small,  sharp  osseous  growth  somewhat  project- 
ing, sometimes  on  the  inside  and  sometimes  on  the  outside  of  the 
coronet,  may  comprise  the  entire  manifestation. 

Cause. — As  with  splints,  ringbones  may  result  from  severe  labor  in 
early  life,  before  the  process  of  ossification  has  been  fully  perfected; 
or  they  may  be  referred  to  bruises,  blows,  sprains,  or  other  violence ; 
injuries  of  tendons,  ligaments,  or  joints  also  may  be  among  the 
accountable  causes. 

It  is  certain  that  they  may  commonly  be  traced  to  diseases  and 
traumatic  lesions  of  the  foot,  and  their  appearance  may  be  reason- 
ably expected  among  the  sequalae  of  an  abscess  of  the  coronet:  or 
the  cause  may  be  a  severe  contusion  resulting  from  callving.  or  a 
deep-punctured  wound  from  picking  up  a  nail  or  stepping  upon 
any  hard  object  of  sufficiently  irregular  form  to  penetrate  the  sole. 

Moreover,  a  ringbone  may  originate  in  heredity.  This  is  a  fact 
of  no  little  importance  in  its  relation  to  questions  connected  with 
the  extensive  interests  of  the  stock  breeder  and  purchaser. 

That  the  hereditary  transmission  of  constitutional  idiosyncrasies 
is  an  active  cause  with  regard  to  diseases  in  general,  it  would  be 
absurd  to  assert,  but  we  do  say  that  a  predisposition  to  contract 
ringbone  through  faulty  conformation,  such  as  long,  thin  pasterns 
with  narrow  joints  and  steep  fetlocks,  may  be  inherited  in  many 
cases,  and  in  a  smaller  proportion  of  cases  this  predisposition  may 
act  as  a  secondary  cause  in  the  formation  of  ringbone. 

The  importance  of  this  point  when  considered  in  reference  to  the 
policy  which  should  be  observed  in  the  selection  of  breeding  stock 
is  obvious,  and,  as  the  whole  matter  is  within  the  control  of  the 
o^^ners  and  breeders,  it  will  be  their  own  fault  if  the  unchecked 
transmission  of  ringbones  from  one  equine  generation  to  another  is 
allowed  to  continue.  It  is  our  belief  that  among  the  diseases  which 
are  known  for  their  tendency  to  perpetuate  and  repeat  themselves 
by  individual  succession,  those  of  the  bony  structures  stand  first, 
and  the  inference  from  such  fact  which  would  exclude  every  ani- 
mal of  doubtful  soundness  in  its  osseous  apparatus  from  the  stud  list 
and  the  brood  farm  is  too  plain  for  argument. 

Symptoms. — Periostitis  of  the  phalanges  is  an  ailment  requiring 
careful  exploration  and  minute  inspection  for  its  discovery,  and  is 
very  liable  to  result  in  a  ringbone  of  which  lameness  is  the  result. 


lameness:  its  causes  and  teeatment.  315 

The  mode  of  its  innnifestation  varies  according  to  the  state  of  de- 
veltJpment  of  tlie  diseusod  «ri<)Wth  ns  allVctiNl  by  tlie  lirciiinstunfes 
of  its  locution  and  dimensionSi  It  is  commonly  of  tlie  kind  which, 
in  consequence  of  its  intermittent  character,  is  termed  lameness  when 
cool,  having  the  peculiarity  of  exhibiting:  itself  when  the  animal 
starts  from  the  stable  and  of  diminishin<i:,  if  not  entirely  disappear- 
ing after  some  distance  of  travel,  to  return  to  its  original  degree,  if 
not  indeed  a  severer  one.  when  he  has  again  cooled  off  in  his  stable. 
The  size  of  the  ringbone  does  not  indicate  the  degree  to  which  it 
cripples  the  patient,  but  the  position  may,  especially  when  it  inter- 
feres with  the  free  movement  of  the  tendons  whic  h  pass  behind  and 
in  front  of  the  foot.  "While  a  large  ringl)one  will  often  interfere 
but  little  with  the  motion  of  the  limb,  a  smaller  giowth.  if  situated 
undei-  the  tendon,  may  become  the  cause  of  considerable  and  con- 
tinued pain. 

A  ringbone  is  doubtless  a  worse  evil  than  a  splint.  Its  growth,  its 
location,  its  tendency  to  increased  development,  its  exposure  to  the 
influence  of  causes  of  renewed  danger,  all  tend  to  impart  an  unfavor- 
uhle  cast  to  the  prognosis  of  a  case  and  to  emphasize  the  impor- 
tance and  the  value  of  an  early  discovery  of  its  presence  and  possible 
growth.  P^ven  when  the  discovery  has  been  made,  it  is  often  the 
case  that  the  truth  has  come  to  light  too  late  for  effectual  treatment. 
Months  may  have  elapsed  after  the  first  manifestation  of  the  lame- 
ness i)efore  a  disco^ery  has  been  made  of  the  lesion  from  which  it 
has  originated,  and  there  is  no  recall  for  the  lapsed  time.  And  by 
the  uncompromising  .seriousness  of  the  discouraging  prognosis  must 
the  energy  and  severity  of  the  treatment  and  the  promptness  of  its 
ailministration  be  mea.sured.  The  periostitis  has  been  overlooked; 
any  chance  that  might  have  existed  for  i)reventing  its  advance  to  the 
chronic  stage  has  been  lost:  the  osseous  formation  is  established:  the 
ringbone  is  a  fixed  fact,  and  the  indications  are  urgent  and  pressing. 

Treatment. — The  preventive  treatment  consi.«ts  in  keeping  colts 
well  nourished  and  in  trimming  the  hoof  and  shoeing  to  balance  the 
foot  projierly  and  thus  prevent  an  abnormal  .strain  on  the  ligaments. 
Even  after  the  ringbone  has  developed,  a  cure  may  sf)metimes  l>e  oc- 
<asioned  by  ]>ro[)er  .shoeing  directed  toward  .straightening  the  axis  of 
the  foot  as  viewed  from  the  side  by  making  the  wall  of  the  hoof  from 
the  conmet  to  the  toe  continuous  with  the  line  formed  by  the  front 
of  the  pastern.  So  long  as  inflammation  of  the  periosteum  and  liga- 
ments remains,  a  .sharp  blister  of  Itiniodid  of  mercury  and  canthari- 
des  may  do  good  if  the  animal  is  allowed  to  i*est  for  four  or  five 
weeks.  If  this  fails,  some  .success  may  l>e  accomplished  by  point 
firing  in  two  or  tluee  lines  over  the  ringbone.  It  is  necessary  to  touch 
the  hot  iron  well  into  the  bone,  as  superficial  firing  does  little  good. 
When  all  these  measures  have  failed  to  remove  the  lameness,  or  when 


316  DISEASES    OF    THE    IIOESE. 

the  animal  is  not  worth  a  long  and  uncertain  treatment,  a  competent 
veterinarian  should  be  engaged  to  perform  double  neurectomy,  high 
or  low,  of  the  plantar  nerves,  or  neurectomy  of  the  median  nerve  as 
indicated  by  the  seat  of  the  lesion. 

SIDEBONES. 

On  each  side  of  the  bone  of  the  hoof — the  cofRnbone — there  are 
normally  two  supplementary  organs  which  are  called  the  cartilages 
of  the  foot.  They  are  soft,  and  though  in  a  degree  elastic,  yet  some- 
what resisting,  and  are  implanted  on  the  lateral  wings  of  the  coffin- 
bone.  Evidently  their  office  is  to  assist  in  the  elastic  expansion  and 
contraction  of  the  posterior  part  of  the  hoof,  and  their  healthy  and 
normal  action  doubtless  contributes  in  an  important  degree  to  the 
perfect  performance  of  the  functions  of  that  part  of  the  leg.  These 
organs  are,  how^ever,  liable  to  undergo  a  process  of  disease  which  re- 
sults in  an  entire  change  in  their  properties,  if  not  in  their  shape,  by 
which  they  acquire  a  character  of  hardness  resulting  from  the  de- 
posit of  earthy  substance  in  the  intimate  structure  of  the  cartilage, 
and  it  is  this  change,  when  its  consummation  has  been  effected,  that 
brings  to  our  cognizance  the  diseased  growth  wdiich  has  received  the 
desigTiation  of  sidebones.  They  are  situated  on  one  or  both  sides  of 
the  leg,  bulging  above  the  superior  border  of  the  hoof  in  the  form  of 
two  hard  bodies  composed  of  ossified  cartilage,  irregularly  square  in 
shape  and  unyielding  under  the  pressure  of  the  fingers. 

Cause. — Sidebones  may  be  the  result  of  a  low  inflammatory  condi- 
tion or  of  an  acute  attack  as  well,  or  may  be  caused  by  sprains,  bruises, 
or  blows;  or  they  may  have  their  rise  in  certain  diseases  affecting  the 
foot  proper,  such  as  corns,  quarter  cracks,  or  quittor.  The  deposit  of 
calcareous  matter  in  the  cartilage  is  not  alwaj^s  uniform,  the  base  of 
that  organ  near  its  line  of  union  with  the  coffinbone  being  in  some 
.cases  its  limit,  while  at  other  times  it  is  diffused  throughout  its  sub- 
stance, the  size  and  prominence  of  the  growth  varying  much  in 
consequence. 

Symptoms. — It  would  naturally  be  inferred  that  the  degree  of 
interference  with  the  proper  functions  of  the  hoof  which  must  result 
from  such  a  pathological  change  would  be  proportioned  to  the  size  of 
the  tumor,  and  that  as  the  dimensions  increase  the  resulting  lame- 
ness would  be  the  greater  in  degree.  This,  however,  is  not  the  fact. 
A  small  tumor  while  in  a  condition  of  acute  inflammation  during  the 
formative  stage  may  cripple  a  patient  more  severely  than  a  much 
larger  one  in  a  later  stage  of  the  disease.  In  any  case  the  lameness  is 
never  wanting,  and  with  its  intermittent  character  may  usually  be 
detected  W'hen  the  animal  is  cooled  off  after  labor  or  exercise.  The 
class  of  animals  in  Avhich  this  feature  of  the  disease  is  most  fre- 


lameness:    its   causes   and  Tni:AT.MKNT.  317' 

quently  seen  is  tluit  of  tlie  lu':i\y  draft  liorsc  aiid  others  similarly 
employed.  There  is  a  wide  margin  of  diireiciice  in  re^<i)et't  to  the 
degrees  of  severity  which  may  characterize  dilleient  cases  of  side- 
bone.  While  one  may  be  so  slight  as  to  cause  no  inccmvenience, 
another  may  devel<»p  elements  of  danger  which  may  iiivohe  the 
necessity  of  severe  surgical  interference. 

Treatment. — The  curative  treatment  should  he  .siiuilar  to  the  pi-o- 
phylactic,  and  su.ch  means  should  be  used  as  would  teud  to  pre\"ent 
the  deposit  of  bony  matters  by  checking  the  acute  inllammation 
which  causes  it.  The  means  recommended  aic  the  free  use  of  the 
cold  bath:  fiecpient  soaking  of  the  feet,  and  at  a  later  period  treat- 
ment with  iodin.  either  by  painting  the  surface  with  the  tincture 
several  times  daily  or  by  applying  an  ointment  made  by  mixing 
1  dram  of  the  crystals  with  '1  ounces  of  vaseline,  rubbed  in  once  a 
day  for  several  days.  If  this  proves  to  be  ineffective,  a  Spanish-fly 
blister  to  which  a  few  grains  of  biniodid  of  merciuy  have  been 
added  will  effect  in  a  majority  of  cases  the  desired  result  and  remove 
the  lameness.  If  finally  this  treatment  is  ineffectual  the  case  must 
be  relegated  to  the  surgeon  for  the  operati(m  of  neurectomy,  or  the 
free  and  deep  application  of  the  firing  iron. 

SPAVIN. 

(ris.  xxvii-xxix.^ 

This  affection,  popidarly  teimed  bone  spavin,  is  an  exostosis  of 
the  hock  joint.  The  general  impression  is  that  in  a  spavined  hock 
the  bony  growth  shoidd  be  seated  on  the  anterior  and  internal  part 
of  the  joint,  and  this  is  partially  correct,  as  such  a  growth  w  ill  con- 
stitute a  spavin  in  the  most  nearly  correct  sense  of  the  term.  But  an 
enlargement  may  appear  on  the  upper  part  of  the  hock  also,  or 
possibly  a  little  below  the  inner  side  of  the  lower  extremity  of  the 
shank  bone,  forming  what  is  known  as  a  high  spavin:  or,  again,  the 
growth  may  form  just  on  the  outside  of  the  hock  and  become  an  out- 
side or  external  si)avin.  And,  finally,  the  entire  under  surface  may 
bei^ome  the  seat  of  the  o.sfeeous  deposit,  and  involve  the  articular  face 
of  all  the  bones  of  the  hock,  which  again  is  a  bone  spavin.  There 
would  seem,  then,  to  Ix'  but  little  dilliculty  in  comj^rchending  the 
nature  of  a  bone  spavin,  and  there  would  be  none  but  for  the  fact 
that  there  are  similar  affections  whieh  may  confuse  one  if  the  diag- 
nosis is  not  veiv  carefully  made. 

But  the  hock  may  be  "spavined."  while  to  all  outward  observation 
it  still  retains  its  perfect  form.  With  no  enlargement  perceptible  to 
sight  or  touch  the  animal  may  yet  be  disabled  by  an  occult  spavin, 
an  anchylosis  in  fact,  which  has  resulted  from  a  union  of  several 
of  the  bones  of  the  joint,  and  it  is  only  those  who  are  able  to  realize 


318  DISEASES   OF   THE   HOESE. 

the  importance  of  its  action  to  the  perfect  fulfiUment  of  the  function 
of  locomotion  by  the  hind  leg  who  can  comprehend  the  gravity  of  the 
only  prognosis  which  can  be  justified  by  the  facts  of  the  case — a 
prognosis  which  is  essentially  a  sentence  of  serious  import  in  respect 
to  the  future  usefulness  and  value  of  the  animal.  For  no  disease,  if 
we  except  those  acute  inflammatory  attacks  upon  vital  organs  to 
which  the  patient  succumbs  at  once,  is  more  destructive  to  the  useful- 
ness and  value  of  a  horse  than  a  confirmed  spavin.  Serious  in  its 
inception,  serious  in  its  progress,  it  is  an  ailment  which,  when  once 
established,  becomes  a  fixed  condition  which  there  is  no  known 
means  of  dislodging. 

Cause. — The  periostitis,  of  which  it  is  nearly  always  a  teimination, 
is  usually  the  effect  of  a  traujnatic  cause  operating  upon  the  compli- 
cated structure  of  the  hock,  such  as  a  sprain  which  has  torn  a  liga- 
mentous insertion  and  lacerated  some  of  its  fibers,  or  a  violent  effort 
in  jumping,  galloping,  or  trotting,  to  which  the  victim  has  been 
compelled  by  the  torture  of  whip  and  spur  while  in  use  as  a  gambling 
implement  by  a  sporting  owner,  under  the  pretext  of  "  improving  his 
breed";  the  extra  exertion  of  starting  an  inordinately  heavy  load, 
or  an  effort  to  recover  his  balance  from  a  misstep,  slipping  upon  an 
icy  surface,  or  sliding  with  worn  shoes  upon  a  bad  pavement,  and 
other  kindred  causes.  We  can  repeat  here  what  we  have  before 
said  concerning  bones,  in  respect  to  heredity  as  a  cause.  From  our 
own  experience  we  know  of  equine  families  in  which  this  condition 
has  been  transmitted  from  generation  to  generation,  and  animals 
otherwise  of  excellent  conformation  have  been  rendered  valueless  by 
the  misfortune  of  a  congenital  spavin. 

Symptoms. — ^The  evil  is  one  of  the  most  serious  character  for  other 
reasons,  among  which  may  be  specified  the  slowness  of  its  develop- 
ment and  the  insidiousness  of  its  growth.  Certain  indefinite  phenom- 
ena and  alarming  changes  and  incidents  furnish  usually  the  only 
portents  of  approaching  trouble.  Among  these  signs  may  be  men- 
tioned a  peculiar  postm^e  assumed  by  the  patient  while  at  rest,  and 
becoming  at  length  so  habitual  that  it  can  not  fail  to  suggest  the 
action  of  some  hidden  disorder.  The  posture  is  due  to  the  action  of 
the  adductor  muscles,  the  lower  part  of  tlie  leg  being  carried  inward, 
and  the  heel  of  the  shoe  resting  on  the  toe  of  the  opposite  foot.  Then 
an  unwillingness  may  be  noticed  in  the  animal  to  move  from  one  side 
of  the  stall  to  the  other.  "When  driven  he  will  travel,  but  stiffly,  with 
a  sort  of  sidelong  gait  between  the  shafts,  and  after  finishing  his 
task  and  resting  again  in  his  stall  will  pose  with  the  toe  pointing  for- 
ward, the  heel  raised,  and  the  hock  flexed.  Considerable  heat  and 
inflammation  soon  appear.  The  slight  lameness  which  appears  when 
backing  out  of  the  stall  ceases  to  be  noticeable  after  a  short  distance 
of  travel. 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  319 

A  minute  I'xaiiiinalion  of  the  lu)clv  may  tlieu  reveal  the  existence  of 
•A  bony  enlarji:ement  whicli  may  be  detected  just  at  tiie  jjuutioii  of  the 
I'.ock  and  the  eainion  bone,  on  the  inside  and  a  littk'  in  front,  and 
tan«;ible  both  to  si^ht  an«l  touch.  This  enhir«i^ement,  or  bone  spavin, 
^rows  rapidly  and  persistently  and  soon  aecjuires  dimensions  Mhich 
lenders  it  impossible  to  doubt  any  longer  its  existence  or  its  nature. 
Once  established,  its  development  continues  imder  conditions  of  pro«:j- 
ress  similar  to  those  to  which  we  have  befoi'e  alhuied  in  speakinjj  of 
other  like  afl'ections.  The  arjj:ument  advanced  by  some  that  because 
these  bony  deposits  are  frecjuently  found  on  both  hocks  they  are  not 
spavins  is  fallacious.  If  they  are  discovered  on  both  hocks,  it  proves 
merely  that  they  are  not  confined  to  a  single  joint. 

The  characteristic  lameness  of  bone  spavin,  as  it  aHects  the  motion 
of  the  hock  joint,  presents  two  aspects.  In  one  class  of  cases  it  is 
most  pronounced  when  the  horse  is  cool,  in  the  other  when  he  is  at 
work.  The  first  is  characterized  l)y  the  fact  that  when  the  animal 
travels  the  toe  first  touches  the  ground,  and  the  heel  descends  more 
slowly,  the  motion  of  flexion  at  the  hock  taking  place  stiffly,  and 
accompanied  with  a  dropinng  of  the  hip  on  the  opposite  side.  In  the 
other  case  the  peculiarity  is  that  the  lameness  increases  as  the  horse 
travels;  that  when  he  stops  he  seeks  to  favor  the  lame  leg,  and  when 
he  resumes  his  work  soon  after  he  steps  much  on  his  toe.  as  in  the 
first  variety. 

As  with  sidebones.  though  for  a  somewhat  different  reason,  the 
dimensions  of  the  si)avin  and  the  degree  of  the  lameness  do  not  seem 
to  bear  any  determinate  relation,  the  most  pronounced  symptoms  at 
times  accompanying  a  vevy  diminutive  growth.  The  distinction 
between  the  two  varieties  of  cool  and  waiiu.  however,  nuiy  easily  lie 
determined  by  remembering  the  fact  that  in  most  cases  the  first,  or 
cool,  is  due  to  a  simple  exostosis,  wliile  the  second  is  generally  con- 
nected with  disease  of  the  articulation,  such  as  ulceration  of  the 
articular  surface — a  condition  which,  as  we  proceed  further,  will 
receive  our  attention  when  we  reach  the  sui)ject  of  stringhalt. 

An  excellent  te^t  for  spavin  lameness,  which  may  be  readily 
applied,  consists  in  lifting  tiie  affected  leg  from  the  giound  for  one 
or  two  minutes  and  holding  the  foot  high  so  as  to  flex  all  the  joints. 
An  assistant,  with  the  haltei-  stra|)  in  his  hand,  (piickly  stai'ts  the 
animal  off  in  a  trot,  when,  if  the  hock  joint  is  affected,  the  lameness 
will  be  so  greatly  intensified  as  to  lead  readily  to  a  diagnosis. 

Pi'og7Wsix. — Having  thus  fully  con-idered  the  history  of  l>one 
spavin,  we  are  prepared  to  give  due  weight  to  the  reasons  that  cxi.st 
for  the  adverse  piognosis  which  we  must  usually  fi^el  compelled  to 
pronounce  when  encountering  it  in  practice,  as  well  as  to  realize  the 
importance  of  early  di.scovery.  It  is  but  seldom,  however,  that  the 
necessary  advantage  of  this  early  knowledge  can  be  obtained,  and 


320  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

Avjien  the  true  nature  of  the  trouble  has  become  apparent  it  is  usually 
too  late  to  resort  to  the  remedial  measures  which,  if  duly  forewarned, 
a  skillful  practitioner  might  have  emploj^ed.  We  are  fully  per- 
suaded that  but  for  the  loss  of  the  time  wasted  in  the  treatment  of 
purely  imaginary  ailments  very  many  cases  of  bone  spavin  might  be 
arrested  in  their  incipiency  and  their  victims  preserved  for  years  of 
comfort  for  themselves  and  valuable  labor  to  their  owners. 

Treatment. — To  consider  a  hypothetical  case :  An  early  discovery 
of  lameness  has  been  made ;  that  is,  the  existence  of  an  acute  inflam- 
mation— of  periostitis — has  been  detected.  The  increased  tempera- 
ture of  the  parts  has  been  observed,  with  the  stiffened  gait  and  the 
characteristic  pose  of  the  limb,  and  the  question  is  proposed  for  solu- 
tion. What  is  to  be  done?  Even  with  only  these  comparatively 
doubtful  symptoms — doubtful  with  the  nonexpert — we  should  direct 
our  treatment  to  the  hock  in  preference  to  any  other  joint,  since  of 
all  the  joints  of  the  hind  leg  it  is  this  which  is  most  liable  to  be 
attacked,  a  natural  result  from  its  peculiarities  of  structure  and 
function.  And  in  answer  to  the  query.  What  is  the  first  treatment 
indicated?  AYe  should  answer  re^t — emphatically,  and  as  an  essen- 
tial condition,  rest.  Whether  only  threatened,  suspected,  or  posi- 
tively diseased,  the  animal  must  be  wholly -released  from  labor,  and 
it  must  be  no  partial  or  temporary  quiet  of  a  few  days.  In  all  stages 
and  conditions  of  the  disease,  whether  the  spavin  is  nothing  more 
than  a  simple  exostosis,  or  whether  accompanied  with  the  complica- 
tion of  arthritis,  there  must  be  a  total  suspension  of  effort  until  the 
danger  is  over.  Less  than  a  month's  quiet  ought  not  to  be  thought 
of — the  longer  the  better. 

Good  residts  may  also  be  expected  from  local  applications.  The 
various  lotions  which  cool  the  parts,  the  astringents  which  lower  the 
tension  of  the  blood  vessels,  the  tepid  fomentations  which  accelerate 
the  circulation  in  the  engorged  capillaries,  the  liniments  of  various 
composition,  the  stimulants,  the  opiate  anodynes,  the  sedative  prepa- 
rations of  aconite,  the  alterative  frictions  of  iodin — all  these  are 
recommended  and  prescribed  b}'  one  or  another.  We  prefer  counter- 
irritants,  for  the  reason,  among  many  others,  that  by  the  prompt- 
ness of  their  action  they  tend  to  prevent  the  formation  of  the  bony 
deposits.  The  lameness  will  often  yield  to  the  blistering  action 
of  cantharides,  in  the  form  of  ointment  or  liniment,  and  to  the  alter- 
ative preparations  of  iodin  or  mercury.  If  the  owner  of  a  ''  spav- 
ined" horse  really  succeeds  in  removing  the  lameness,  he  has  ac- 
complished all  that  he  is  justified  in  hoping  for;  beyond  this  let 
him  be  well  persuaded  that  a  "  cure  "  is  impossible. 

For  this  reason,  moreover,  he  will  do  well  to  be  on  his  guard 
against  the  patented  '"  cures  "  which  the  traveling  horse  doctor  may 
urge  upon  him,  and  withhold  his  faith  from  the  circular  of  the  agent 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  321 

■who  will  tlelii<ro  him  with  references  and  certificates.  It  is  possible 
tliat  nostiunis  may  in  some  excei)ti()nal  instances  prove  serviceai)le, 
hut  the  greater  number  of  them  are  capable  of  producing  only  in- 
jurious eti'ects.  The  removal  of  the  bony  tumor  can  not  be  accom- 
plished by  any  such  means,  and  if  a  tiial  of  these  unknown  com- 
pounds should  be  followed  by  complications  no  worse  than  the 
establishment  of  one  or  more  ujrly,  hairless  cicatrices,  it  will  be 
well  for  both  the  horse  and  his  owner. 

l\e>t  and  counterirritation,  with  the  proper  medicaments,  consti- 
tute, then,  the  prominent  points  in  the  treatment  designed  for  the 
relief  of  bone  spavin.  Yet  thei-e  are  cases  in  which  all  the  agencies 
i.iul  methods  referred  to  seem  to  lack  effectiveness  and  fail  to  produce 
.•satisfactory  results.  Either  the  rest  has  been  i)rematurcly  intcr- 
rupteil  or  the  blisters  have  failed  to  modify  the  serous  infiltration, 
»r  the  case  in  hand  has  some  undiscernible  characteristics  which 
seem  to  have  rendered  the  disease  neutral  to  the  agencies  used  against 
it.  An  indication  of  more  energetic  means  is  then  presented,  and 
tree  cauterization  with  the  firing  iron  becomes  necessary. 

At  this  point  a  word  of  explanation  in  reference  to  this  operation 
».f  firing  may  be  approjjriatc  for  the  satisfaction  of  any  among  our 
readers  who  may  entertain  an  exaggerated  idea  of  its  severity  and 
possible  cruelty. 

The  operation  is  one  of  simplicitx.  l)ut  is  nevertheless  one  which, 
in  order  to  secure  its  benefits,  must  be  reserved  for  times  and  occa- 
sions of  which  only  the  best  kn(»wledge  and  highest  discretion  should 
be  allowe<l  t<>  judge.  It  is  not  the  mere  apjdication  of  a  hot  iron  to 
a  given  i):iit  of  the  body  wliicli  constitutes  the  operation  of  firing. 
It  is  the  methodical  and  M-ientific  intro<luction  of  heat  into  the 
structure  with  a  view  to  a  given  effect  \\\)(m  a  diseased  oi'gan  or 
tissue  by  an  exj)ert  surgeon.  The  fii-st  is  one  of  the  degrees  of  mere 
biii-nijig.  The  othei-  is  scientific  <auteri/.ation.  and  is  a  surgical 
manipulation  which  should  be  committed  ex(liisi\i>ly  to  the  practiced 
lumd  of  tlu'  veterinary  surgeon. 

Kithcr  firing  alone  or  stiuiulatioii  with  l)listeis  is  of  great  ellicacy 
for  the  idicf  of  lameness  from  bone  spavin.  Failure  to  produce 
relief  after  a  few  applications  aixl  aftci-  allowing  a  sufficient  interval 
of  ivst  slmuld  i>e  followed  by  a  sec<»nd  or,  if  needed,  a  third  firing. 

In  case  of  further  failure  there  is  a  reserve  of  certain  special  oper- 
ations which  have  been  tiied  and  recommeiuled,  among  which  those 
of  cunean  tenotomy.  i)erio<teotomy.  the  division  of  nervous  branches, 
etc..  may  be  mentioned.  These,  however,  belong  to  the  i)eculiar  do- 
main of  the  veterinary  i)ractitioner,  and  need  not  now  engage  our 
attention. 

3«VI44''— 10 21 


322  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

FRACTURES. 

In  technical  language  a  fracture  is  a  '"  solution  of  continuitj'^  in  the 
structure  or  substance  of  a  bone."  It  ranks  among  the  most  serious 
of  the  lesions  to  which  the  hoi^e — or  any  animal — can  be  subject. 
It  is  a  subject  of  special  interest  to  veterinarians  and  horse  owners 
in  view  of  the  fact  that  it  occurs  in  such  a  variety  of  forms  and 
subjects  the  patient  to  much  loss  of  time,  resulting  in  the  suspension 
of  his  earning  capacity.  Though  of  less  serious  consequence  in  the 
horse  than  in  man,  it  is  always  a  matter  of  grave  import.  It  is 
alwaj^s  slow  and  tedious  in  healing  and  is  frequently  of  doubtful 
and  unsatisfactory  result. 

This  solution  of  continuity  may  take  place  in  two  principal  ways. 
In  the  most  numerous  instances  it  includes  the  total  thickness  of  the 
bone  and  is  a  complete  fracture.  In  other  cases  it  involves  only  a 
portion  of  the  thickness  of  the  bone,  and  for  that  reason  is  described 
as  incomplete.  If  the  bone  is  divided  into  two  separate  portions 
and  the  soft  parts  have  received  no  injury,  the  fracture  is  a  simple 
one,  or  it  becomes  compound  if  the  soft  parts  have  suffered  lacera- 
tion, and  comminuted  if  the  bones  have  been  crushed  or  ground  into 
fragments,  many  or  few.  The  direction  of  the  break  also  determines 
its  further  classification.  Broken  at  a  right  angle,  it  is  transverse; 
at  a  different  angle  it  becomes  oblique,  and  it  may  be  longitudinal 
or  lengthwise.  In  a  complete  fracture,  especially  of  the  oblique 
kind,  there  is  a  condition  of  great  importance  in  respect  to  its  effect 
upon  the  ultimate  result  of  the  treatment  in  the  fact  that  from  vari- 
ous causes,  such  as  muscular  contractions  or  excessive  motion,  the 
bony  fragments  do  not  maintain  their  mutual  coaptation,  but  be- 
come separated  at  the  ends,  which  makes  it  necessary  to  add  another 
descriptive  term — with  displacement.  These  words  again  suggest 
the  negative  and  introduce  the  term  without  displacement,  when 
the  facts  justify  that  description.  Furthermore,  a  fracture  may  be 
intra-articular  or  extra-articular,  as  it  extends  into  a  joint  or  other- 
wise, and,  once  more,  intra-periosteal  when  the  periosteum  remains 
intact.  Finally,  there  is  no  absolute  limit  to  the  use  of  descriptive 
terminology  in  the  case. 

The  condition  of  displacement  is  largely  influential  in  determining 
the  question  of  treatment  and  as  affecting  the  final  result  of  a  case  of 
fracture.  This,  however,  is  dependent  upon  its  location  or  whether 
its  seat  is  in  one  or  more  of  the  axes  of  the  bone,  in  its  length,  its 
breadth,  its  thickness,  or  its  circumference.  An  incomplete  fracture 
may  also  be  either  simple  or  comminuted.  In  the  latter  case  the  frag- 
ments are  held  together  by  the  periosteum  when  it  is  intact ;  in  that 
case  the  fracture  belongs  to  the  intraperiosteal  class.  At  times,  also, 
there  is  only  a  simple  fissure  or  split  in  the  bone,  making  a  condition 
of  much  difficultv  of  diao^nosis. 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  323 

Caunett. — Tavo  varieties  of  ori^inatinjj:  cause  may  be  reeognized  ill 
cases  of  fracture.  Thev  are  the  i)redisi)osin<^  and  the  occasional. 
As  to  the  first,  ditierent  species  of  animals  ditl'er  in  the  dejj:ree  of  their 
liahility.  That  of  the  dojr  is  frreater  than  that  of  the  horse,  and  in 
horses  the  various  questions  of  age.  the  mode  of  labor,  the  season  of 
the  year,  the  portion  of  the  body  most  exposed,  and  the  existence  of 
ailments,  local  and  «reneral.  are  all  to  be  taken  into  account. 

Amonir  horses,  those  employed  in  heavy  draft  work  or  that  are 
ilriven  over  bad  loatls  are  more  exposed  than  light-draft  or  saddle 
horses,  and  animals  <:f  dirt'erent  ages  are  not  ecjually  liable.  Dogs 
and  young  horses,  with  those  which  have  become  sulliciently  aged  for 
their  bones  to  have  accjuircil  an  enhanced  degree  of  frangibility,  are 
more  liable  than  those  which  have  not  exceeded  the  time  of  their 
prime.  The  season  of  the  year  is  undoubtedly,  though  in  an  inci- 
dental way.  an  important  factor  in  the  problem  of  the  etiology  of 
these  accidents,  for  though  they  may  be  observed  at  all  times,  it  is 
during  the  months  when  the  slippery  comlition  of  the  icy  roads  ren- 
ders it  difficult  for  both  men  and  beasts  to  keep  their  feet  that  they 
occur  most  fre<|uently.  The  long  bones,  those  especially  which  belong 
to  the  extremities,  are  most  fre<iuently  the  seat  of  fractures,  from  the 
circumstance  of  their  superficial  position,  their  exposure  to  contact 
and  collision,  and  the  violent  muscidar  etl'orts  involved  both  in  their 
constant,  rapid  movement  and  their  laI)or  in  the  shafts  or  at  the  pole 
of  heavy  and  heavily  laden  carriages. 

The  relation  between  sundry  idiosyncrasies  and  diathesis  and  a  lia- 
bility to  fractures  is  too  constant  and  well-estal)lished  a  pathological 
fact  to  neeil  more  than  a  passing  reference.  The  history  of  rachitis, 
of  melanosis,  and  of  osteoporosis,  as  related  to  an  abnormal  frangi- 
bility of  the  bones,  is  a  part  of  our  common  medical  knowledge. 
There  are  few  persons  who  have  not  known  of  cases  among  their 
friends  of  frequent  and  almost  spontaneous  fiactures.  or  at  least  of 
siich  as  seem  to  be  produced  by  the  slightest  and  most  inadequate  vio- 
lence, and  there  is  no  tangible  reason  for  doubting  an  analogous  con- 
dition in  dividuals  of  the  equine  race.  Among  local  ])redisposing 
causes  mention  must  not  be  omitted  of  such  I>ony  diseases  as  caries, 
tubci-culosis,  and  others  of  the  same  class. 

Exciting,  occasional,  or  "efficient"  causes  of  fracture  are  in  most 
instances  external  traumatisms,  as  violent  ctmtacts,  collisions,  falls, 
etc..  or  sudden  muscular  contractions.  These  external  accidents  are 
various  in  their  character,  and  are  usually  associated  with  quick  mus- 
cular exertion.  A  violent,  ineffectual  efl'ort  to  move  too  heavy  a  load  : 
a  semisjiasmodic  bracing  of  the  frame  to  avoid  a  fall  or  resist  a  pres- 
sure: a  quick  jump  to  escape  a  blow:  stopping  too  suddenly  after 
speeding:  struggling  to  liberate  a  foot  from  a  rail.  perha])s  to  l)e 
thrown  in  the  effort — all  these  are  familial'  and  easy  examples  of  acci- 


324  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

dents  happening  hourly  by  which  our  equine  servants  become  suffer- 
ers. We  may  add  to  these  the  fracture  of  the  bones  of  the  vertebrae, 
occurring  Avhen  casting  a  patient  for  the  purpose  of  undergoing  a 
surgical  operation,  quite  as  much  as  the  result  of  muscular  contrac- 
tion as  of  a  preexisting  diseased  condition  of  the  bones.  A  fracture 
occurring  under  these  circumstances  may  be  called  with  propriety 
indirect,  while  one  which  has  resulted  from  a  blow  or  a  fall  differ- 
ently caused  is  of  the  direct  kind. 

Symptoms. — "VVe  now  relurn  to  the  first  items  in  our  classification 
of  the  varieties  of  fractures  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  them  in  turn 
under  an  orderly  review,  and  our  first  examination  will  include  those 
Avhich  belong  to  the  first  category,  or  the  complete  kind.  Irregu- 
larity in  the  performance  of  the  functions  of  the  apparatus  to  which 
the  fractured  bone  belongs  is  a  necessary  consequence  of  the  existing 
lesion,  and  this  is  lameness.  If  the  broken  bone  belongs  to  one  of  the 
extremities,  the  impossibility  of  the  performance  of  its  natural  func- 
tion in  sustaining  the'weight  of  the  body  and  contributing  to  the  act 
of  locomotion  is  usually  complete,  though  the  degree  of  disability 
will  vary  according  to  the  kind  of  fracture  and  the  bone  which  is 
injured.  For  example,  a  fracture  of  the  cannon  bone  without  dis- 
placement, or  of  one  of  the  phalanges,  which  are  surrounded  and  sus- 
tained by  a  complex  fibrous  structure,  is,  in  a  certain  degree,  not 
incompatible  with  some  amount  of  resting  on  the  foot.  On  the  con- 
trary, if  the  shank  bone,  or  that  of  the  forearm  is  the  implicated 
member,  it  would  be  \Qvy  difficult  for  the  leg  to  exercise  any  agency 
whatever  in  the  support  of  the  body,  and  in  a  fracture  of  the  lower 
jaw  it  would  be  obviously  unreasonable  to  expect  it  to  contribute 
materially  to  the  mastication  of  feed. 

It  seldom  happens  that  a  fracture  is  not  accompanied  with  a  de- 
gree of  deformity,  greater  or  less,  of  the  region  or  the  leg  affected. 
This  is  due  to  the  exudation  of  the  blood  into  the  meshes  of  the 
surrounding  tissues  and  to  the  displacement  which  occurs  between 
the  fragments  of  the  bones,  with  subsequently  the  swelling  which 
follows  the  inflammation  of  the  surrounding  tissues.  The  character 
of  the  deformity  will  mainly  depend  upon  the  manner  in  which  the 
displacement  occurs. 

In  a  normal  state  of  things  the  legs  perform  their  movements  with 
the  joints  as  their  onh^  centers  or  bases  of  action,  with  no  participa- 
tion of  intermediate  points,  while  with  a  fracture  the  flexibility  and 
motion  which  will  b,e  observed  at  umiatural  points  are  among  the 
most  strongly  characteristic  signs  of  the  lesion.  No  one  need  be 
told  that,  when  the  shaft  of  a  limb  is  seen  to  bend  midway  between 
the  joints,  with  the  lower  portion  swinging  freely,  the  leg  is  broken. 
There  are  still  some  conditions,  however,  in  which  the  excessive 
mobility  is  not  easy  to  detect.    Such  are  the  cases  in  which  the  frac- 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  325 

ture  exists  in  a  slioit  l»one.  near  a  movable  joint,  or  in  a  bone  of  a 
re<rion  ^\  here  se\eial  short  ami  small  bones  are  united  in  a  group,  or 
even  in  a  long  bone  the  situation  of  which  is  such  that  the  muscular 
covering'  prevents  the  visible  manifestation  of  the  symptom. 

If  the  situation  of  a  fracture  precludes  its  discovery  by  means  of 
this  abnormal  flexibility,  other  modes  of  detection  remain.  There  is 
one  method  which  is  absolute  and  positive  and  which  can  be  applied 
in  by  far  the  most,  though  not  in  all  cases.  This  is  crepitation,  or  the 
peculiar  effect  which  is  produced  by  the  friction  of  the  fractured  sur- 
faces one  aga'ust  another.  Though  discerned  by  the  organs  of  bear- 
ing it  can  scarcely  be  called  a  sound,  for  the  grating  of  the  i)aits  as 
the  nibbing  takes  place  is  more  felt  than  heard;  however,  there  is  no 
mistaking  its  import  in  cases  favorable  for  the  application  of  the 
test.  The  conditions  in  which  it  is  not  available  are  those  of  incom- 
plete fracture,  in  which  the  mobility  of  the  part  is  lacking,  and  those 
in  which  the  whole  array  of  i^benomena  are  usually  obscure.  To 
obtain  the  benefit  of  this  pathognomonic  sign  requires  deliberate, 
careful,  and  gentle  manipulation.  Sometimes  the  slightest  of  move- 
ments Avill  be  sufTicient  for  its  development,  after  much  rougher 
handling  has  failed  to  discover  it.  Perhaps  the  failure  in  the  latter 
case  is  due  to  a  sort  of  defensive  spasmodic  rigidity  caused  by  the 
pain  resulting  from  the  rude  intei-ference. 

More  or  less  reactive  fever  is  a  usual  accompaniment  of  a  fracture. 
Ecchymosis  in  the  parts  is  but  a  natural  occurrence,  and  is  more 
easily  discovered  in  animals  possessing  a  light-colored  and  delicate 
skin  than  in  those  of  any  other  character. 

There  are  difficulties  in  the  way  of  the  diagnosis  of  an  incomplete 
fracture,  even  sometimes  when  there  is  a  degree  of  impairment  in  the 
function  of  locomotion,  with  evidences  of  pain  and  swelling  at  the 
seat  of  lesion.  There  should  then  be  a  careful  examination  for  evi- 
dences of  a  blow  or  other  violence  suiKcient  to  account  for  the  frac- 
ture, though  very  often  a  suspicitm  of  its  existence  can  be  converted 
into  a  certainty  only  by  a  minute  history  of  the  patient  if  it  can  be 
obtained  up  to  the  moment  of  the  occuirence  of  the  injury.  A  diag- 
nosis ought  not  to  be  hastily  pionounced,  and  where  good  ground 
for  suspicion  exists  it  ought  not  to  be  rejected  upon  any  evidence 
le-ss  than  the  best.  "We  too  often  read  of  serious  and  fatal  comjdica- 
tions  following  careless  conclusions  in  similar  cases,  among  which 
we  may  refer  to  one  instance  of  a  complete  fracture  manifesting 
itself  in  an  animal  during  the  act  of  rising  in  his  stall  after  a  decision 
had  been  pronounced  that  he  had  no  fracture  at  all. 

Fractures  are  of  coui-se  liable  to  complications,  especially  those 
which  are  of  a  tianmatic  character,  such  as  extensive  lacerations, 
tearing  of  tissues.  puncture<5.  contusions,  etc.  T'^^nless  the.se  are  in  com- 
munication with  the  fracture  itself  the  indication  is  to  treat  them 


326  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

simply  as  independent  lesions  upon  other  parts  of  the  bod3\  A 
traumatic  emphysema  at  times  causes  trouble,  and  abscesses,  moi-e  or 
less  deep  and  diffused,  may  follow.  In  some  cases  small,  bony  frag- 
ments from  a  comminuted  fracture,  becoming  loose  and  acting  as 
foreign  bodies,  give  rise  to  troublesome  fistulous  tracts.  A  frequent 
complication  is  hemorrhage,  which  often  becomes  of  serious  conse- 
quence. A  fracture  in  close  proximity  to  a  joint  ma}^  be  accompanied 
with  dangerous  inflammations  of  important  organs,  and  induce  an 
attack  of  pneumonia,  pleurisy,  arthritis,  etc.,  especially  if  near  the 
chest ;  it  may  also  cause  luxations,  or  dislocations.  Gangrene,  as  a 
consequence  of  contusions  or  of  hemorrhage  or  of  an  impediment  to 
the  circulation,  caused  by  unskill fully  applied  apparatus,  must  not 
be  overlooked  among  the  occasional  incidents:  nor  must  lockjaw, 
which  is  not  an  uncommon  occurrence.  Even  founder,  or  laminitis, 
has  been  met  with  as  the  result  of  forced  and  long-continued  im- 
mobility of  the  feet  in  the  standing  posture,  as  one  of  the  involve- 
ments of  unavoidably  protracted  treatment. 

TMien  a  simple  fracture  has  been  properly  treated  and  the  broken 
ends  of  the  bone  have  been  securely  held  in  coaptation,  one  of  two 
things  will  occur.  Either — and  this  is  the  more  common  event — 
there  will  be  a  union  of  the  two  ends  by  a  solid  cicatrix,  the  callus,  or 
the  ends  will  continue  separated  or  become  only  partiall}'  united  by 
an  intermediate  fibrous  structure.  In  the  first  instance  the  fracture  is 
consolidated  or  united :  in  the  second  there  is  a  false  articulation,  or 
pseudarthrosis. 

The  time  required  for  a  firm  union  or  true  consolidation  of  a  frac- 
ture varies  with  the  character  of  the  bone  affected,  the  age  and 
constitution  of  the  patient,  and  the  general  conditions  of  the  case. 
The  union  will  be  perfected  earlier  in  a  young  than  in  an  adult  ani- 
mal, and  sooner  in  the  latter  than  in  the  aged,  and  a  general  healthy 
condition  is,  of  course,  in  every  respect,  an  advantage. 

The  mode  of  cicatrization,  or  method  of  repair  in  lesions  of  th<> 
bones,  has  been  a  subject  of  much  study  among  investigators  in 
pathology,  and  has  elicited  various  expressions  of  opinion  from  those 
high  in  authority.  The  weight  of  evidence  and  preponderance  of 
opinion  are  about  settled  in  favor  of  the  theory  that  the  law  of  repa- 
ration is  the  same  for  both  the  hard  and  the  soft  tissues.  In  one  case 
a  simple  exudation  of  material,  with  the  proper  organization  of 
newly  formed  tissue,  will  bring  al)out  a  union  l)y  the  first  intention, 
and  in  another  the  work  will  be  accompanied  with  suppuration,  or 
union  by  the  second  intention,  a  process  so  familiar  in  the  repair  of 
the  soft  structures  by  granulation. 

Considering  the  process  in  its  simplest  form,  in  a  case  in  which  it 
advances  without  interruption  or  complication  to  a  favorable  result, 
it  may  probably  be  correctly  described  in  this  wise : 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  327 

On  the  occurrence  of  tlie  injury  an  elTusion  of  hlood  takes  place  be- 
tween the  ends  of  the  Ixme.  The  coajruhition  of  tlie  Ihiid  soon  fol- 
lows, and  this,  after  a  few  days,  underjjoes  absorption.  There  is 
then  an  excess  of  inflauiiuation  in  the  surroundinjj  .structure,  which 
S(»on  spreads  to  the  bony  tissue,  when  a  true  o.stitis  is  established, 
nnd  the  compact  tissue  of  the  bone  becomes  the  seat  of  a  new  vascular 
oriifanization,  and  of  a  cei-tain  exudation  of  plastic  lyuiph,  appearinj^ 
between  the  periosteum  and  the  external  surface  of  the  bone,  as  well 
us  on  the  inner  side  of  the  medullary  cavity.  After  a  few  days  the 
ends  of  the  bone  thus  surrounded  by  this  exudate  become  involved 
in  it,  and  the  lymph.  bocomin<;  vascular,  is  soon  transforujed  into 
cartilaginous,  and  in  diu'  tiuie  into  bony,  tissue. 

Thus  the  time  leciuiicd  lor  the  consolidation  of  the  fractured  seg- 
ments is  divisible  into  two  distinct  periods.  In  the  iirst  they  are  sur- 
rounded by  an  external  bony  ring,  and  the  medullary  cavity  is  closed 
by  a  bony  plug  or  stoppei-.  constituting  the  ])eriod  of  the  provisional 
callu.s.  This  is  followed  l)y  the  period  of  permanent  callus,  iluring 
which  the  process  of  converting  the  cartilaginous  into  the  osseous 
form  is  going  forward. 

The  restorative  process  is  sooner  completed  in  the  carnixorous  than 
in  the  herbivorous  tribes.  In  the  former  the  temporary  callus  may 
attain  suflicient  fineness  of  consistency  for  the  careful  use  of  the  limb 
within  foin-  weeks,  but  with  the  latter  a  period  of  fiom  six  weeks  t<» 
two  months  is  not  too  long  to  allow  before  removing  the  supporting 
nppai'atus  from  the  limb. 

This,  in  general  terms,  represents  the  fact  when  the  resources  of 
nature  have  not  been  thwarted  by  untoward  accidents,  such  as  a  want 
of  vigor  in  the  constitution  of  the  patient  or  a  lack  of  skill  on  the 
part  of  the  practiti(mer.  and  especially  when,  from  any  cause,  the 
bony  fragments  have  not  been  kept  in  a  state  of  perfect  immol)ility 
and  the  constant  fi-iction  has  prevented  the  osseous  union  of  the  tw<» 
portions.  Failures  and  misfortunes  are  always  more  than  ])ossibh'. 
and  instead  of  a  soli<l  and  ])raoticable  bony  union  the  sequel  of  the 
accident  is  sometimes  a  false  joint,  comj^osed  of  meiv  flexible  carti- 
lage, a  poor  p.seudarthrosis.  The  explanation  of  this  appears  to  be 
that,  fii-st.  the  sharp  edges  of  the  ends  of  the  bone  di.snppear  by 
l)ecoming  rounded  at  their  extremities  by  friction  and  polishing 
against  each  other.  Then  follows  an  exu«lation  of  a  plastic  natnre 
which  becomes  transformed  into  a  cartilaginous  layer  of  a  rough, 
articular  aspect.  In  this  bony  nuclei  soon  appear,  and  the  lymph 
secreted  In'tween  the  segments  thus  transformed,  instead  of  becoming 
truly  ossified,  is  changed  into  a  sort  of  fibrocartilaginous  pouch,  or 
capsular  sac.  in  which  a  somewhat  albiuninotis  s<>cretion,  or  j^seudo- 
synovia,  ])ermits  the  movement  to  take  jdace.  Most  commonly,  lutw- 
ever,  in  our  animals,  the  union  of  the  bonv  fragments  is  obtained 


328  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

wholly  through  the  medium  of  a  layer  of  fibrous  tissue,  and  it  is 
because  the  union  has  been  accomplished  by  a  ligamentous  formation 
only  that  motion  becomes  practicable. 

Prognosis. — The  prognosis  in  a  case  of  fracture  in  an  animal  is  one 
of  the  gravest  vital  import  to  the  patient,  and  therefore  of  serious 
pecimiary  concern  to  his  owner.  The  period  has  not  long  elapsed 
when  to  have  received  such  a  hurt  was  quite  equivalent  to  undergoing 
a  sentence  of  death  for  the  suffering  animal,  and  perhaps  to-day  a 
similar  verdict  is  pronounced  in  many  cases  in  which  the  exercise 
of  a  little  mechanical  ingenuity,  Avith  a  due  amount  of  careful  nurs- 
ing, might  secure  a  contrary  result  and  insure  the  return  of  the 
patient  to  his  former  condition  of  soundness  and  usefulness. 

Treatment. — Considered  per  se,  a  fracture  in  an  animal  is  in  fact 
no  less  amenable  to  treatment  than  the  same  description  of  injury 
in  any  other  living  being.  But  the  question  of  the  propriet}'  and 
expediency  of  treatment  is  dependent  upon  certain  specific  points  of 
collateral  consideration. 

(1)  The  nature  of  the  lesion  is  a  point  of  paramount  importance. 
A  simple  fracture  occurring  in  a  bone  where  the  ends  can  be  fii'mlj* 
secured  in  coaptation  presents  the  most  favorable  condition  for  suc- 
cessful treatment.  If  it  is  that  of  a  long  bone,  it  will  be  the  less 
serious  if  situated  at  or  near  the  middle  of  its  length  than  if  it  wei'e 
in  close  proximity  to  a  joint,  from  the  fact  that  perfect  immobility 
can  rarely,  in  the  latter  case,  be  secured  without  incurring  the  risk 
of  subsequent  rigidity  of  tlie  joint. 

A  simple  is  always  less  serious  than  a  compound  fracture.  A  com- 
minuted is  always  more  dangerous  than  a  simple,  and  a  transverse 
break  is  easier  to  treat  than  one  which  is  oblique.  The  most  serious 
are  those  which  are  situated  on  parts  of  the  body  in  which  it  is  diiii- 
cult  to  obtain  perfect  immobility,  and  especially  those  which  are  ac- 
companied with  severe  contusions  and  lacerations  in  the  soft  parts; 
the  protrusion  of  fragments  through  the  skin;  the  division  of  blood 
vessels  by  the  broken  ends  of  the  bone ;  the  existence  of  an  articula- 
tion near  the  point  to  which  inflammation  is  liable  to  extend;  the 
luxation  of  a  fragment  of  the  bone;  laceration  of  the  periosteum; 
the  presence  of  a  large  number  of  bony  particles,  the  result  of  the 
crushing  of  the  bone — all  these  are  circumstances  which  discourage 
a  favorable  prognosis,  and  weigh  against  the  hope  of  saving  the 
patient  for  future  usefulness. 

Fractures  which  may  be  accounted  curable  are  those  which  are  not 
conspicuously  visible,  as  those  of  the  ribs,  where  displacements  are 
either  very  limited  or  do  not  occur,  the  parts  being  kept  in  situ  by  the 
nature  of  their  position,  the  shape  of  the  bones,  the  articulations  they 
form  with  the  vertebra,  the  sternum,  or  their  cartilages  of  prolonga- 
tion ;  those  of  transverse  processes  of  the  lumbar  vertebra :  those  of 


LAMENESS:    ITS    CAUSES    AND    TREATMENT,  329 

the  bones  of  the  fsice;  those  of  tho  ilium:  aiiil  ihiit  of  tlie  oollinbones. 
To  continuo  the  cjite«rorv,  the  foHow  in«r  are  eviik'ntly  cunil>le  when 
their  position  anil  the  character  of  the  patient  contribute  to  aid  the 
treatment:  Those  of  the  cranium,  in  the  absence  of  cerebral  lesions; 
those  of  the  jaws;  of  the  ribs,  with  displacement;  of  the  hip;  and 
those  of  the  bones  of  the  \og  in  movable  regions,  but  where  their 
vertical  position  admits  of  perfect  coaptation. 

On  the  contrary,  a  compound,  complicated,  or  conuuinutcd  frac- 
ture, in  whatever  rejrion  it  may  be  sitiuited,  may  be  counted  incurable. 

In  treatinir  fractures  time  is  an  important  element  and  "  delays  are 
dangerous."  Those  of  recent  occurrence  unite  more  easily  and  more 
regularly  than  older  ones. 

(•J)  As  a  general  rule,  fractures  are  less  serious  in  animals  of  the 
smaller  species  than  in  those  of  more  bulky  dimensions.  This  in- 
fluence of  species  will  be  readily  appreciated  when  we  realize  that  the 
difficulties  involved  in  the  treatment  of  the  latter  class  have  hardly 
any  existence  in  connection  with  the  former.  The  difference  in 
weight  and  size,  and  consequent  facility  in  handling  and  making  the 
necessary  api^lications  of  dressings  and  other  appliances  for  the  pur- 
pose of  securing  the  indis})ens;dde  immobility  of  the  parts,  and 
usiuilly  a  less  degree  of  uneasiness  in  the  deportment  of  the  patients 
are  considerations  in  this  connection  of  great  weight. 

{'.V)  In  resi>ect  to  the  utilization  of  the  animal,  the  most  ob\  iou.s 
point  in  estimating  the  gravity  of  the  case  in  a  fracture  accident  is 
the  certainty  of  the  total  loss  of  the  services  of  the  patient  during 
treatment — certainly  for  a  considerable  period  of  time;  perhai)s  i)ei- 
manently.  For  e.xample,  the  fracture  of  the  jaw  of  a  steer  just 
fattening  for  the  shambles  will  involve  a  heavier  loss  than  a  similai- 
accident  to  a  horse.  I'sually  the  fracture  of  the  bones  of  the  extiem- 
ities  in  a  horse  is  a  very  serious  casualty,  the  more  so  j)roportionately 
as  the  higher  region  of  the  limb  is  affected.  In  working  animals  it 
is  exceedingly  ddlicult  to  treat  a  fi-acture  in  such  manner  as  to  re- 
store a  limb  to  its  original  perfection  of  movement.  A  fnicture  of  a 
single  bone  of  an  extremity  in  a  breeding  stallion  or  mare  will  not 
nece>«sarily  imi)air  the  \alue  of  the  animal  as  a  bleeder.  Other  speci- 
fications under  this  head,  though  pertinent  and  more  or  less  interest- 
ing, may  be  f)mitted. 

(4)  Age  and  temper  are  important  factors  of  cure.  A  young. 
growing,  robust  patient  whose  vis  vita3  is  active  is  amenable  to  tieat- 
ment  which  one  with  a  waning  constitution  and  past  mature  eneigiei* 
would  be  unable  to  endure,  and  a  docile,  <iuiet  disposition  will  act 
cooperatively  with  remedial  measures  which  would  be  neutralized  by 
the  fractious  opposition  of  a  peevish  and  intnictable  siiffeicr. 

The  fidfillmentof  three  indications  isindispen.sable  in  all  fractures. 
The  fir.<t  is  the  reduction,  or  the  replacement,  of  the  parts  as  nearly 


330  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

as  possible  in  their  normal  position.  The  second  is  their  retention  in 
that  position  for  a  period  sufficient  for  the  formation  of  the  provi- 
sional callus,  and  the  third,  which,  in  fact,  is  but  an  incident  of  the 
second,  the  careful  avoidance  of  any  accidents  or  causes  of  miscar- 
riage which  might  disturb  the  curative  process. 

In  reference  to  the'first  consideration,  it  must  be  remembered  that 
the  accident  ma}'  befall  the  patient  at  a  distance  from  his  home,. and 
his  removal  becomes  the  first  duty  to  be  attended  to.  Of  course,  this 
must  be  done  as  carefully  as  possible.  If  he  can  be  treated  on  the 
spot,  so  much  the  better,  though  this  is  seldom  practicable,  and  the 
method  of  removal  becomes  the  question  calling  for  settlement.  But 
two  ways  present  themselves — he  must  either  walk  or  be  carried.  If 
the  first,  it  is  needless  to  say  that  every  caution  must  be  observed  in 
order  to  obviate  additional  pain  and  to  avoid  any  aggravation  of  the 
injury.  Led  slowly,  and  with  partial  support,  if  practicable,  the 
journey  will  not  always  involve  untoward  results.  If  he  is  carried, 
it  must  be  by  means  of  a  wagon,  a  truck,  or  an  ambulance ;  the  last 
being  designed  and  adapted  to  the  purpose,  would,  of  course,  be 
the  most  suitable  vehicle.  As  a  precaution  which  should  never  be 
overlooked,  a  temporary  dressing  should  first  be  applied.  This 
may  be  so  done  as  for  the  time  to  answer  all  the  purposes  of  the  per- 
manent adjustment  and  bandaging.  Without  thus  securing  the 
patient,  a  fracture  of  an  inferior  degree  may  be  transformed  to  one  of 
the  severest  kind,  and,  indeed,  a  curable  changed  to  an  incurable 
injury.  We  recall  a  case  in  which  a  fast-trotting  horse,  after  run- 
ning away  in  a  fright  caused  by  the  whistle  of  a  locomotive,  was 
found  on  the  road  limping  with  excessive  lameness  in  the  off  fore 
leg,  and  walked  with  comparative  ease  some  2  miles  to  a  stable  before 
being  seen  by  a  surgeon.  His  immediate  removal  in  an  ambulance 
was  advised,  but  before  that  vehicle  could  be  procured  the  horse  lay 
down,  and  upon  being  made  to  get  upon  his  feet  was  found  with  a 
well-marked  comminuted  fracture  of  the  os  suffraginis,  with  con- 
siderable displacement.  The  patient,  however,  after  long  treat- 
ment, made  a  comparatively  good  recovery  and  though  with  a  large, 
bony  deposit,  a  ringbone,  was  able  to  trot  in  the  forties. 

The  two  obvious  indications  in  cases  of  fracture  are  reduction,  or 
replacement,  and  retention. 

In  an  incomplete  fracture,  where  there  is  no  displacement,  the 
necessity  of  reduction  does  not  exist.  With  the  bone  kept  in  place 
by  an  intact  periosteum,  and  the  fragments  secured  by  the  unin- 
jured fibrous  and  ligamentous  structure  which  surrounds  them,  there 
is  no  dislocation  to  correct.  Reduction  is  also  at  times  rendered 
impossible  by  the  seat  of  the  fracture  itself,  by  its  dimensions,  alone, 
or  by  the  resistance  arising  from  muscular  contraction.  That  is 
illustrated  even  in  small  animals,  as  in  dogs,  by  the  exceeding  diffi- 


LAMENESS:    ITS   CAISKS    AND   TREATMENT.  331 

culty  encountered  in  biin«riii<j;  to^i'ther  the  enel>  of  a  broken  femur  or 
humerus,  the  muscuhir  contractions  beini;  even  in  these  animals  suffi- 
ciently forcible  to  renew  the  displacement. 

It  is  generally,  therefore,  only  fractures  of  the  htuj;  bones,  and 
then  at  points  not  in  close  proximity  to  the  trunk,  that  may  be  con- 
sitlered  to  be  amenable  to  reduction.  It  is  true  that  seine  of  the 
more  superficial  bones,  as  those  of  the  head,  of  the  pehis,  and  of 
the  thoracic  walls,  may  in  some  cases  require  special  manipulations 
and  ajjpliances  for  their  retention  in  their  normal  positions;  hence 
the  treatment  of  thesi»  and  of  a  fractured  le<?  can  not  be  the  same. 

The  methods  of  accomplishinjx  reduction  vary  with  the  features  of 
each  case,  the  manipulations  being  necessarily  modified  to  meet  dif- 
ferent circumstances.  If  the  displacement  is  in  the  thickness  of  the 
bone,  as  in  transvei"se  fracture,  the  manipulation  of  reduction  con- 
sists in  applying  constant  pressure  upon  one  of  the  fragments,  while 
the  other  is  kept  steady  in  its  place,  the  object  of  the  pressure  being 
the  reestablishment  of  the  exact  coincidence  of  the  two  bony  surfaces. 
If  the  displacement  has  taken  place  at  an  angle  it  will  be  sufficient  in 
order  to  ettect  the  reduction  to  press  upon  the  summit,  or  apex,  cf 
the  angle  until  its  disaj^pearance  indicates  that  the  ]")arts  have  been 
brought  into  coaptation.  This  method  is  often  practiced  in  the  treat- 
ment of  a  fractured  rib.  In  a  longitudinal  fracture,  or  when  the 
fragments  are  pres.-ed  together  by  the  contraction  of  the  muscles  to 
which  they  give  insertion  until  they  so  overlap  as  to  correspond  by 
certain  points  of  their  circmiference,  the  reduction  is  to  be  accom- 
plished by  effecting  the  movements  of  extension,  counter  extension, 
and  coaptation.  Extension  is  accomplished  by  making  traction  upon 
the  lower  portion  of  the  liml).  Counter  extension  consists  in  firmly 
holding  oi-  confining  the  upper  or  body  portion  in  such  manner  that 
it  shall  not  be  affected  by  the  traction  applied  to  the  lower  part.  In 
other  words,  the  operator,  grasping  the  limb  below  the  fracture, 
draws  it  down  or  away  from  the  trtmk,  while  he  seeks  not  to  draw 
away,  but  simply  to  hold  the  upper  portion  still  until  the  broken 
ends  of  bone  are  brought  to  their  natural  relative  positions,  when 
the  coaptation,  which  is  thus  effectetl.  has  only  to  be  made  permaiuMit 
by  the  proper  dressings  to  perfect  the  reduction. 

In  treating  fractures  in  small  animals  the  stit-iigth  of  tlie  hand 
is  usually  sufficient  for  the  retpiired  manipulations.  In  the  fractuie 
of  the  forearm  of  a  dog,  for  example,  while  the  upper  segment  is 
firndy  held  by  one  hand  the  lower  may  be  giasjied  by  the  othei'  and 
the  bone  itself  made  to  serve  the  purjiose  of  a  lever  to  bring  aboJit  the 
desired  coaptation.  In  such  case  that  is  sufficient  to  overcome  the 
musculai-  contraction  and  correct  the  overlaj^ping  or  other  malposi- 
tion of  the  bones.  If.  however,  the  resistance  can  not  bo  oveicome 
in  this  way.  the  upper  segment  may  be  committed  to  an  a-sistanl  for 


332  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

the  management  of  the  comiter  extension,  leaving  to  the  operator  the 
free  use  of  both  hands  for  the  further  manipulation  of  the  case. 

If  the  reduction  of  fractures  in  small  animals  is  an  easy  task,  how- 
ever, it  is  far  from  being  so  when  the  patient  is  a  large  animal  whose 
muscular  force  is  largely  greater  than  that  of  several  men  com- 
bined. In  such  case  resort  must  be  had  not  only  to  superior  numbers 
for  the  necessary  force,  but  in  many  cases  to  mechanical  aids.  A 
reference  to  the  manner  of  j^roceeding  in  a  case  of  fracture  Avith 
displacement  of  the  forearm  of  a  horse  will  illustrate  the  matter. 
The  patient  is  first  to  be  carefully  cast,  on  the  uninjured  side,  with 
ropes  or  a  broad,  leather  strap  about  18  feet  long  passed  under 
and  around  his  body  and  under  the  axilla  of  the  fractured  limb  and 
secured  at  a  point  opposite  to  the  animal  and  toward  his  back.  This 
will  form  the  mechanical  means  of  counter  extension.  Another  rope 
will  then  be  placed  around  the  inferior  part  of  the  leg  below  the 
point  of  fracture,  with  which  to  produce  extension,  and  this  Av'ill 
sometimes  be  furnished  with  a  block  and  pulleys,  in  order  to  aug- 
ment the  power  when  necessary;  there  is,  in  fact,  always  an  advan- 
tage in  their  use,  on  the  side  of  steadiness  and  uniformity,  as  well 
as  of  increased  powder.  It  is  secured  around  the  fetlock  or  the 
coronet  or,  what  is  better,  above  the  knee  and  nearer  the  point  of 
fracture,  and  is  committed  to  assistants.  The  traction  on  this  should 
be  firm,  uniform,  and  slow,  without  relaxing  or  jerking,  while  the 
operator  carefully  watches  the  process.  If  the  bone  is  superficially 
situated  he  is  able,  by  the  eye,  to  judge  of  any  changes  that  may 
occur  in  the  form  or  length  of  the  parts  under  traction,  and  discov- 
ering, at  the  moment  of  its  happening,  the  restoration  of  symmetry 
in  the  disturbed  region  he  gently  but  firmly  manipulates  the  place 
until  all  appearance  of  severed  continuity  has  vanished.  Some- 
times the  fact  and  the  instant  of  restoration  are  indicated  by  a 
peculiar  sound  or  "  click ''  as  the  ends  of  the  bones  slip  into  contact, 
to  await  the  next  step  of  the  restorative  procedure. 

The  process  is  the  same  when  the  bones  are  covered  with  thick 
muscular  masses  except  that  it  is  attended  with  greater  difficulties 
from  the  fact  that  the  finger  must  be  substituted  for  the  eye  and 
taxis  must  take  the  place  of  sight. 

It  frequently  happens  that  perfect  coaptation  is  prevented  by  the 
interposition,  between  the  bony  surfaces,  of  such  substances  as  a 
small  fragment  of  detached  bone  or  a  clot  of  blood;  sometimes  the 
extreme  obliquity  of  the  fracture,  by  permitting  the  bones  to  slip 
out  of  place,  is  the  opposing  cause.  These  are  diiliculties  which  can 
not  always  be  overcome,  even  m  small-sized  animals,  and  still  it  is 
only  when  they  are  mastered  that  a  correct  consolidation  can  be 
looked  for.    Without  it  the  continuity  between  the  fragments  wdll  be 


LAMENESS:    ITS   CAUSES   AND   TREATMENT.  333 

by  a  dt't'onuecl  callus,  the  iiiiiun  will  Icunc  a  .slmrifnoil,  ciookeil,  or 
angular  limb,  and  the  animal  will  be  disabled. 

If  timely  assistance  can  be  obtained,  and  the  reduction  accom- 
plished immediately  after  the  occurrence  of  the  accident,  that  is  the 
best  time  for  it,  but  if  it  can  not  be  attended  to  until  inllanunation 
has  become  established  and  the  parts  have  become  swollen  anil  pain- 
ful, time  must  be  allowed  for  the  subsidence  of  these  symi)toms 
before  attemi)ting  the  operation.  A  si>asmodic,  muscular  contraction 
which  sometimes  interi)oses  a  dirticulty  may  be  easily  overcome  by 
subjecting  the  patient  to  general  anesthesia,  and  need  not,  therefore, 
cause  any  loss  of  time.  A  tendency  to  this  may  also  be  overcome 
by  the  use  of  sedatives  and  antii)hlogistic  remedies. 

The  reduction  of  the  fracture  having  been  accomplisheel,  the  prob- 
lem which  follows  is  that  of  retention.  The  parts  which  have  been 
restored  to  their  naluial  position  must  be  ke})t  there,  without  dis- 
turbance or  agitation,  until  the  perfect  formation  of  a  callus,  and  it 
is  here  that  ample  latitude  exists  for  the  exercise  of  ingenuity  and 
skill  by  the  surgeon  in  the  contrivance  of  the  necessary  apparatus. 
One  of  the  most  important  of  the  conditions  which  are  available  by 
the  surgeon  in  treating  hunuin  patients  is  denied  to  the  veterinarian 
in  the  management  of  those  which  belong  to  the  animal  tribes.  This 
is  position.  The  intelligence  of  the  human  patient  cooperates  with 
the  instructions  of  the  surgeon,  in  the  case  of  the  animal  sulierer 
there  is  a  continual  antagonism  between  the  parties,  and  the  forced 
extension  and  fatiguing  jmsition  which  must  for  a  considerable 
})eriod  be  maintained  as  a  condition  of  restoration  re«|uire  special 
and  eli'ecti\e  appliances  to  insure  successful  results.  To  obUiin 
complete  immobility  is  scarcely  possible,  and  the  surgeon  must  be 
content  to  reach  a  point  as  near  as  possible  to  that  w  Inch  is  unattain- 
able. For  this  reason,  as  will  subsefjuently  be  seen,  the  use  of  slings 
and  the  restraint  of  patients  in  very  narrow  stalls  is  much  to  be 
preferred  to  the  practice  sometimes  recommended  of  allow  ing  entire 
freedom  of  motion  by  turning  them  loose  in  box  stalls.  Temporary 
and  movable  apparatus  are  not  usually  of  dillicult  use  in  veterinary 
practice,  but  the  restlessness  of  the  patients  and  their  unwillingness 
to  submit  quietly  to  the  dianging  of  the  dressings  render  it  obliga- 
tory to  have  recourse  to  i)ermanent  and  inunovable  bandages,  which 
should  be  retained  without  disturbance  until  the  process  of  consoli- 
dation is  complete. 

The  materials  composing  the  retaining  apjiaralus  consist  of  oakum, 
bandages,  and  splints,  with  an  agglutinating  c(tmj)(>und  which  forms 
a  species  of  cement  by  which  the  dilFerent  constituents  are  blendeii 
into  a  consistent  mass  to  be  spread  upon  th-j  surface  covering  tho 
locality  of  the  fracture.  Its  components  are  black  pitch,  rosin,  and 
Venice  turpentine,  blended  by  he;it.     The  dressing  may  be  applied 


334  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

directly  to  the  skin,  or  a  covering  of  thin  linen  may  be  interposed. 
-1  putty  made  with  powdered  chalk  and  the  white  of  egg  is  recom- 
mended for  small  animals,  though  a  mixture  of  sugar  of  lead  and 
burnt  alum  with  the  albumen  is  preferred  by  others.  Another  for- 
mula is  spirits  of  camphor,  Goulard's  extract,  and  albumen.  An- 
other recommendation  is  to  saturate  the  oakum  and  bandages  with 
an  adhesive  solution  formed  with  gum  arable,  dextrin,  flour  paste, 
or  starch.  This  is  advised  particularly  for  small  animals,  as  is  also 
the  silicate  of  soda.  Dextrin  mixed  while  warm  with  burnt  alum 
and  alcohol  cools  and  solidifies  into  a  stony  consistency,  and  is  pref- 
erable to  plaster  of  Paris,  which  is  less  friable  and  has  less  solidity, 
besides  being  heavier  and  requiring  constant  additions  as  it  becomes 
older.    Starch  and  plaster  of  Paris  form  another  good  compound. 

In  applying  the  dressing  the  leg  is  usually  padded  with  a  cushion 
of  oakum  thick  and  soft  enough  to  equalize  the  irregularities  of  the 
surface  and  to  form  a  bedding  for  the  protection  of  the  skin  from 
chafing.  Over  this  the  splints  are  placed.  The  material  for  these  is, 
variously,  pasteboard,  thin  wood,  bark,  laths,  gutta-percha,  strips  of 
thin  metal,  as  tin  or  perhaps  sheet  iron.  They  should  be  of  sufficient 
length  not  only  to  cover  the  region  of  the  fracture  but  to  extend 
sufficiently  above  and  below  to  render  the  immobility  more  nearly 
complete  than  in  the  surrounding  joints.  The  splints,  again,  are 
covered  with  cloth  bandages — linen  preferably — soaked  in  a  glu- 
tinous mixture.  These  bandages  are  to  be  carefully  applied,  with  a 
perfect  condition  of  lightness.  They  are  usually  made  to  embrace 
the  entire  length  of  the  leg  in  order  to  avoid  the  possibility  of  inter- 
ference with  the  circulation  of  the  extremity  as  well  as  for  the  pre- 
vention of  chafing.  They  should  be  rolled  from  the  lower  part  of 
the  leg  upward  and  carefully  secured  against  loosening.  In  some 
instances  suspensory  bandages  are  recommended,  but  except  for 
small  animals  our  experience  does  not  justify  a  concurrence  in  the 
recommendation. 

These  permanent  dressings  always  need  careful  watching  with  ref- 
erence to  their  immediate  effect  upon  the  region  they  cover,  especially 
during  the  first  days  succeeding  that  of  their  application.  Any  mani- 
festation of  pain,  or  any  appearance  of  swelling  above  or  below,  or 
any  odor  suggestive  of  suppuration  should  excite  suspicion,  and  a 
thorough  investigation  should  follow  without  delay.  The  removal  of 
the  dressing  should  be  performed  with  great  care,  and  especially  so 
if  time  enough  has  elapsed  since  its  application  to  allow  of  a  j^roba- 
bility  of  a  commencement  of  the  healing  process  or  the  existence  of 
any  points  of  consolidation.  With  the  original  dressing  properly  ap- 
plied in  its  entirety  in  the  first  instance,  the  entire  extremity  will 
have  lost  all  chance  of  mobility,  and  the  repairing  process  may  be 
permitted  to  proceed  without  interference.     There  will  be  no  neces- 


LAMENESS:    ITS   CM'SKS    AND    TREATMENT.  335 

sity  and  there  need  be  no  haste  for  removal  or  ehan<j:e  except  under 
such  special  conditions  as  have  just  been  mentioned,  or  >vhen  there  is 
reason  to  jud^xe  tliat  solidilieation  has  heconie  perfect,  oi'  for  the  com- 
fort of  the  animal,  oi*  for  its  rea(hii)tation  in  consecjuence  of  the 
atrophy  of  the  limb  from  want  of  use.  Owners  of  animals  are  often 
temj>ted  to  remove  a  sjilint  or  handa<re  pivmatui-ely  at  the  lisk  of  pro- 
ducin*;  a  second  fracture  in  consequence  of  the  failure  «)f  the  callus 
properly  to  consolidate. 

The  method  of  applyin*;  the  splints  which  we  have  described  refers 
to  the  simple  variety  only.  In  a  compound  case  the  same  rules  nm.st 
be  observed,  with  the  modification  of  leavin*?  openings  through  the 
thickness  of  the  dressinjr.  opposite  the  wound,  in  oi-der  to  i>ei-mit  the 
escape  of  pus  and  to  secure  access  to  the  points  requiring  the  apjdica- 
tion  of  treatment. 

FRACTURE    OF   CRANIAL    BONES. 

Fractures  of  the  cranial  bones  in  lar<::e  animals  are  comparatively 
rare,  thou<ih  the  records  are. not  destitute  of  cases.  When  they  occui-. 
it  is  as  the  result  of  external  violence,  the  .sufferers  beings  usually  run- 
aways whicli  have  come  in  collision  with  a  wall  or  a  tiee  or  othei- 
obstruction,  or  it  may  occur  in  those  which  in  judlinfl^  upon  the  halter 
have  broken  it  with  a  jerk  and  been  thrown  backward,  as  may  occur 
in  rearin*::  too  violently.  Tender  these  conditions  we  have  witnessed 
fractures  of  the  parietal,  of  the  fiontal.  and  of  the  sphenoid  bones. 
These  fractures  may  be  of  both  the  complete  and  the  incomplete 
kinds,  which  indeed  is  usually  the  case  with  those  of  the  flat  bones, 
and  they  are  liable  to  be  comjilicated  with  lacerations  of  the  skin, 
in  consequence  of  which  they  are  easily  broufifht  under  observation. 
When  the  fact  is  otherwise  and  the  skin  is  intact,  however,  the  diag- 
nosis l>ecomes  difficult. 

Symptomft. — The  incomplete  variety  may  be  unaccompanied  with 
nny  special  .symptoms,  but  in  the  complete  kind  one  of  the  bony  plates 
may  be  so  far  detached  as  to  press  upon  the  cerebral  sub.stance  with 
sufficient  force  to  pioduce  serious  nervous  conq)Iications.  When  the 
injury  occurs  at  the  base  of  the  cranium  hemorrhage  may  be  looked 
for,  with  paralytic  symptoms,  and  when  these  are  pre^sent  the  usual 
termination  is  death.  Tt  may  happen,  however,  that  the  symptoms  of 
an  apparently  very  severe  concussion  may  disajipeai-.  resulting  in  an 
early  and  complete  recovery,  and  the  .surge«m  will  therefore  do  well 
to  avoid  undue  haste  in  venturing  upon  a  prognosis.  Tn  fractures  of 
the  orbital  or  the  zygomatic  bones  the  danger  is  le<s  ]>ressing  thati 
with  injuries  otherwise  located  about  the  head. 

Trcntment. — The  treatment  of  cranial  fractures  is  siriq)l«'.  (hough 
involving  the  best  skill  of  an  experienced  surgeon.  When  incotuplete 
hardly  any  interference  is  needed:  even  plain  bandaging  may  u.sually 


336  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

be  dispensed  with.  In  the  complete  variety'  the  danger  to  be  com- 
bated is  compression  of  the  brain,  and  attention  to  this  indication 
must  not  be  delayed.  The  means  to  be  employed  are  the  trephining 
of  the  skull  over  the  seat  of  the  fracture  and  the  elevation  of  the  de- 
pressed bone  or  the  removal  of  the  portion  which  is  causing  the 
trouble.  Fragments  of  bone  in  comminuted  cases,  bony  exfoliations, 
collections  of  fluid,  or  even  protruding  portions  of  the  brain  sub- 
stance must  be  carefully  cleansed  away  and  a  simple  bandage  so  ap- 
plied as  to  facilitate  the  application  of  subsequent  dressings. 

FRACTURES  OF  THE  BONES  OF  THE  FACE. 

In  respect  to  their  origin — usually  traumatic — these  injuries  rank 
with  the  preceding,  and  are  commonly  of  the  incomplete  variety. 
They  may  easily  be  overlooked,  and  may  even  sometimes  escape  rec- 
ognition until  the  reparative  process  has  been  well  established  and  the 
wound  is  discovered  owing  to  the  prominence  caused  by  the  presence 
of  the  provisional  callus  which  marks  its  cure.  Wlien  the  fracture  is 
complete  it  will  be  marked  by  local  deformity,  mobility  of  the  frag- 
ments, and  crepitation.  Nasal  hemorrhage,  roaring,  frequent  sneez- 
ing, loosening  or  loss  of  teeth,  difficulty  of  mastication,  and  inflamma- 
tion of  the  cavities  of  the  sinuses  are  varying  complications  of  these 
accidents.  The  object  of  the  treatment  should  be  the  restoration  of 
the  depressed  bones  as  nearly  as  possible  to  their  normal  position  and 
their  retention  in  place  by  protecting  splints,  which  should  cover  the 
entire  facial  region.  Special  precautions  should  be  observed  to  pre- 
vent the  patient  from  disturbing  the  dressing  by  rubbing  his  head 
against  surrounding  objects,  such  as  the  stall,  manger,  rack,  etc.  Clots 
of  blood  in  the  nasal  passages  must  be  washed  out,  collections  of  pus 
removed  from  the  sinuses,  and,  if  the  teeth  are  loosened  and  liable  to 
fall  out,  they  should  be  removed.  If  roaring  is  threatened,  trache- 
otomy is  indicated. 

FRACTURES  OF  THE  PREMAXILLARY  BONE. 

These  are  mentioned  by  continental  authors  and  are  usually  en- 
countered in  connection  with  fractures  of  the  nasal  bone,  and  may 
take  place  either  in  the  width  or  the  length  of  the  bone. 

The  deformity  of  the  upper  lip,  which  is  drawn  sidewise  in  this 
lesion,  renders  it  easy  of  diagnosis.  The  abnormal  mobility  and  the 
ci-epitation,  with  the  pain  manifested  by  the  patient  when  under- 
going examination,  are  concurrent  symptoms.  Looseness  of  the 
teeth,  abundant  salivation,  and  entire  inability  to  grasp  the  feed 
complete  the  symptomatology^  of  these  accidents.  In  the  treatment 
splints  of  gutta-percha  or  leather  are  sometimes  used,  but  they  are 
of  difficult  application.  Our  own  judgment  and  practice  are  in 
favor  of  the  union  of  the  bones  by  means  of  metallic  sutures. 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  337 

FRACTURES   OF   THE    LOWER   JAW. 

A  fracture  here  is  not  an  injury  of  infieciuent  occurrence.  It 
involves  the  body  of  the  bone,  at  its  symphysis,  or  back  of  it,  and 
inchides  one  or  both  of  its  branches,  either  more  or  less  forward, 
»»r  at  the  posterior  part  near  the  temporomaxillary  articidation,  at 
(lie  eoronoid  process. 

Falls,  blows,  or  other  external  violence,  or  powerful  muscular  con- 
tact ions  durin^r  the  ust»  of  the  speculum,  may  be  mentioned  among 
(he  causes  of  tins  lesion.  The  fracture  of  the  neck,  or  that  jxjrtion 
formed  by  the  juncture  of  the  two  opposite  sides,  and  of  the  branches 
in  front  of  the  cheek.^;,  causes  the  lower  jaw,  the  true  dental  arch,  to 
(hop,  without  the  ability  to  raise  it  again  to  the  upper,  and  the 
result  is  a  peculiar  and  characteristic  physiognomy.  The  prehension 
5:nd  mastication  of  feed  become  impossible;  there  is  an  abundant 
( scape  of  fetid  and  sometimes  bloody  Siiliva,  especially  if  the  gums 
have  been  wounded;  there  is  excessive  mobility  of  the  lower  end  of 
the  jawbone;  and  there  is  crepitation,  and  frequently  paralysis  of 
the  under  lip.  Altliough  an  animal  suffering  with  a  complete  and 
<'ften  compound  and  comminuted  fracture  of  the  submaxilla  pre- 
M'nts  at  times  a  serious  aspect,  the  prognosis  of  the  case  is  com- 
]>aratively  favorable,  and  recovery  is  usually  only  a  question  of  time. 
The  severity  of  the  lesion  corresponds  in  degree  to  that  of  the  vio- 
lence to  which  it  is  due,  also  to  the  resulting  complications  and  the 
situation  of  the  wound.  Tt  is  simple  when  at  the  symphysis,  but 
l>econies  more  serious  when  it  affects  one  of  the  branches,  and  most 
aggravated  when  both  are  involved.  Fracture  of  the  eoronoid  proc- 
ess becomes  important  princii>ally  as  an  evidence  of  the  existence  of 
a  morbid  diathesis,  such  as  osteoporosis,  or  the  like. 

The  pai-ticular  seat  of  the  injury,  with  its  special  features,  will, 
of  course,  determine  the  treatment.  For  a  simjile  fracture,  without 
displacement,  provided  there  is  no  laceration  of  the  periost^Mun,  an 
ordinary  supporting  bandage  will  usually  be  sufticient,  but  when 
there  is  displacement  the  reduction  of  the  fracture  must  first  be 
arromi)lished,  and  for  this  sjH'cial  splints  are  neeessarv.  In  a  fracture 
of  the  symphysis  or  of  the  branches  tiie  adjustment  of  the  fragments 
by  securing  them  with  metallic  sutures  is  the  fii*st  step  necessary,  to 
be  followed  by  the  application  of  supports,  consisting  of  s]>lints  of 
leather  or  sheets  of  metal,  the  entire  front  of  the  head  being  then 
(overed  with  bandages  j^repared  with  adhesive  mixtures.  During 
the  entire  course  of  treatment  a  special  method  of  feeding  Ix^comes 
necessary.  The  inability  of  the  patient  to  ajipreciate  the  situation, 
of  course,  necessitates  a  resort  to  an  artificial  mode  of  introducing  the 
necessary  feed  into  his  stomach;  this  is  accomplished  by  forcing 
l)etween  the  commissures  of  the  lips,  in  a  licpiid  form,  by  means  of  a 

36444°— 16 22 


338  DISEASES    OF    THE   HOKSE. 

syringe,  the  milk  or  nutritive  gruels  selected  for  his  sustenance  until 
the  consolidation  is  sufficiently  advanced  to  permit  the  ingestion  of 
feed  of  a  more  solid  consistency.  The  callus  will  usually  be  suffi- 
ciently hardened  in  two  or  three  weeks  to  allow  of  a  change  of  diet 
to  mashes  of  cut  hay  and  scalded  grain,  until  the  removal  of  the 
dressing  restores  the  animal  to  its  old  habit  of  mastication. 

FRACTURES  OF  VERTEBRAE. 

These  are  not  very  common,  but  when  they  do  occur  the  bones  most 
frequently  injured  are  those  of  the  back  and  loins. 

Causes. — The  ordinary  causes  ot  fracture  are  responsible  here  as 
elsewhere,  such  as  hea\^  blows  on  the  spinal  column,  severe  falls 
while  conveying  heavy  loads,  and  especially  violent  efforts  in  resist- 
ing the  process  of  casting.  Although  occurring  more  or  less 
fi'equently  under  the  latter  circumstances,  the  accident  is  not  always 
attributable  to  carelessness  or  error  in  the  management.  It  may,  of 
course,  sometimes  result  from  such  a  cause  as  a  badly  prepared  bed, 
or  the  accidental  presence  of  a  hard  body  concealed  in  the  straw,  or 
to  a  heaA-y  fall  when  the  movements  of  the  patient  have  not  been 
sufficiently  controlled  by  an  effective  apparatus  and  its  skillful 
adaptation,  but  it  is  quite  as  liable  to  be  caused  by  the  violent 
resistance  and  tlie  consequent  powerful  muscular  contraction  by  the 
frightened  patient.  The  simf)le  fact  of  the  overarching  of  the 
vertebral  column,  with  excessive  pressure  against  it  from  the  in- 
testinal mass,  owing  to  the  spasmodic  action  of  the  abdominal 
muscles,  may  account  for  it,  and  so  also  may  the  struggles  of  the 
animal  to  escape  from  the  restraint  of  the  hobbles  while  frantic 
under  the  pain  of  an  operation  without  anesthesia.  In  these  cases 
the  fracture  usually  occurs  in  the  body  or  the  annular  part,  or  both, 
of  the  posterior  dorsal  or  the  anterior  lumbar  vertebra.  ^Mien  the 
transverse  processes  of  the  last-named  bones  are  injured,  it  is  probably 
in  consequence  of  the  heavy  concussion  incident  to  striking  the 
gi-ound  when  cast.  The  diagnosis  of  a  fracture  of  the  body  of  a 
vei-tebra  is  not  always  easy,  especially  when  quite  recent,  and  more 
especially  when  there  is  no  accompanying  displacement. 

Syniptoms. — There  are  certain  peculiar  signs  accompanying  the 
occurrence  of  the  accident  while  an  operation  is  in  progress  which 
should  at  once  excite  the  suspicion  of  the  surgeon.  In  the  midst  of 
a  violent  struggle  the  patient  becomes  suddenly  quiet ;  the  movement 
of  a  sharp  instrument,  which  at  first  excited  his  resistance,  fails  to 
give  rise  to  any  further  evidence  of  sensation;  perhaps  a  general 
trembling,  lasting  for  a  few  minutes,  will  follow,  succeeded  by  a  cold, 
profuse  perspiration,  particularly  between  the  hind  legs,  and  fre- 
quently there  will  be  micturition  and  defecation.  Careful  examina- 
tion of  the  vertebral  column  may  then  detect  a  slight  depression  or 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  339 

irregularity  in  the  direction  of  the  spine,  and  there  may  be  a  diminu- 
tion or  loss  of  sensation  in  the  pi>sterior  part  of  the  trunk,  while  the 
anterior  portion  continues  to  be  as  sensitive  as  before.  In  making 
an  attemj^t  to  get  upon  his  feet,  however,  upon  the  removal  of  the 
hobbles,  only  the  fore  part  of  the  body  will  respond  to  the  eil'ort,  a 
degree  of  paraplegia  being  present,  and  while  the  head,  neck,  and 
fore  part  of  the  body  will  be  raised,  the  hind  quarters  and  hind  legs 
will  remain  inert.  The  aninuil  may  perhaps  succeed  in  rising  and 
probably  may  be  removed  to  his  stall,  but  the  displacement  of  the 
bone  will  follow,  converting  the  fracture  into  one  of  the  complete 
kind,  either  tiirough  the  exertion  of  walking  or  by  a  renewed  attempt 
to  rise  after  another  fall  before  reaching  his  stall.  By  this  time  the 
l)aralysis  is  complete,  and  the  extension  of  the  meningitis,  which  has 
become  establislied,  is  a  consummation  soon  reached. 

To  say  that  the  prognosis  of  fracture  of  the  body  of  the  vertebra  is 
always  serious  is  to  speak  very  mildly.  It  would  be  better,  i)erhaps, 
to  say  that  oceaalonaUy  a  case  may  recover.  Fractures  of  the  trans- 
vei-se  processes  are  less  serious. 

Treatnu  nt. — Instead  of  stating  the  indication  in  this  class  of  cases 
as  if  assuming  them  to  be  amenable  to  treatment,  the  (|uestion  natur- 
ally would  be:  Can  any  treatment  be  recommended  in  a  fracture  of 
the  body  of  a  vertebra?  The  only  indicati(m  in  such  a  case,  in  our 
opinion,  is  to  reach  the  true  diagnosis  in  the  shortest  possible  time 
and  to  act  accordingly.  If  there  is  displacement,  and  the  existence 
of  serious  lesions  may  be  iufened  from  the  nervous  symptoms,  the 
destruction  of  the  sull'ering  animal  appears  to  suggest  itself  as  the  one 
conclusion  in  which  considerations  of  policy,  humanity,  and  science  at 
once  unite. 

If,  however,  it  is  fairly  evident  that  no  displacement  exists;  that 
pressure  upon  the  spinal  cord  is  not  yet  present;  that  the  animal  with 
a  little  assistance  is  able  to  rise  upon  his  feet  and  to  walk  a  short  dis- 
tance— it  may  be  well  to  experiment  upon  the  case  to  the  extent  of 
placing  the  patient  in  the  most  favorable  circumstances  for  recovery 
and  allow  natuiv  to  operate  without  further  interference.  This  may 
be  accomplished  by  obtaining  inunobility  of  the  whole  body  as  much 
as  possible,  and  especially  of  the  suspected  region,  by  placing  the 
patient  in  slings,  in  a  stall  sufliciently  narrow  to  preclude  lateral  mo- 
tion, and  covering  tlie  loins  with  a  thick  coat  of  agglutinative  mixture. 
Developments  should  be  watched  and  awaited. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  RIBS. 

The  different  regions  of  the  chest  are  not  equally  exposed  to  the 
violence  that  causes  fractures  of  the  ribs,  and  they  are  therefore 
either  more  common  or  more  easily  discovered  during  life  at  some 
points  than  at  others.    The  more  exposed  regions  are  the  middle  and 


340  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

the  posterior,  while  the  front  is  largely  covered  and  defended  by  the 
shoulder.  A  single  rib  may  be  the  seat  of  fracture,  or  a  number  may 
be  involved,  and  there  may  be  injuries  on  both  sides  of  the  chest  at  the 
same  time.  It  may  take  place  lengthwise,  in  any  part  of  the  bone, 
though  the  middle,  being  the  most  exposed,  is  the  most  frequently 
hurt.  Incomplete  fractures  are  usually  lengthwise,  involving  a  por- 
tion only  of  the  thickness  of  one  or  other  of  the  surfaces.  The  com- 
plete kind  may  be  either  transverse  or  oblique,  and  are  most  com- 
monly denticulated.  The  fracture  may  be  comminuted,  and  a  single 
bone  may  show  one  of  the  complete  and  one  of  the  incomplete  kind  at 
different  points.  The  extent  of  surface  presented  by  the  thoracic 
region,  with  its  complete  exposure  at  all  points,  explains  the  liability 
of  the  ribs  to  suffer  from  all  the  forms  of  external  violence. 

Symptoms. — In  many  instances  fractures,  especially  the  incom- 
plete variety,  of  these  bones  continue  undiscovered,  without  displace- 
ment, though  the  evidences  of  local  pain,  a  certain  amount  of  swell- 
ing, and  a  degree  of  disturbance  of  the  respiration,  if  noticed  during 
the  examination  of  a  patient,  may  suggest  a  suspicion  of  their  exist- 
ence. Abnormal  mobility  and  crepitation  are  difficult  of  detection, 
even  when  present,  and  they  are  not  ahvays  present,  Allien  there  is 
displacement  the  deformity  which  it  occasions  will  betray  the  fact, 
and  when  such  an  injury  exists  the  surgeon,  in  view  of  possible  and 
probable  complications  of  thoracic  trouble,  of  course  will  become 
vigilant  and  prepare  himself  for  an  encounter  with  a  case  of  trau- 
matic pleuritis  or  pneumonia.  Fatal  injuries  of  the  heart  are  re- 
corded. Subcutaneous  emphysema  is  a  common  accompaniment  of 
broken  ribs,  and  I  recall  the  death,  from  this  cause,  of  a  patient  of 
my  own  which  had  suffered  a  fracture  of  two  ribs  in  the  region  of  the 
withers,  under  the  cartilages  of  the  shoulder,  and  of  which  the  diag- 
nosis was  made  only  after  the  fatal  ending  of  the  case. 

These  hurts  are  not  often  of  a  very  serious  character,  though  the 
union  is  never  so  solid  and  complete  as  in  other  fractures,  the  callus 
being  usually  imperfect  and  of  a  fibrous  character,  with  an  amphiar- 
throsis  formation.  Still,  complications  occur  Avhich  may  impart 
gravity  to  the  prognosis. 

Treatment. — Fractures  with  but  a  slight  or  no  displacement  need 
no  reduction.  All  that  is  necessary  is  a  simple  application  of  a  blis- 
tering nature  as  a  preventive  of  inflammation  or  for  its  subjugation 
when  present,  and  in  order  to  excite  an  exudation  which  will  tend  to 
aid  in  the  support  and  immobilization  of  the  parts.  At  times,  how- 
ever, a  better  effect  is  obtained  by  the  application  of  a  bandage 
placed  firmly  around  the  chest,  although,  while  this  limits  the  mo- 
tion of  the  ribs,  it  is  liable  to  render  the  respiration  more  labored. 

If  there  is  displacement,  with  much  accompanying  pain  and  evi- 
dent irritatiim  of  the  lungs,  the  fracture  must  be  reduced  without 


lameness:  its  cat'ses  and  treatment.  341 

delay.  The  means  of  efVectinu:  tliis  vaiv  accdidinor  to  whethor  the 
displacement  is  (lutward  or  inward.  In  the  liist  case  the  i)()ne  may 
be  straigrhtened  hy  pressnre  from  without,  while  in  the  second  the 
end  of  it  must  he  laised  hy  a  lever,  for  the  intioduction  of  which  a 
small  incision  through  the  skin  and  inteicostal  spaces  will  i)e  neces- 
sary. When  coaptation  has  been  effected  it  must  be  retained  by  the 
external  application  of  an  adhesive  mixture,  with  splints  and  l»and- 
ajres  around  the  chest. 

FRACTURES  OF  THE  BONES  OF  THE  PELVIS. 

These  fractures  will  be  con.^idered  under  their  separate  denoniina- 
ti<!ns.  as  those  of  the  sacrimi  and  the  os  innouiinatum,  or  hip,  which 
includes  the  subdivisions  of  the  ilium,  the  pubes,  and  the  ischium. 

The  sacrum.. — Fractures  of  this  bone  are  rarely  met  with  among 
solipeds.  Among  cattle,  however,  it  is  of  common  occurrence,  being 
attributed  not  only  to  the  usual  varieties  of  violence,  as  blows  and 
other  external  hurts,  but  to  the  act  of  coition  and  violent  efforts  in 
partuiition.  It  is  generally  of  the  transverse  kind  and  may  be 
recognized  by  the  deformity  which  it  occasions.  This  is  due  to  the 
dropping  of  the  bone,  with  a  change  in  its  direction  and  a  lower 
attachment  of  the  tail,  which  also  becomes  more  or  less  paralyy.ed. 
The  natural  and  spontaneous  relief  which  usually  interposes  in  these 
cases  has  doubtless  been  observed  by  the  extensive  cattle  breeders  of 
the  West,  and  their  practice  and  example  fully  establi.sh  the  inutility 
of  interference.  Still,  cases  may  occur  in  which  reduction  may  be  in- 
dicated, and  it  then  becomes  a  matter  of  no  difficulty.  It  is  effected  by 
the  intioduction  of  a  round,  smooth  piece  of  wood  into  the  rectum 
as  far  as  the  fragment  of  bone  and  using  it  as  a  lever,  resting  upon 
another  as  a  fulcrum  placed  under  it  outside.  The  bone,  having 
been  thus  leturned.  may  be  kept  in  place  by  the  ordinary  external 
means  in  u.se. 

The  of<  innoni'nKttiim. — Fracture  of  the  ilium  may  be  observed 
either  at  the  angle  of  the  hip  or  at  the  neck  of  the  bone;  those  of  the 
pubes  may  take  place  at  the  symphysis,  or  in  the  body  of  the  bone; 
those  of  the  i.-chium  on  the  floor  of  the  bone,  or  at  its  i)6sterior  ex- 
ternal angle.  Or.  again,  the  fracture  niay  involve  all  three  of  these 
constituent  parts  of  the  hip  bone  by  having  its  situation  in  the  articu- 
lar cavity — the  acetabulum  by  which  it  joins  the  fennir  or  thigh  hone. 

Symptoms. — Some  of  these  fractures  are  easily  recognized,  nhile 
others  are  difficult  to  identify.  The  ordinary  deformity  wliich  char- 
jicterizes  a  fracture  of  the  external  angle  of  the  ilium,  its  dropping 
and  the  diminution  of  that  side  of  the  hij)  in  width,  unite  in  indicat- 
ing the  existence  of  the  condition  expressed  by  the  term  "hipped." 
An  incomplete  fractine.  howeM-r.  or  one  that  is  complete  without  dis- 
placement, or  even  one  with  displacement,  often  demands  the  closest 


342  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

scrutiny  for  its  discovery.  The  lameness  may  be  well  marked,  and  an 
animal  may  show  it  but  little  while  walking,  though  upon  being 
urged  into  a  trot  will  manifest  it  more  and  more,  until  presently  it 
will  cease  to  use  the  crippled  limb  altogether,  and  travel  entirely 
on  three  legs.  The  acute  character  of  the  lameness  will  vary  in 
degree  as  the  seat  of  the  lesion  approximates  the  acetabulum.  In 
walking,  the  motion  at  the  hip  is  very  limited,  and  the  leg  is  dragged; 
while  at  rest  it  is  relieved  from  bearing  its  share  in  sustaining  the 
body.  An  intelligent  opinion  and  correct  conclusion  will  depend 
largely  upon  a  knowledge  of  the  history  of  the  case,  and  while  in 
some  instances  that  will  be  but  a  report  of  the  common  etiology  of 
fractures,  such  as  blows,  hurts,  and  other  external  violence,  the 
simple  fact  of  a  fall  may  furnish  in  a  single  word  a  satisfactory 
solution  of  the  whole  matter. 

With  the  exception  of  the  deformity  of  the  ilium  in  a  fracture  of 
its  external  angle,  and  unless  there  has  been  a  serious  laceration  of 
tissues  and  infiltration  of  blood,  or  excessive  displacement,  there  are 
no  very  definite  external  symptoms  in  a  case  of  a  fracture  of  the  hip 
bone.  There  is  one,  however,  which,  in  a  majority  of  cases,  will  not 
fail — it  is  crepitation.  This  evidence  is  attainable  by  both  external 
and  internal  examination — by  manipulation  of  the  gluteal  surface 
and  by  rectal  taxis.  Very  often  a  lateral  motion,  or  balancing  of  the 
hinder  parts  by  pressing  the  body  from  one  side  to  the  other,  will  be 
sufficient  to  render  the  crepitation  more  distinct — a  slight  sensation  of 
grating,  which  may  be  perceived  e^'en  through  the  thick  coating  of 
muscle  which  covers  the  bone — and  the  sensation  may  not  only  be  felt, 
but  to  the  expert  may  even  become  audible.  This  external  manifesta- 
tion is,  however,  not  always  sufficient  in  itself,  and  should  invariably 
be  associated  with  the  rectal  taxis  for  corroboration.  It  is  true  that 
this  may  fail  to  add  to  the  evidence  of  fracture,  but  till  then  the 
simple  testimony  afforded  by  the  detection  of  crepitation  from  the 
surface,  though  a  strong  confirmatory  point,  is  scarcely  sufficiently 
absolute  to  establish  more  than  a  reasonable  probability  or  strong 
suspicion  in  the  case. 

In  addition  to  the  fact  that  the  rectal  examination  brings  the  ex- 
ploring hand  of  the  surgeon  into  near  proximity  to  the  desired  point 
of  search,  and  to  an  accurate  knowledge  of  the  situation  of  parts, 
both  pro  and  con  as  respects  his  own  views,  there  is  another  advan- 
tage attendant  upon  it  which  is  well  entitled  to  appreciation.  This  is 
the  facility  with  which  he  can  avail  himself  of  the  help  of  an  assist- 
ant, who  can  aid  him  by  manipulating  the  implicated  limb  and 
placing  it  in  various  positions,  so  far  as  the  patient  will  permit,  while 
the  surgeon  himself  is  making  explorations  and  studying  the  effect 
from  w^ithin.  By  this  method  he  can  hardly  fail  to  ascertain  the 
character  of  the  fracture  and  the  condition  of  the  bony  ends.     By 


lameness:  its  causks  and  treatment.  343 

tlie  rectal  taxis,  as  if  with  eyes  in  the  fint^er  ends,  he  will  "  see  "  what 
i.>>  the  extent  of  the  fracture  of  the  iliinu  or  of  the  neek  of  that  bone; 
to  what  part  of  the  central  portion  of  the  bone  (the  aeetabuluni)  it 
reaches;  whether  this  is  free  from  disease  or  not,  and  in  wiiat  loca- 
tion on  the  floor  of  the  pelvis  the  lesion  is  situated.  By  this  method 
we  have  frequently  been  able  to  detect  a  fracture  at  the  symphysis, 
which,  from  its  history  and  symptoms  and  an  external  examination, 
couKl  only  have  been  guessi>d  at.  Yet,  with  all  its  advantages,  the 
rectal  examination  is  not  always  necessary,  as,  for  example,  when  the 
fracture  is  at  the  posterior  and  external  an*j:le  of  the  ischium,  when 
by  friction  of  the  bony  ends  the  surgeon  may  discern  the  crepitation 
witlu)ut  it. 

Every  variety  of  complication,  including  muscular  lacerations  with 
the  formation  of  deep  abscesses  and  injuries  to  the  organs  of  the 
pelvic  cavity,  the  bladder,  the  rectum,  and  the  uterus,  may  be  associ- 
ated with  fractures  of  the  hip  bone. 

I*ro(/no6'is. — The  prognosis  of  these  lesions  will  necessarily  vary 
considerably.  A  fracture  of  the  most  superficial  part  of  the  bone  of 
the  ilium  or  of  the  ischium,  especially  if  there  is  little  displace- 
Uicut,  will  unite  rapidly,  leaving  a  comparatively  sound  animal  often 
(piite  free  from  subsequent  lameness.  If  there  is  much  displacement, 
however,  only  a  ligamentous  union  will  take  place,  with  much  de- 
formity and  more  or  less  irregularity  in  the  gait.  Other  fractures 
nuiy  be  followed  by  complete  disability  of  the  patient,  as,  for  ex- 
ample, when  the  cotyloid  cavity  is  involved,  or  when  the  reparatory 
l)r(Mt'ss  has  left  bony  deposits  in  the  pelvic  cavity  at  the  seat  of  the 
union,  which  may,  in  the  case  of  the  female,  interfere  with  the  steps 
of  parturition,  or  induce  some  local  paralysis  by  pressure  upon  the 
nerves  which  govern  the  muscles  of  the  hind  legs.  This  is  a  condi- 
tion not  infrequently  observed  when  the  callus  has  been  formed  on 
the  floor  of  the  pelvis  near  the  obturator  foramen,  pressing  upon  the 
course  or  involving  the  ol)turat()r  ner^e. 

Treatment. — In  our  estimation,  the  treatment  of  all  fractures 
of  the  hip  bone  shoidd  be  of  the  simplest  kind.  Kendered  compara- 
tively immovable  by  the  thickness  of  the  uniscles  by  which  the  region 
is  enveloped,  one  essential  indication  suggests  itself,  and  that  is  to 
l>lace  the  animal  in  a  position  which,  so  far  as  jiossible,  will  be  fixed 
ami  permament.  For  the  accomplishment  of  this  purpose  the  best 
measure,  as  we  consider  it,  is  to  place  the  horse  in  a  stall  of  ju.st 
sufficient  width  to  admit  him,  and  to  apply  a  set  of  slings,  snugly, 
but  comfortably.  (See  Plate  XXXI.)  This  will  fulfill  the  essential 
conditions  of  recovery — rest  and  immobility.  Blistering  applica- 
tions would  be  injurious,  though  the  adhesive  mixture  might  piove  in 
some  degree  beneficial. 


344  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

The  minimum  period  allowable  for  solid  union  in  a  fractured  hip 
is,  in  our  judgment,  tAvo  months,  and  we  have  known  cases  in  which 
that  was  too  short  a  time. 

As  we  have  said  before,  there  may  be  cases  in  which  the  treatment 
for  fracture  at  the  floor  of  the  pelvis  has  been  followed  by  symptoms 
of  partial  paralysis,  the  animal,  when  lying  down,  being  unable  to 
regain  his  feet,  but  moving  freely  when  placed  in  an  upright  position. 
This  condition  is  owing  to  the  interference  of  the  callus  with  the  func- 
tions of  the  obturator  nerve,  which  it  presses  upon  or  surrounds.  By 
my  experience  in  similar  cases  I  feel  warranted  in  cautioning  owners 
of  horses  in  this  condition  to  exercise  due  patience,  and  to  avoid  a 
premature  sentence  of  condemnation  against  their  invalid  servants; 
they  are  not  all  irrecoverably  paralytic.  With  alternations  of  mod- 
erate exercise,  rest  in  the  slings,  and  the  effect  of  time  while  the 
natural  process  of  absorption  is  taking  effect  upon  the  callus,  with 
other  elements  of  change  that  may  be  so  operating,  the  horse  in  due 
time  may  become  able  once  more  to  earn  his  subsistence  and  serve 
his  master. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  SCAPULA. 

This  bone  is  seldom  fractured,  its  comparative  exemption  being  due 
to  its  free  mobility  and  the  protection  it  receives  from  the  superim- 
posed soft  tissues.  Only  direct  and  powerful  causes  are  sufficient  to 
effect  the  injury,  and  when  it  occurs  the  large  rather  tlian  the  smaller 
animals  are  the  subjects. 

Cause. — The  causes  are  heavy  blows  or  kicks  and  violent  collisions 
with  umdelding  objects.  Those  which  are  occasioned  by  falls  are 
generally  at  the  neck  of  the  bone,  and  of  the  transverse  and  commi- 
nuted varieties.  * 

Symptoms. — The  diagnosis  is  not  always  eas}'.  The  symptoms  are 
inabilitj''  to  rest  the  leg  on  the  ground  and  to  carry  weights,  and  they 
are  present  in  various  degi^ees  from  slight  to  severe.  The  leg  rests 
upon  the  toe,  seems  shortened,  and  locomotion  is  performed  by 
jumps.  Moving  the  leg  while  examining  it  and  raising  the  foot  for 
inspection  seem  to  produce  much  pain  and  cause  the  animal  to  rear. 
Crepitation  is  readily  felt  with  the  hand  upon  the  shoulder  when  the 
leg  is  moved.  If  the  fracture  occurs  in  the  upper  part  of  the  bone, 
overlapping  of  the  fragments  and  displacement  will  be  considerable. 

The  fracture  of  this  bone  is  usually  classed  among  the  more  serious 
accidents,  though  cases  may  occur  which  are  follovred  by  recovery 
without  very  serious  ultimate  results,  especially  when  the  seat  of  the 
injury  is  at  some  of  the  upper  angles  of  the  bone  or  about  the  acro- 
mion crest.  But  if  the  neck  and  the  joint  are  the  parts  involved, 
complications  Avhich  are  likely  to  disable  the  animal  for  life  are 
liable  to  be  present. 


I.AMKXF.SS:    ITS    C'Al'SF.S    AND    THKATMKNT,  345 

Trt(d)tuitt. — If  tlu'iT  is  no  (lisplariMut'iit.  w  simple  iuliicsive  rlress- 
injr  to  strenfrthen  niul  iinniol)ili/,('  tlic  p.iits  ^vill  he  suHicii'iit.  A  coat 
of  black  pitch  dissolvod  ^vith  wax  and  \'t>ni(t'  turpentine,  and  kept 
in  place  o\ei'  the  rejiion  with  oakimi  or  linen  bands,  will  ])e  all  the 
treatment  recpiired,  especially  if  the  animal  is  kept  (piiet  in  the  slings. 

Displacement  can  not  be  remedied,  and  reduction  is  next  to  impos- 
sible. Sometimes  an  ii'on  jilatc  is  ajiplicd  ov<'r  the  parts  and  i-etained 
by  bandages,  as  in  the  dressing  of  Bourgelat  ( IMate  XXX)  ;  this  may 
l>e  advantageously  replaced  by  a  pad  of  thick  leather.  In  smaller 
animals  the  pai'ts  are  retained  by  figiu-e-8  bandagi's,  embracing  both 
the  normal  and  the  diseased  shoulders,  crossing  each  other  in  the 
axilla  and  covered  with  a  coating  of  adhesive  mixture. 

FRACTURES   OF  THE   HUMERU3. 

These  are  more  connuon  in  small  than  in  large  animals,  and  are 
always  the  result  of  external  tiaumatism,  such  as  falls,  kicks,  and 
collisions.  They  ai'c  generally  very  obliipie.  are  often  comminuted, 
and  though  more  usually  involving  the  shaft  of  the  bone  will  in 
some  cases  extend  to  the  upper  end  and  into  the  articular  head. 

Si/ni/>fmns. — There  is  ordinarily  considerable  displacement  in  con- 
seipience  of  the  overlapping  of  the  broken  ends  of  the  bone,  and  this 
of  course  causes  more  or  less  shortening  of  the  limb.  There  will  also 
be  swelling,  with  difliculty  of  locomotion,  and  crepitation  will  be 
easy  of  detection.  This  fracture  is  always  a  serious  damage  to  the 
patient,  leaving  him  with  a  permanently  shortened  limb  and  an 
incurable,  lifelong  lameness. 

Tnatment. — If  treatment  is  determined  on,  it  will  consist  in  the 
reduction  of  the  fracture  by  means  of  extension  and  counter  exten- 
sion, to  accomi)lish  which  the  animal  must  be  thrown.  If  successful 
in  the  reduction,  then  follows  the  application  and  adjustment  of  the 
a|)paratus  of  retention,  which  nnist  be  of  the  most  perfect  and 
eflicient  kind.  Finally,  this,  however  skillfully  contrived  and  care- 
fully adapted,  will  often  fail  to  etl'ect  any  gcxxl  i)urposi»  whatjMcr. 

FRACTURES  OF  THE  FOREARM. 

A  fracture  in  this  region  may  also  involve  the  radius  oi-  the  ulna, 
the  latter  being  broken  at  times  in  its  upper  portion  above  the  radio- 
ulnar arch  at  the  olecranon.  If  the  fractiire  cKTurs  at  any  pail  of  the 
forearm  from  the  radio-idnar  arch  down  to  the  knee,  it  may  involve 
either  the  radius  alone  or  the  radius  and  the  cubitus,  which  are  thei'c 
intimately  united. 

Caitse. — liesi«les  ha\ing  the  same  etiology  with  most  of  the  frac- 
tures, those  of  the  foiearm  are,  nevertheless,  more  commonly  due  to 
kicks  from  other  animals,  esi>ecially  when  crowded  together  in  large 


346  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

numbers  in  insufficient  space.  It  is  a  matter  of  observation  that 
under  these  circumstances  fractures  of  the  incomplete  kind  are  those 
which  occur  on  the  inside  of  the  leg,  the  }x)ne  being  in  that  region 
ahnost  entirel}^  subcutaneous,  while  those  of  the  complete  class  are 
either  oblique  or  transverse.  The  least  common  are  the  longitudinal, 
in  the  long  axis  of  the  bone. 

Symjytoms. — This  variety  of  fracture  is  easily  recognized  by  the 
appearance  of  the  leg  and  the  different  changes  it  undergoes.  There 
is  inability  to  use  the  limb;  impossibility  of  locomotion;  mobility 
below  the  injury;  the  ready  detection  of  crepitation — in  a  word,  the 
assemblage  of  all  the  signs  and  symptoms  which  have  been  already 
considered  as  associated  with  the  history  of  broken  bones. 

The  fracture  of  the  ulna  alone,  principally  above  the  radio-ulnar 
arch,  may  be  ascertained  by  the  aggravated  lameness,  the  excessive 
soreness  on  pressure,  and  perhaps  a  certain  increase  of  motion,  with 
a  very  slight  crepitation  if  tested  in  the  usual  way.  Displacement 
is  not  likely  to  take  place  except  when  it  is  well  up  toward  the  ole- 
cranon or  its  tuberosity",  the  upper  segment  of  the  bone  being  in  that 
case  likely  to  be  drawn  upward.  For  a  simple  fracture  of  this  region 
there  is  a  fair  chance  of  recovery,  but  in  a  case  of  the  compound 
and  comminuted  class  there  is  less  ground  for  a  favorable  prognosis, 
especially  if  the  elbow  joint  has  suffered  injury.  A  fracture  of  the 
ulna  alone  is  not  of  serious  importance,  except  when  the  same  con- 
ditions prevail.  A  fracture  of  the  olecranon  is  less  amenable  to 
treatment,  and  promises  little  better  than  a  ligamentous  union. 

Treatment. — Considering  all  the  various  conditions  involving  the 
nature  and  extent  of  these  lesions,  the  position  and  direction  of  the 
bones  of  the  forearm  are  such  as  to  render  the  chances  for  recovery 
from  fracture  as  among  the  best.  The  reduction,  by  extension  and 
counterextension ;  the  maintenance  of  the  coaptation  of  the  segments; 
the  adaptation  of  the  dressing  by  splints,  oakum,  and  agglutinative 
mixtures;  in  fact,  all  the  details  of  treatment  may  be  here  fulfilled 
with  a  degree  of  facility  and  precision  not  attainable  in  any  other  part 
of  the  organism.  An  important,  if  not  an  essential,  point,  however, 
must  be  emphasized  in  regard  to  the  splints.  TVTiether  they  are  of 
metal,  wood,  or  other  material,  they  should  reach  from  the  elbow  joint 
to  the  ground,  and  should  be  placed  on  the  posterior  face  and  on  both 
sides  of  the  leg.  This  is  then  to  be  so  confined  in  a  properly  con- 
structed box  as  to  preclude  all  possibility  of  motion,  while  yet  it  must 
sustain  a  certain  portion  of  the  weight  of  the  body.  The  iron  splint 
(represented  in  Plate  XXX)  recommended  by  Bourgelat  is  designed 
for  fractures  of  the  forearm,  of  the  knee,  and  of  the  cannon  bone,  and 
will  prove  to  be  an  appliance  of  great  value.  For  small  animals  the 
preference  is  for  an  external  covering  of  gutta-percha,  embracing  the 
entire  leg.    A  sheet  of  this  substance  of  suitable  thickness,  according 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  347 

to  the  size  of  the  animal,  softened  in  hiUewaiiu  water,  is,  when  sntti- 
ciently  pliable,  molded  on  the  outsitle  of  the  let;,  and  wlu-n  suddenly 
hardened  by  the  ai)i)lication  of  cold  water  forms  a  complete  casing 
suflioiently  rig^id  to  resist  all  motion.  Patients  treated  in  this  manner 
have  been  able  to  use  the  limb  freely,  without  ])ain,  inuuediatt'ly  after 
the  aj^plication  of  the  dressing;.  The  removal  of  the  splint  is  easily 
effected  by  cuttin«j:  it  away,  either  wholly  or  in  sections,  after  soften- 
ing it  by  immersin*;  the  le<j;  in  a  warm  bath. 

fracture  of  thk  knee. 

This  accident,  happily,  is  of  rare  occurrence,  but  when  it  takes 
})lace  is  of  a  severe  character,  and  always  accompanied  with  syno- 
vitis, with  disease  of  the  joint. 

Caujic. — It  may  be  caused  by  falling?  upon  a  hard  surface,  and  is 
usually  compound  and  comminuted.  Healing  seldom  occin'.s,  and 
when  it  does  there  is  usually  a  stiffness  of  the  joint  from  arthritis. 

Sifmpfanh'i. — As  a  result  of  this  fracture  there  is  inability  to  bear 
weight  on  the  foot.  The  leg  is  flexed  as  in  com])lete  radial  paralysis, 
or  fracture  of  the  idna.  There  is  abnormal  mobility  of  the  bones  of 
the  knee,  but  crepitation  is  usually  absent. 

Prof/ru^ft/s. — Healing  is  hard  to  effect,  as  one  part  of  the  knee  is 
drawn  u])ward  by  the  two  flexor  muscles  which  separate  it  from  the 
lower  part.  The  callus  which  forms  is  largely  fibrous,  and  if  the 
animal  is  put  to  work  too  (piickly  this  callus  is  liable  to  rupture.  In 
favoiable  cases  healing  takes  ])lace  in  two  or  three  months.  Many 
horses  during  the  treatment  develop  founder,  with  conse<|uent  diop 
sole  in  the  sound  leg.  as  a  residt  of-  pressuie  due  to  continuous 
standing. 

Tj'catm^'nf. — Place  the  animal  in  tlie  slings.  l)ring  the  ]>ieces  of 
bone  together  if  possible,  and  try  to  keej)  them  in  place  by  a  tight 
plaster-of-Paris  dressing  about  the  leg,  extending  down  to  the  fet- 
lock. Place  the  animal  in  a  roomy  box  stall  well  jirovided  with 
bedding  so  that  he  can  lie  down,  to  ]irevent  founder. 

FRACTURE   OF   THE   FEMUR. 

The  protection  which  this  bone  receives  fiom  the  large  mass  of 
muscles  in  which  it  is  enveloped  does  not  suffice  to  invest  it  with 
immunity  in  regard  to  fractures. 

Cause. — It  contributes  its  share  to  the  list  of  accidents  of  this 
description,  sometimes  in  consequence  of  external  violence  and  .some- 
times as  the  result  of  muscular  contraction  :  sometimes  its  takes  ])lace 
at  the  upper  extremity  of  the  bone;  sometimes  at  the  lower;  some- 
times at  the  head,  when  the  condyles  become  implicated:  but  it  is 
principally  found  in  the  body  or  diaphysis.     The  fracture  may  i)e 


348  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

ol  ail}'  of  the  ordinar}'^  forms,  simple  or  componnd,  complete  or 
incomplete,  transverse  or  oblique,  etc.  A  case  of  the  comminuted 
variety  is  recorded  in  which  85  fragments  of  bone  were  counted 
and  removed. 

The  thickness  of  the  muscular  covering  sometimes  renders  tlie 
diagnosis  difficult  by  interfering  with  the  manipulation,  but  the  crepi- 
tation test  is  readily  available,  6ven  when  the  swelling  is  consider- 
able, and  which  is  liable  to  be  the  case  as  the  result  of  the  inter- 
stitial hemorrhage  which  naturally  follows  the  laceration  of  the  blood 
vessels  of  the  region  involved. 

/Symptoms. — If  the  fracture  is  at  the  neck  of  the  bone  the  muscles 
of  that  region  (the  gluteal)  are  firmly  contracted,  and  the  leg  seems 
to  be  shortened  in  consequence.  Locomotion  is  impossible.  There 
is  intense  pain  and  violent  sweating  at  first.  Crepitation  may  in 
some  cases  be  discerned  by  rectal  examination,  with  one  hand  rest- 
ing over  the  coxo-femoral  (hip)  articulation.  Fractures  of  the  tuber- 
osities of  the  upper  end  of  the  bone,  the  great  trochanter,  may  be 
identified  by  the  deformity,  the  swelling,  the  impossibility  of  rotation, 
and  the  dragging  of  the  leg  in  walking.  Fracture  of  the  body  is 
always  accompanied  with  displacement,  and  as  a  consequence  a  short- 
ening of  the  leg,  which  is  carried  forward.  The  lameness  is  exces- 
sive, the  foot  being  moved,  both  when  raising  it  from  the  ground 
and  Avhen  setting  it  down,  very  timidly  and  cautiously.  The  ma- 
nipulations for  the  discover}^  of  crepitation  always  cause  much  pain. 
Lesions  of  the  lower  end  of  the  bone  are  more  difficult  to  diagnosti- 
cate with  certainty,  though  the  manifestation  of  pain  Avhile  making 
heavy  pressure  upon  the  condyles  will  be  so  marked  that  only  crepi- 
tation will  be  needed  to  turn  a  suspicion  into  a  certainty. 

Treatinent. — The  question  as  to  treatment  in  fractures  of  this 
description  resolves  itself  into  the  query  whether  any  treatment  can 
be  suggested  that  will  avail  anything  practically  as  a  curative  meas- 
ure; whether,  upon  the  hypothesis  of  reduction  as  an  accomplished 
fact,  any  permanent  or  efficient  device  as  a  means  of  retention  is 
within  the  scope  of  human  ingenuity.  If  the  reduction  were  success- 
fully performed,  would  it  be  possible  to  keep  the  parts  in  place  by 
any  known  means  at  our  disposal?  At  the  best  the  most  favorable 
result  that  could  be  anticipated  would  be  a  reunion  of  the  fragments 
with  a  considerable  shortening  of  the  bone  and  a  helpless,  limping, 
crippled  animal  to  remind  us  that  for  human  achievement  there  is 
a  "  thus  far  and  no  farther." 

In  small  animals,  such  as'  dogs  and  cats,  however,  attempts  at 
treatment  are  justifiable,  and  we  are  convinced  that  in  many  cases 
of  difficulty  in  the  application  of  splints  and  bandages  a  patient 
may  be  placed  in  a  condition  of  undisturbed  quiet  and  left  to  tlie 
processes  of  nature  for  "  treatment "'  as  safely  and  M'ith  as  good  an 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  349 

assurance  of  a  favoialiU'  result  as  if  lu-  luul  l»et'!i  sultjected  to  tho 
most  heroic  secundum  aitem  doctorinir  known  t<j  science.  As  a 
case  in  point,  mention  may  be  ukuIc  of  the  case  of  a  prejj^nant  hitdi 
vhicli  suffered  a  fracture  of  the  ui)i)er  end  of  the  femur  hy  bein«; 
run  over  by  a  li^ht  wa^jon.  Her  "treatment"  consisted  in  l)eing 
tied  up  in  a  hirge  hox  and  U't  ahxie.  In  due  time  she  was  delivered 
of  a  family  of  puppies,  and  in  thrive  weeks  she  was  running;  in  th» 
streets,  limping  \ery  sJiLditly.  and  nothin<^  the  woi*se  for  her 
accident. 

FRACTURE  OF  THK  PATELLA. 

Thi>,  fortunately,  is  a  rare  acciilent,  antl  can  result  only  from 
direct  violence,  as  a  kick  or  other  blow.  The  lameness  which  follows 
it  is  accompanied  with  enormous  tumefaction  of  the  joint,  i)ain, 
inability  to  bear  weight  upon  the  foot,  and  finally  disease  of  the 
articulation.  Crepitation  is  absent,  because  the  hip  muscles  draw- 
away  the  upper  part  of  the  bone.  The  prognosis  is  unavoidably 
adverse,  destruction  being  the  only  termination  of  this  incurable 
and  very  painful  injury.  Most  of  the  reported  cases  of  cur»'s  are 
based  upon  a  wrong  diagnosis. 

FRACTURES   OF   THE    TIBIA. 

Of  all  fractures  the-e  are  probably  more  frequently  encountered 
than  ail}'  others  among  the  class  of  accidents  we  are  con.sidering.  As 
with  injuries  of  the  forearm  of  a  like  character,  they  may  be  com- 
]>lete  or  incomplete;  the  former  when  the  bone  is  broken  in  the 
middle  or  at  the  e.xtremities,  and  transverse,  oblique,  or  longitudinal. 
The  incomplete  kind  ni-e  more  common  in  this  bone  than  in  any 
other. 

l^ymptoms. — Complete  fractures  are  easy  to  recognize,  either  with 
or  without  disjdacement.  The  animal  is  very  lame,  and  the  leg  is 
either  dragged  or  held  clear  from  the  ground  by  flexion  at  the  .stille, 
while  the  lower  part  hangs  down.  Carrying  weight  or  moving  back- 
ward  is  imjjo.ssible.  There  is  excessive  mobility  below  the  fracture, 
and  woll-marked  crei)itati()n.  If  there  is  much  disi)lacement,  as 
in  ;in  obli(iue  fracture,  therr  will  be  considerable  shortening  of 
the  leg. 

A\'hile  incomi)lete  fractuies  can  not  l)o  recognized  in  the  tibia 
with  any  greater  degree  of  certainty  than  in  any  other  bone,  there  are 
some  facts  as.sociated  with  them  by  which  a  diagnosis  may  be  justi- 
fied.   The  hypothetical  history  of  a  case  may  serve  as  an  illustiation : 

An  animal  has  received  an  injury  l)V  a  blow  or  a  kick  on  the  inside 
of  the  bone,  juM-haps  without  showing  any  mark.  Becoming  very 
lame  innnediately  afterwards,  he  is  allowed  a  few  days'  rest.  If 
taken  out  again,  he  seems  to  have  recovered  his  soundne.ss,  but  w  ithin 


350  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

a  day  or  two  he  betrays  a  little  soreness,  and  this  increasing  he  be- 
comes very  lame  again,  to  be  furloughed  once  more,  with  the  result 
of  a  temporary  improvement,  and  again  a  return  to  labor  and  again 
a  relapse  of  the  lameness;  and  this  alternation  seems  to  be  the  rule. 
The  leg  being  now  carefully  examined,  a  local  periostitis  is  readily 
discovered  at  the  point  of  the  injury,  the  part  being  warm,  swollen, 
and  painful.  What  further  proof  is  necessary?  Is  it  not  evident 
that  a  fracture  has  occurred,  first  superficial — a  mere  split  in  the 
bony  structure,  which,  fortunately,  has  been  discovered  before  some 
extra  exertion  or  a  casual  misstep  had  developed  it  into  one  of  the 
complete  kind,  possibly  with  complications?  AMiat  other  inference 
can  such  a  series  of  symptoms  thus  repeated  establish  ? 

The  prognosis  of  fracture  of  the  tibia,  as  a  rule,  must  be  unfavor- 
able. 

Treatment. — The  difficult}'  of  obtaining  a  union  without  shorten- 
ing, and  consequently  without  lameness,  is  proof  of  the  futility  of 
ordinary  attempts  at  treatment,  but  though  this  may  be  true  in 
respect  to  fractures  of  the  complete  kind,  it  is  not  necessarily  so  with 
the  incomplete  variety,  and  with  this  class  the  simple  treatment  of 
the  slings  is  all  that  is  necessary  to  obtain  consolidation.  A  few 
weeks  of  this  confinement  will  be  sufficient.  . 

With  dogs  and  other  small  animals  there  are  cases  which  may  be 
successfully  treated.  If  the  necessary  dressings  can  be  successfully 
applied  and  retained,  a  cure  will  follow. 

FRACTURES    OF   THE    HOCK. 

Injuries  of  the  astragalus  which  had  a  fatal  termination  have  been 
recorded.  Fractures  of  the  os  calcis  have  also  been  observed,  but 
never  with  a  favorable  prognosis,  and  attempts  to  induce  recovery, 
as  might  have  been  expected,  have  proved  futile. 

FRACTURES  OF  THE  CANNON  BONES. 

Wliether  these  occur  in  the  fore  or  hind  legs,  they  appear  either  in 
the  body  or  near  their  extremities.  If  in  the  body  as  a  rule  the 
three  metacarpal  or  metatarsal  bones  are  affected,  and  the  fracture 
is  generally  transverse  and  oblique.  On  account  of  the  absence  of 
soft  tissue  and  tightness  of  the  skin,  the  broken  bones  pierce  the  skin 
and  render  the  fracture  a  complicated  one.  The  diagnosis  is  easy 
when  all  the  bones  are  completely  broken,  but  the  incomplete  fracture 
can  be  only  suspected. 

Symptoms. — There  is  no  displacement,  but  excessive  mobility,  crep- 
itation, inability  to  sustain  weight,  and  the  leg  is  kept  off  the  ground 
by  the  flexion  of  the  upper  joint. 


LAMENESvS:    ITS   CAUSES   AND    TREATMENT.  351 

Xo  rep:ion  of  the  body  affords  bettor  facilities  for  the  ai)i)lication  of 
treatment,  and  the  prognosis  on  this  aeeount  is  usually  favorable. 
We  recall  a  case,  however,  which  proveil  fatal,  though  under  excep- 
tional circumstances.  The  patient  was  a  valuable  stallion. of  highly 
nervous  organization,  with  a  compound  fracture  of  one  of  the  cannon 
bones,  and  his  unconcpierable  resistance  to  treatment,  excited  bv  the 
intense*  pain  of  the  wound,  precluded  all  chance  of  recovery,  and 
ultimately  caused  his  death. 

Treatment. — The  general  form  of  treatment  for  these  lesions  will 
not  differ  fiom  that  which  has  been  already  indicated  for  other  frac- 
tures. Iveduction,  sometimes  necessitating  the  ciisting  of  the  ])atient; 
coaptation,  comparatively  easy  by  reason  of  the  subcutaneous  situa- 
tion of  the  bone:  retention,  by  means  of  splints  and  bandages — 
applied  on  both  sides  of  the  region,  and  reaching  to  the  ground  as 
in  fractures  of  the  forearm — these  are  always  indicated.  We  have 
obtained  excellent  results  by  the  use  of  a  mold  of  thick  gutta-percha, 
composed  of  two  sections  and  nuide  to  surround  the  entire  lower  part 
of  the  leg  as  in  an  inflexible  case. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  FIRST  PHALANX. 

The  hind  extremity  is  more  liable  than  the  fore  to  this  injury.  It 
is  usually  the  result  of  a  violent  effort,  or  of  a  sudden  misstep  or 
twisting  of  the  leg,  and  may  l)e  transverse,  or,  as  has  usually  l)een  the 
case  in  our  experience,  hmgitudinal,  extending  from  the  upper  artic- 
ular surface  down  to  the  center  of  the  bone,  and  generally  obli(|uo 
and  often  comminuted.  The  symptoms  are  the  swelling  and  tender- 
ness of  the  region,  possibly  crei)itation;  a  certain  abnormal  mobility; 
an  excessive  degi'ee  of  lameness,  and  in  .some  instances  a  dropping 
back  of  the  fetlock,  with  perhaps  a  straightened  or  upright  condi- 
tion of  the  pastern. 

The  dilliculty  of  reduction  and  coai)tation  in  this  accident,  and  the 
proiiability  of  bony  deposits,  as  of  ringbones,  resulting  in  lameness, 
are  circumstances  which  tend  to  discourage  a  favorable  prognosis. 

The  treatment  is  that  which  has  been  recommended  for  all  frac- 
tures, so  far  as  it  can  l)e  applied.  The  iron  splint  which  has  been 
mentioned  gives  excellent  results  in  many  instances,  but  if  the  frac- 
ture is  incomplete  and  witlujut  disjjlacement,  a  form  of  treatment  less 
energetic  and  severe  should  W  attempted.  One  case  is  within  our 
knowledge  in  which  the  owner  lost  his  hor.se  by  his  refu.sal  to  subject 
the  aninuil  to  treatment,  the  post-mortem  revealing  only  a  simple 
fracture  with  very  slight  displacement. 

FRACTURES    OF   THE    SECOND    PHALANX    (CORONET). 

Though  these  are  generally  of  the  comminuted  kind,  there  are 
often  conditions  as.sociated  with  them  which  justify  the  surgeon  in 


352  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

attempting  their  treatment.  Though  crepitation  is  not  always  easy 
to  detect,  the  excessive  himeness.  the  soreness  on  pressure,  the  ina- 
bility to  carry  weight,  the  difficulty  experienced  in  raising  the  foot, 
all  these  suggest,  as  the  solution  of  the  question  of  diagnosis,  the 
fracture  of  the  coronet,  Avith  the  accompanying  realization  of  the 
fact  that  there  is  yet,  by  reason  of  the  situation  of  the  member,  im- 
mobilized as  it  is  by  its  structure  and  its  surroundings,  room  left 
for  a  not  unfavorable  prognosis.  Only  a  slight  manipulation  will  be 
needed  in  the  treatment  of  this  lesion.  To  render  the  immobility 
of  the  region  more  fixed,  to  support  the  bones  in  their  position  by 
bandaging,  and  to  establish  forced  immobility  of  the  entire  body 
with  the  slings  is  usually  all  that  is  required.  Ringbone,  being  a 
common  sequela  of  the  reparative  process,  must  receive  due  atten- 
tion subsequently.  One  of  the  severest  complic^itions  liable  to  be 
encountered  is  an  immobile  joint  (anchylosis).  Neurectomy  of  the 
median  nerve  may  relieve  lameness  after  a  fracture  of  the  pha- 
langes. 

FRACTURES  OF  THE  THIRD  PHALANX    (OS  PEDIS). 

These  lesions  may  result  from  a  penetrating  street  nail,  or  folloAv 
plantar  or  median  neurectomy.  In  the  latter  instance  it  is  caused  by 
the  animal  setting  the  foot  down  carelessly  and  too  violently,  and 
partly  due  to  degeneration  of  bone  tissue  which  follows  nerving. 

Though  these  fractures  are  not  of  very  rare  occurrence,  their  recog- 
nition is  not  easy,  and  there  is  more  of  speculation  than  of  certainty 
pertaining  to  their  diagnosis.  The  animal  is  very  lame  and  spares 
the  injured  foot  as  much  as  possible,  sometimes  resting  it  upon  the 
toe  alone  and  sometimes  holding  it  from  the  ground.  The  foot  is 
very  tender,  and  the  exploring  pinchers  of  the  examining  surgeon 
cause  much  pain.  During  the  first  24  hours  there  is  no  increased 
pulsation  in  the  digital  and  plantar  arteries,  but  on  the  second  day 
it  is  apparent. 

There  is  nothing  to  encourage  a  favorable  prognosis,  and  a  not 
imusual  termination  is  an  anchylosis  with  either  the  navicular  bone 
or  the  coronet. 

No  method  of  treatment  needs  to  be  suggested  here,  the  hoof  per- 
forming the  office  of  retention  unaided.  Local  treatment  by  baths 
and  fomentations  will  do  the  rest.  It  may  be  months  before  there  is 
any  mitigation  of  the  lameness. 

An  ultimate  recovery  depends  to  a  great  extent  upon  whether  the 
other  foot  can  support  the  weight  during  the  healing  process  without 
causing  a  drop  sole  in  the  supporting  foot. 

FRACTURE   OF  THE   SESAMOID   BONES. 

This  lesion  has  been  considered  by  veterinarians,  erroneously,  we 
think,  as  one  of  rare  occurrence.     We  believe  it  to  be  more  fretjuent 


lameness:  its  causes  and  theatment.  353 

than  has  been  .supposed.  Many  observations  and  careful  dissections 
have  convinced  u^  that  fracture^  of  these  little  bones  have  been  often 
mistaken  for  specific  lesions  of  the  numerous  li<j:aments  that  are 
implanted  upon  their  superior  and  inferior  parts,  and  Nvhicii  ha\e 
been  descril)ed  as  a  "Jjivinjr  ^vay "  or  '*  breakinjr  down"  of  the>e 
lig^aments.  In  my  post-mortem  examinations  I  have  always  noted 
the  fact  that  when  the  attachments  of  the  lipfaments  were  torn  from 
their  l)ony  connections  minute  frajrments  (»f  bony  stiucture  were  also 
separated,  though  we  have  failed  to  detect  any  diseased  process  of 
the  fibrous  tissue  composint;  the  li<ramentous  substance. 

Cau.se. — From  whatever  cause  this  lesion  may  arise,  it  can  hai'dly 
1)6  considered  as  of  a  traumatic  nature,  no  external  violence  having 
any  a|)parent  airen<'y  in  produciujr  it.  and  it  is  our  belief  that  it  is 
due  to  a  peculiar  dej^eneration  or  softening  of  the  l)ones  themselves,  a 
theory  which  acquires  plausibility  from  the  consideration  of  the 
spongy  consistency  of  the  sesamoids.  The  disease  is  a  peculiar  one, 
and  the  suddenness  with  which  dill'erent  feet  are  successively  at- 
tacked, at  short  intervals  and  without  any  obvious  cause,  seems  to 
prove  the  existence  of  some  latent,  morbid  cause  which  has  been  unsUs- 
pectedly  incubating.  It  is  not  })eculiar  to  any  particular  class  of 
hoi-ses,  nor  to  any  special  season  of  the  year,  having  fallen  under  our 
observation  in  each  <»f  the  four  seasons. 

Symptoms. — The  general  fact  is  reported  in  the  history  of  most 
cases  that  it  makes  its  appearance  without  premonition  in  animals 
which,  after  enjoying  a  considerable  period  of  rest,  are  first  exer- 
I'ised  or  put  to  work,  though  in  point  of  fact  it  may  manifest  itself 
while  the  horse  is  still  idle  in  his  stable.  A  hypothetical  case,  in 
illustrati(m,  will  exj)lain  oui-  theory:  An  animal  which  has  been  at 
rest  in  his  stable  is  taken  out  to  work,  and  it  will  be  presently  noticed 
that  there  is  something  unusual  in  his  movement.  His  gait  is 
changed,  and  he  travels  with  shoit.  mincing  steps,  witliout  any  of 
his  accustomed  ease  and  freetlom.  This  nniy  continue  until  his  return 
to  the  .stable,  and  then,  after  being  placed  in  his  stall,  he  will  W 
noticed  shifting  his  weight  from  side  to  side  and  from  one  leg  to 
another,  continuing  the  mo\  ement  until  rupture  of  tiie  bony  --tructure 
takes  place.  B«it  it  may  happen  that  the  lameness  in  one  or  more  of 
the  extremities,  antei-ior  or  posterior,  suddenly  increases,  and  it 
becomes  evident  that  the  rupture  has  taken  ])hice  in  consecpience  of 
a  misstep  or  a  stumble  while  the  hoi*se  is  at  work.  Then,  upon  com- 
ing to  a  stand>-till.  he  will  be  found  with  one  or  more  of  his  tcx's 
turned  up:  he  is  unable  to  place  the  affected  foot  flat  f>n  the  ground. 
The  fetlock  has  dropped  and  the  leg  rests  upon  this  part,  the  skin  of 
which  may  have  remained  intact  or  may  have  been  more  or  les<  exten- 
sively lacerated.     It  seldom   happens  that   more  than   one  toe  at   a 

3G444''— 16 23 


354  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

time  "will  turn  up,  yet  still  the  lesion  in  one  will  be  followed  by  its 
occurrence  in  another.  Commonly  two  feet,  either  the  anterior  or 
posterior,  are  affected,  and  we  recall  one  case  in  which  the  two  fore 
and  one  of  the  hind  legs  were  included  at  the  same  time.  The  acci- 
dent, however,  is  quite  as  liable  to  happen  while' the  horse  is  at  rest 
in  his  stall,  and  he  may  be  found  in  the  morning  standing  on  his 
fetlocks.  One  of  the  earliest  of  the  cases  occurring  in  my  own  expe- 
rience had  been  under  care  for  several  weeks  for  suspected  disease 
of  the  fetlocks,  the  nature  of  which  had  not  been  made  out,  when, 
apparentl}^  improved  by  the  treatment  which  he  had  undergone,  the 
patient  was  taken  out  of  the  stable  to  be  walked  a  short  distance  into 
the  country,  but  had  little  more  than  started  Avhen  he  was  called  to 
a  halt  by  the  fracture  of  the  sesamoids  of  both  fore  legs. 

While  there  are  no  positive  premonitory  symptoms  of  these  frac- 
tures known,  we  believe  that  there  are  signs  and  symptoms  which 
come  but  little  short  of  being  so,  and  the  appearance  of  Avhich  will 
always  justify  a  strong  suspicion  of  the  truth  of  the  case.  These 
have  been  indicated  when  referring  to  the  soreness  in  standing,  the 
short,  mincing  gait,  and  the  tenderness  betrayed  when  pressure  is 
made  over  the  sesamoids  on  the  sides  of  the  fetlock,  with  others  less 
tangible  and  definable. 

Progno&is. — These  injuries  can  never  be  accounted  less  than  seri- 
ous, and  in  our  judgment  will  never  be  other  than  fatal.  If  our 
theory  of  their  pathology  is  the  correct  one,  and  the  cause  of  the 
lesions  is  truly  the  softening  of  the  sesamoidal  bony  structure  and 
independent  of  any  changes  in  the  ligamentous  fibers,  the  possibility 
of  a  solid  osseous  union  can  hardly  be  considered  admissible. 

Treatment. — In  respect  to  the  treatment  to  be  recommended  and 
instituted  it  can  be  employed  only  with  anj^^  rational  hope  of  benefit 
during  the  incubation,  and  with  the  anticipatory  purpose  of  preven- 
tion. It  must  be  suggested  by  a  suspicion  of  the  verities  of  the  case, 
and  applied  before  any  rupture  has  taken  place.  To  prevent  this 
and  to  antagonize  the  causes  which  might  precipitate  the  final  catas- 
trophe— the  elevation  of  the  toes — resort  must  be  had  to  the  slings 
and  to  the  application  of  firm  bandages  or  splints,  perhaps  of  plaster 
of  Paris,  with  a  high  shoe,  as  about  the  only  indications  which 
science  and  nature  are  able  to  offer.  "NAHien  the  fracture  is  an 
occurred  event,  and  the  toes,  one  or  more,  are  turned  up,  any  further 
resort  to  treatment  will  be  futile. 

DISEASES  OF  JOINTS. 

Three  classes  of  injury  will  be  considered  under  this  head.  These 
are,  affections  of  the  synovial  sacs,  those  of  the  joint  structures,  or  of 
the  bones  and  their  articular  surfaces,  and  those  forms  of  solution  of 
continuitv  known  as  dislocations  or  luxations. 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  355 

DISEASES  OF   THE   SYNOVIAL   SACS. 

Two  forms  of  iiffectioii  here  present  themselves,  one  being  tlie 
result  of  un  abnormal  secretion  which  induces  a  dropsical  condition 
of  the  sac  without  any  acute,  inflanunatory  action,  while  the  other  is 
characterized  by  excessive  inflammatory  symptoms,  with  their  modi- 
lications,  constituting  synovitis. 

SYNOVIAL   DROPSIES. 

^\'e  have  already  considered  in  a  general  way  the  presence  of  these 
peculiar  oil  bags  in  the  joints,  and  in  some  regions  of  the  legs  where 
the  passage  of  the  tendons  takes  place,  and  have  noticed  the  sim- 
ilarity of  structure  and  function  of  both  the  articular  and  the 
tendinous  bursa?,  as  well  as  the  etiology  of  their  injuries  and  their 
pi'thological  history,  and  we  will  now  treat  of  the  affections  of  both. 

WINDGALLS. 

This  name  is  given  to  the  dilated  burste  found  at  the  posterior 
part  of  the  fetlock  joint.  They  have  their  origin  in  a  dropsical 
condition  of  the  bursa'  of  the  joint  itself,  also  of  the  tendon  which 
slides  behind  it,  and  are  therefore  further  known  by  the  designations 
of  articular  and  tendinous  windgalls,  or  puffs.     (See  also  p.  401.) 

They  appear  m  the  form  of  soft  and  somewhat  synunetrical 
tumors,  of  varying  dimensions,  and  generally  well  defined  in  their 
circumference.  They  are  more  or  less  tense,  according  to  the  <|uan- 
tity  of  secretion  they  contain,  apparently  becoming  softer  as  the  foot 
is  raised  and  the  fetlock  flexed.  Usually  they  are  painless  and  only 
cause  lameness  under  certain  ctmditions,  as  when  they  begin  to  de- 
velop themselves  under  the  stimulus  of  inflammatory  action,  or  when 
large  enough  to  interfere  with  the  functions  of  the  tendons,  or  again 
when  they  have  undergone  certain  pathological  changes,  such  as 
calcification,  which  is  among  their  tendencies. 

Cause. — Windgalls  may  be  attributed  to  external  causes,  such  as 
.severe  labor  or  strains  resulting  from  heavy  j^ulling.  fast  driving,  or 
jumping,  or  they  may  be  among  the  secpiehe  of  internal  disorders, 
such  as  strangles  or  the  resultants  of  a  pleuritic  or  pneumonic  attack. 

Unnecessary  anxiet}'  is  sometimes  experienced  respecting  these 
growths,  with  much  questioning  touching  the  expediency  of  their 
removal,  all  of  which  might  be  spared,  for,  while  they  constitute  a 
blemish,  their  unsightline.ss  will  not  hinder  the  u>efulnoss  of  the 
animal,  and  in  any  case  they  rarely  fail  to  show  tlieiiiM-lvos  easily 
amenable  to  treatment. 

Treoftiunit. — "When  in  their  acute  stage,  and  when  the  dropsical 
condition  is  not  excessive,  the  inflammation  may  be  checked  during 
the  day  by  continuous,  cold-water  irrigation  by  means  of  a  hose  or 


356  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

soaking  tub  and  at  night  by  applying  a  moderately  tight-roller  band- 
age. Later  absorption  may  be  promoted  by  a  Priessnitz  bandage,^ 
pressure  by  roller  bandages,  sweating,  the  use  of  liniments,  or  if  nec- 
essary by  a  sharp  blister  of  biniodid  of  mercury.  This  treatment 
should  subdue  the  inflammation,  abate  the  soreness,  absorb  the  excess 
of  secretion,  strengthen  the  walls  of  the  sac,  and  finally  cause  the 
windgalls  to  disappear,  provided  the  animal  is  not  too  quickly  re- 
turned to  labor  and  exposed  to  the  same  factors  that  occasioned  them 
at  first. 

If  the  inflammation  has  become  chronic,  however,  and  the  enlarge- 
ment has  been  of  considerable  duration,  the  negative  course  will  be 
the  wiser  one.  If  any  benefit  results  from  treatment  it  will  be  of 
only  a  transient  kind,  the  dilatation  returning  when  the  patient  is 
again  subjected  to  labor,  and  it  will  be  a  fortunate  circumstance  if 
inflammation  has  not  supervened. 

Notwithstanding  the  generally  benignant  nature  of  the  swelling 
there  are  exceptional  cases,  usually  when  it  is  probably  undergoing 
certain  pathological  changes,  which  may  result  in  lameness  and  dis- 
able the  animal,  in  which  case  surgical  treatment  will  be  indicated, 
especially  if  repeated  blistei-s  have  failed  to  improve  the  symptoms. 
Line  firing  is  then  a  preeminent  suggestion,  and  many  a  useful  life 
has  received  a  new  lease  as  the  result  of  this  operation  timely  per- 
formed. Another  method  of  firing,  which  consists  in  emptying  the 
sac  by  means  of  punctures  through  and  through,  made  with  a  red-hot 
needle  or  wire,  and  the  subsequent  injection  of  certain  irritating  and 
alterative  compounds  into  the  cavity,  designed  to  effect  its  closure 
by  exciting  adhesive  inflammation,  such  as  tincture  of  iodin,  may  be 
commended.  But  they  are  all  too  active  and  energetic  in  their  effects 
and  require  too  much  special  attention  and  intelligent  management  to 
be  trusted  to  any  hands  other  than  those  of  an  expert  veterinarian. 

BLOOD  SPAVIN,  BOG  SPAVIN,  AND  THOROUGHPIN. 

The  blood  spavin  is  situated  in  front  and  to  the  inside  of  the  hock 
and  is  merely  a  varicose  or  dilated  condition  of  the  saphena  vein.  It 
occurs  directly  over  the  point  where  the  bog  spavin  is  found,  and  has 
thus  been  frequently  confused  with  the  latter. 

The  complicated  arrangement  of  the  hock  joint,  and  the  powerful 
tendons  which  pass  on  the  posterior  part,  are  lubricated  with  the 
product  of  secretion  from  one  tendinous  synovial  and  several  articu- 
lar svnovial  sacs.     A  large  articular  sac  contributes  to  the  lubrica- 


1  This  bandage  consists  of  a  cloth  drenchpd  in  warm  water  or  a  drippin?  bandage  laid 
around  the  diseased  part,  then  covered  by  several  layers  of  woolen  blanket  or  cloth,  which 
is  in  turn  covered  by  parchment  paper,  rubber  cloth,  or  other  impervious  material.  Heat, 
moisture,  and  pressure  are  obtained  by  such  a  bandage  if  water  is  poured  upon  it  several 
times  daily. 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  357 

tion  of  the  shank  bone  (the  tihin)  and  one  of  the  bones  of  the  liook 
(the  iibtiagahis).  Tlie  tendinous  sac  lies  back  of  the  articuhition 
itself  and  extends  upward  and  dowmvard  in  the  *jroove  of  that  joint 
tlirough  which  the  flexor  tendons  slide.  The  dilatation  of  this  articu- 
lar synovial  sac  is  what  is  denominated  boji:  spavin,  the  term 
thoroujrhpin  bein<»;  ai)plied  to  the  dilatation  of  the  tendinous  capsuk\ 

The  bo<2:  spavin  is  a  round,  smooth,  Avell-detined,  fluctuating  tumor 
situated  in  front  and  a  little  inward  of  the  hock.  On  pressure  it 
disappears  at  this  point  to  reapi>ear  on  the  outside  and  just  behind 
the  hock.  If  pressed  to  the  front  from  the  outside  it  will  then  iij-pear 
on  the  inside  of  the  hock.  On  its  outer  suiface  it  presents  a  vein 
which  is  quite  prominent,  running  from  below  upward,  and  it  is  to 
the  preternatural  dilatation  of  this  l)lood  vessel  that  the  term  blood 
spavin  is  applied. 

The  thoroughpin  is  found  at  the  back  and  on  the  top  of  the  hock 
in  that  part  known  as  the  ''hollows,''  immediately  behind  the  shank 
bone.  It  is  round  and  smooth,  but  not  so  legularly  formed  as  the 
bog  spavin,  and  is  most  apparent  when  viewed  from  behind.  The 
swelling  is  usually  on  both  sides  and  a  little  in  front  of  the  so-called 
ham.string,  but  may  be  more  noticeable  on  the  inside  or  on  the 
outside. 

In  their  general  characteristics  bog  spavins  and  thoroughpins  are 
similar  to  windgalls.  and  one  description  of  the  origin,  symptoms, 
pathological  changes,  and  treatment  will  serve  for  all  equally,  except 
that  it  is  po.ssible  for  a  bog  spavin  to  cause  lameness,  and  thus  to 
in^ olve  a  verdict  of  unsoundness  in  the  |)atient.  a  circumstance  which 
will,  of  course,  justify  its  classification  by  itself  as  a  se\erer  form  of 
a  single  type  of  disease 

We  have  already  referied  to  the  subject  of  treatment  and  the 
means  employed — rest,  of  course — with  liniments,  blisters,  etc..  and 
what  we  esteem  as  the  most  active  and  beneficial  of  any.  early,  deep, 
and  well-performed  cauterization.  There  are,  besides,  commenda- 
tory reports  of  a  form  of  treatment  by  the  application  of  pressure 
])ads  and  peculiar  bandages  upcm  the  hocks,  and  it  is  asserted  that 
the  removal  of  the  tumors  has  been  effected  by  their  use.  Our 
ex|)erience  with  this  apparatus,  however,  has  not  been  accomjianied 
with  such  favorable  lesults  as  would  justify  our  indorsement  of 
the  flattering  lejuesentations  which  have  sometimes  apjieared  in  its 
behalf. 

OPEN   JOINT.S.   BROKEN    KNEE.S.    SYNOVITIS.    AND   ARTHRITIS. 

The  close  relationship  which  exists  among  the.se  seveial  afl'ections, 
their  apparently  po.s!-il)le  connection  as  successive  development.'^  of  a 
similar,  if  not  an  essentially  identical,  origin,  together  with  the 
advantage   gained   by   avoiding    frefpient    lepetitions    in    the    details 


358  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

of  symptoms,  treatment,  etc.,  are  our  reasons  for  treating  under 
a  single  head  the  ailments  we  have  grouped  together  in  the  present 
section. 

Cause. — The  great,  comprehensive,  common  cause  of,  sometimes 
permanent,  sometimes  only  transient,  disability  of  the  horse  is  exter- 
nal traumatism. 

Blows,  bruises,  hurts  by  nearly  every  known  form  of  violence, 
falls,  kicks,  lacerations,  punctures — we  may  add  compulsory  speed 
in  racing  and  cruel  overloading  of  draft  animals — cover  the  entire 
ground  of  causation  of  the  diseases  and  injuries  of  the  joints  now 
receiving  our  consideration. 

In  one  case,  a  working  horse  making  a  misstep  stumbles,  and  fall- 
ing on  his  knees  receives  a  hurt,  variously  severe,  from  a  mere  abra- 
sion of  the  skin  to  a  laceration,  a  division  of  the  tegument,  a  slough, 
mortification,  and  the  escape  of  the  synovial  fluid,  with  or  without 
exposure  of  the  bones  and  their  articular  cartilages. 

In  another  case,  an  animal,  from  one  cause  or  another,  perhaps  an 
impatient  temper,  has  formed  the  habit  of  striking  or  pawing  his 
manger  with  his  fore  feet  until  inflammation  of  the  knee  joint  is 
induced,  first  as  a  little  swelling,  diffused,  painless ;  then  as  a  perios- 
titis of  the  bones  of  the  knee ;  later  as  bony  deposits,  then  lameness, 
and  finally  the  implication  of  the  joint,  Avith  all  the  various  sequela? 
of  chronic  inflammation  of  the  knee  joint. 

In  another  case,  a  horse  has  received  a  blow  with  a  fork  from  a 
careless  hostler  on  or  near  a  joint,  or  has  been  kicked  by  a  stable 
companion,  with  the  result  of  a  punctured  wound,  at  first  mild- 
looking,  painless,  apparently  without  inflammation,  and  not  yet  caus- 
ing lameness,  but  which,  in  a  few  hours,  or  it  may  be  only  after  a  few 
days,  becomes  excessively  painful,  grows  worse,  the  entire  joint  swells, 
presently  discharges,  and  at  last  a  case  of  suppurative  synovitis  is 
presented,  with  perhaps  disease  of  the  joint  proper,  and  arthritis  as 
a  climax.  The  symptoms  of  articular  injuries  vary  not  only  in  the 
degrees  of  the  hurt  but  in  the  nature  of  the  lesion. 

Or  the  condition  of  broken  knees,  resulting  as  we  have  said,  may 
have  for  its  starting  point  a  mere  abrasion  of  the  skin — a  scratch, 
apparentlj^,  which  disappears  without  a  scar.  The  injury  may,  how- 
ever, have  been  more  severe,  the  blow  heavier,  the  fall  aggravated 
by  occurring  upon  an  irregular  surface,  or  sharp  or  rough  object, 
with  tearing  or  cutting  of  the  skin,  and  this  laceration  may  remain. 
A  more  serious  case  than  the  first  is  now  brought  to  our  notice. 

Another  time,  immediately  following  the  accident,  or  possibly  as 
a  sequel  of  the  traumatism,  the  tendinous  sacs  may  be  opened,  with 
the  escape  of  the  synovia,  or,  worse,  the  tendons  which  pass  in  front 
of  the  laiee  are  torn,  the  inflammation  spreads,  the  joint  and  leg 
are  swollen,  the  animal  is  becoming  very  lame;  synovitis  has  set  in. 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  359 

"With  this  the  danger  becomes  very  great,  iov  soon  .siii)piiration  will  he 
established,  then  the  external  coat  of  the  articulation  proper  becomes 
ulcerated,  if  it  is  not  already  in  that  state,  and  we  find  ourselves  in 
the  i)resence  of  an  open  joint  with  suppurative  synovitis — that  is,  with 
the  worst  among  the  conditions  of  diseased  processes,  because  of  the 
liability  of  the  suppuration  to  l)ecome  infiltrated  into  every  part  of  the 
joint,  macerating  the  ligaments  and  irritating  the  cartilages,  soon  to 
be  succeeded  by  their  ulceration,  with  the  destruction  of  the  articular 
surface — or  the  lesion  of  ulcerative  arthritis,  one  of  the  gravest  among 
all  the  disorders  known  to  the  animal  economy. 

Ulcerative  arthritis  and  sup[>urative  synovitis  may  be  developed 
otherwise  than  in  connection  with  open  joints;  the  simplest  and  ap- 
parently most  harmless  punctures  may  prove  to  be  sufficient  cause. 
For  example,  a  horse  may  be  kicked,  perhaps,  on  the  inside  of  the 
hock:  there  is  a  mark  and  a  few  drops  of  blood  to  indicate  the  spot; 
he  is  put  to  work  apparently  free  from  pain  or  lameness  and  per- 
forms his  task  with  his  usual  ease  and  facility.  On  the  following 
morning,  however,  the  hock  is  found  to  be  a  little  swollen  and  there 
is  some  stiffness.  A  little  later  on  he  betrays  a  degree  of  uneasiness  in 
the  leg.  and  shrinks  from  resting  his  weight  upon  it.  moving  it  up 
and  down  for  relief.  The  swelling  has  increased  and  is  increasing; 
the  pain  is  severe:  and  finally,  at  the  spot  where  the  kick  inpinged, 
there  is  an  oozing  of  an  oily  liquid  mixed  with  whitish  drops  of  sup- 
puration. The  mischief  is  done;  a  simple,  harmless,  punctured 
wound  has  expanded  into  a  case  of  ulcerative  arthritis  and  suppura- 
tive synovitis. 

Prognosis. — From  ever  so  brief  and  succinct  description  of  this 
traumatism  of  the  articulations,  the  serious  and  important  character 
of  these  lesions,  irresj)ective  of  which  particular  joint  is  afl'ectcd. 
will  be  readily  understood.  Yet  there  will  be  modifications  in  the 
prognosis  in  different  cases,  in  accordance  with  the  peculiarities  of 
structure  in  the  joint  specially  involved,  as,  for  example,  it  is  ob- 
vious that  a  better  result  may  be  expected  from  treatment  when  but 
a  single  joint,  with  only  its  plain  articular  surfaces,  is  the  place  of 
injury,  than  in  one  which  is  composed  of  several  bones,  united  in  a 
complex  formation,  as  in  the  knee  or  hock.  As  severe  a  lesion  as 
supinirative  synovitis  always  is.  and  as  fre<juently  fatal  as  it  proves 
to  l>e,  still  cases  arise  in  which,  the  inflammation  assuming  a  modified 
character  and  at  length  subsiding,  the  lesion  terminates  favorably 
and  leaves  the  animal  with  a  comparatively  sound  and  useful  joint. 
There  are  case.s,  however,  which  terminate  in  no  more  favorable  a 
result  than  the  union  of  the  bones  and  occlusion  of  the  joint,  to  form 
an  anchylosis,  which  is  scarcely  a  condition  to  ju.stify  a  high  degree 
of  satisfaction,  as  it  insures  a  permanent  lameness  with  very  little 
capacity  for  usefulness. 


360  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

Appreciating  now  the  dangers  associated  with  all  wounds  of  articu- 
lations, however  simple  and  apparently  slight,  and  how  serious  and 
troublesome  are  the  complications  which  are  liable  to  arise  during 
their  j)rogress  and  treatment,  we  are  prepared  to  understand  and 
realize  the  necessity  and  the  value  of  early  and  prompt  attention 
upon  their  discovery  and  diagnosis. 

Treatment. — For  simple  bruises,  like  those  which  appear  in  the 
form  of  broken  knees  or  of  carpitis,  simple  remedies,  such  as  warn\ 
fomentations  or  cold-water  applications  and  compresses  of  astringent 
mixtures,  suggest  themselves  at  once.  Injuries  of  a  more  complicated 
character,  as  lacerations  of  the  skin  or  tearing  of  soft  structures,  will 
also  be  benefited  by  simple  dressings  with  antiseptic  mixtures,  as 
those  of  the  carbolic-acid  order.  The  escape  of  synovia  should  sug- 
gest the  prompt  use  of  collodion  dressings  to  check  the  flow  and  pre- 
A'ent  the  further  escape  of  the  fluid.  But  if  the  discharge  is  abundant 
and  heavily  suppurative,  little  can  be  done  more  than  to  put  in  prac- 
tice the  "expectant"  method  with  warm  fomentations,  repeatedly 
applied,  and  soothing,  mucilaginous  poultices.  Improvement,  if  any 
is  possible,  will  be  but  slow  to  manifest  itself.  The  most  difficult  of 
all  things  to  do,  in  view  of  varying  interests  and  opinions — that  is, 
in  a  practical  sense — is  to  abstain  from  "  doing  "  entirely,  and  yet  in 
the  cases  we  are  considering  we  are  firmly  convinced  that  noninter- 
ference is  tlie  best  and  wisest  policy. 

In  cases  which  are  carried  to  a  successful  result  the  discharge  will 
diminish  by  degrees,  the  extreme  pain  will  gradually  subside,  the 
convalescent  will  begin  timidly  to  rest  his  foot  upon  the  ground,  and 
presently  to  bear  weight  upon  it.  and  perhaps,  after  a  long  and  tedi- 
our  process  of  recuperation,  he  may  be  returned  to  his  former  and 
normal  condition  of  usefulness.  ^Mien  the  discharge  has  wholly 
ceased  and  the  wounds  are  entirely  healed,  a  blister  covering  the 
whole  of  the  joint  for  the  purpose  of  stimulating  the  absorption  of 
the  exudation  will  be  of  great  serA^ice.  If.  on  the  contrary,  there  is 
no  amelioration  of  symptoms  and  the  progress  of  the  disease  resists 
every  attempt  to  check  it :  if  the  discharge  continues  to  flow  not  only 
Avithout  abatement  but  in  an  increased  volume,  and  not  alone  by  a 
single  opening  but  by  a  number  of  fistulous  tracts  which  have  succes- 
sively formed;  if  it  seems  evident  that  this  drainage  is  rapidly  and 
painfully  sapping  the  suffering  animal's  vitality,  and  a  deficient  rh 
vitce  fails  to  cooperate  with  the  means  of  cure — all  rational  hope  of 
recovery  may  be  finally  abandoned.  Any  further  waiting  for  chances, 
or  time  lost  in  experimenting,  will  be  mere  cruelty  and  there  need 
be  no  hesitation  concerning  the  next  step.  The  poor  beast  is  under 
sentence  of  death,  and  every  consideration  of  interest  and  of  human- 
ity demands  an  anticipation  of  nature's  evident  intent  in  the  quick 
and  easv  execution  of  the  sentence. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


1  •  I  .   \  I  I       \  \ 


m  Al^' 


1  Utiitf  liiiuhxlrn  alion  vf  the  t'Jbnw  iippUtHi  to  (fif  /mr.tr. 
In  The  xtintr  hixicr  \fvn  alone.  2,  Bruce  fur  cU-tLvcnlion 
ot  fetlock   2ft..  Tite  sunw  bi-acc   applied  tu  tAe  horac 


.'I  Itraiir  Cni-  spitxined  '>'•  t1  i.slnroteit  i-ftnulrix'i: 
."ia.,  Thr  siunr  hrijre  applied    tu  the   shotUjlUr. 


DISLOCXTION  OF  SHOULDHH  AND  Kl.HOW 
Poui'!»'plafs  apparatus 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  tine  Horse. 


PLA-XE    XXXI. 


.^^-  ■'  --^' 


THE    SLINO    IN    USK 


lameness:  its  cat'sks  and  treatment.  3G1 

One  of  the  essentials  of  treatment,  and  probaWly  an  indispensable 
condition  Avhen  recovery  is  in  any  wise  attainable,  is  the  suspension 
of  the  patient  in  slinfrs.  Tie  should  be  continued  in  them  so  long  as 
he  can  lie  made  to  submit  (|uietly  to  their  icstraint. 

DISLOCATIONS. 

Dislocations  ami  luxations  aie  intcrchan<realilc  terms,  meaning  the 
separation  and  tlisplaeenient  of  the  articulatinjx  surfaces  of  the  bones 
entering  into  ilie  formation  of  a  joint.  This  injin-y  is  rai'ely  en- 
countered in  our  lai'^ie  animals  on  account  of  the  co:nbination  of 
strength  and  solidity  in  the  formation  of  their  joints.  It  is  met  with 
but  seldom  in  cattle  and  less  so  in  horses,  while  dogs  and  smaller 
animals  are  nu)re  ofteti  the  sufferers. 

(\iu.sr. — The  accident  «)f  a  luxation  is  less  often  enc(juntered  in  the 
animal  races  than  in  man.  This  is  not  because  tlu'  formei-  are  less 
subject  to  occasi(mal  violenc-e  involving  powerful  muscular  contrac- 
tions, or  are  less  often  exposed  to  casualties  sindlar  to  those  which 
result  in  luxations  in  the  human  skeleton,  but  because  it  requires  the 
cooi)eration  of  conditions — anat(»inical.  ]diysiological,  and  })erhaps 
mechanical — i)resent  in  the  hiunan  race  and  lacking  in  the  others, 
A\hii-h,  however,  can  not  in  every  case  be  clearly  defined.  l*ei'haps 
the  greatei-  relative  length  of  the  hony  levers  in  the  human  forma- 
tion may  constitute  a  cause  of  the  difference. 

Among  the  predisposing  causes  in  animals  may  be  enumerated 
caries  of  articular  suifaces.  articular  al).scesses,  excessive  dropsical 
conditions,  degenerative  softening  of  the  ligaments,  and  any  exces- 
sive hixity  of  the  soft  structures. 

Symptoms  and  diagnosis. — Three  signs  of  disl(»cation  must  usually 
be  taken  into  c<msideration.  They  are:  (1)  An  alteration  in  the 
shape  of  the  joint  and  in  the  normal  relationship  of  the  articulating 
surfaces;  (*J)  an  alteration  in  the  length  of  the  limb,  either  shorten- 
ing or  lengthening:  (3)  a-n  alteration  in  the  mo\ableness  of  the  joint, 
usually  an  unnatural  immobility.  Only  the  first,  however,  can  be 
relied  upon  as  ussential.  Luxations  are  not  always  (omplete:  they 
may  l)e  partial;  that  is,  the  articulating  surfaces  may  be  displaced 
i)ut  not  .separated.  In  .such  cases  several  symptoms  may  not  1)© 
prestMit.  And  not  only  may  the  third  sign  be  ab.sent,  but  the  mobility 
of  the  first  be  greatly  increased  when  the  character  of  the  injmy  has 
been  such  as  to  produce  exten.sive  lacerations  of  the  articular 
ligaments. 

In  addition  to  the  above  .signs,  a  luxation  is  usually  characterized 
by  pain,  .swelling,  ln'ujorrhage  beneath  the  skin  from  damaged  or 
ruptured  blood  ve.sj^ls.  and  even  i)aralysis.  when  imj^ortant  nerves 
are  pressed  on  by  the  displaced  bones. 


362  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

Sometimes  a  bone  is  fractured  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  a  joint. 
The  knowledge  of  this  fact  requires  us  to  be  able  to  diagnose  between 
a  dislocation  and  such  a  fracture.  In  this  we  generally  have  three 
points  to  assist  us:  (1)  The  immobility  of  a  dislocated  joint  as 
against  the  apparently  remarkable  freedom  of  movement  in  frac- 
ture; (2)  in  a  dislocation  there  is  no  true  crepitus — ^that  peculiar 
grating  sensation  heard  as  well  as  felt  on  rubbing  together  the  rough 
ends  of  fractured  bones;  however,  it  must  be  remembered  that  in  a 
dislocation  two  or  three  days  old  the  inflammatory  changes  around 
the  joint  may  give  rise  to  a  crackling  sensation  similar  to  that  in 
fracture;  (3)  as  a  rule,  in  luxations,  if  the  ligamentous  and  muscular 
tissues  about  the  joint  are  not  badly  torn,  the  displacement,  when  re- 
duced, does  not  recur. 

Prognosis. — The  prognosis  of  a  luxation  is  comparatively  less  seri- 
ous than  that  of  a  fracture,  though  at  time  the  indications  of  treat- 
ment may  prove  to  be  so  difficult  to  apply  that  complications  of  a 
very  severe  character  may  arise. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  luxations  must,  of  course,  be  similar 
to  that  of  fractures.  Reduction,  naturally,  will  be  the  first  indica- 
tion in  both  cases,  and  the  retention  of  the  replaced  parts  must  fol- 
low\  The  reduction  involves  the  same  steps  of  extension  and  counter 
extension,  performed  in  the  same  manner,  with  the  patient  subdued 
by  anesthetics. 

The  difference  between  the  reduction  of  a  dislocation  and  that  of  a 
fracture  consists  in  the  fact  that  in  the  former  the  object  is  simply  to 
restore  the  bones  to  their  true,  normal  position,  with  each  articular 
surface  in  exact  contact  with  its  companion  surface,  the  apparatus 
necessary  afterwards  to  keep  them  in  situ  being  similar  to  that  which 
is  employed  in  fracture  cases,  and  which  will  usually  require  to  be 
retained  for  a  period  of  from  40  to  50  days,  if  not  longer,  before 
the  ruptured  retaining  ligaments  are  sufficiently  firm  to  be  trusted 
to  perform  their  office  unassisted.  A  variety  of  manipulations  are 
to  be  used  by  the  surgeon,  consisting  in  pushing,  pulling,  pressing, 
rotating,  and,  indeed,  whatever  movement  may  be  necessary,  until 
the  bones  are  forced  into  such  relative  positions  that  the  muscular 
contraction,  operating  in  just  the  right  directions,  pulls  the  opposite 
matched  ends  together  in  true  coaptation — a  head  into  a  cavity,  an 
articular  eminence  into  a  trochlea,  as  the  case  may  be.  The  "  setting  " 
is  accompanied  with  a  i:)eculiar,  snapping  sound,  audible  and  signifi- 
cant, as  well  as  a  visible  return  of  the  surface  to  its  normal  sym- 
metry. 

Special  dislocations. — While  all  the  articulations  of  the  body  are 
liable  to  this  form  of  injury,  there  are  three  in  the  large  animals 
which  may  claim  a  special  consideration,  viz : 


lameness:  tts  causes  and  treatment.  363 

THE  SHOULDER  JOINT. 

AVe  mention  this  displacement  witlinut  intending::  to  imply  the 
piiu-ticability  of  any  onlinaiy  attempt  at  treatment,  whieh  is  usually 
unsuccessful,  the  animal  whose  mishap  it  has  been  to  become  a  victim 
to  it  being  disabled  for  life.  The  superior  head  of  the  arm  bone  as 
it  is  received  into  the  lt)\ver  cavity  of  the  shouhler  blade  is  so  situ- 
ated as  to  be  liable  to  be  forced  out  of  place  in  four  directions.  It 
may  escape  from  its  socket,  according  to  the  manner  in  which  the 
\  iolence  atl'ects  it — outward,  inward,  backward,  or  forward — and  the 
deformity  which  results  and  the  effects  which  follow  will  correspond- 
ingly differ.  "We  have  said  that  treatment  is  generally  unsuccessful. 
It  may  be  added  that  the  diHiculties  which  interpose  in  the  way  of 
reduction  are  nearly  insurmountable,  and  that  the  application  of 
means  for  the  retention  of  the  parts  after  reduction  would  be  next  to 
impossible.  The  prognosis,  from  any  point  of  ^■iew,  is  sufficiently 
grave  for  the  luckless  animal  with  a  dislocated  shoulder. 

THE    HIP   JOINT. 

This  joint  partakes  very  much  of  the  characteristics  of  the  humero- 
scapular  articulation,  but  is  more  strongly  built.  The  head  of  the 
thigh  bone  is  more  separated,  or  prominent  and  rounder  in  form,  and 
the  cup-like  cavity,  or  socket,  into  which  it  fits  is  much  deeper,  form- 
ing together  a  deep,  true  ball-and-socket  joint,  which  is,  moreover, 
reenforced  by  two  strong  cords  of  funicular  ligaments,  which  unite 
them.  It  will  be  easily  comprehended,  from  this  hint  of  the  anatomy 
of  the  region,  that  a  lu.xation  of  the  hip  joint  must  be  an  accident  of 
compaiatively  rare  occurrence:  yet  cases  are  recorded  in  which  the 
head  of  the  bone  has  been  affirmed  to  slip  out  of  its  cavity  and  assume 
various  positions — inward,  outward,  forward,  or  backward. 

The  indications  of  treatment  are  tho.se  of  all  cases  of  dislocation. 

When   the  reducticm  is  accompli.shcd  the  surgeon  will  be  appri.sed 

of  the  fact  by  the  peculiar,  snapping  sound  usually  heard  on  such 

occasions. 

pseudo-luxatio.ns  of  the  patella. 

This  is  not  a  true  dislocation.  The  stifle  l)one  is  so  peculiarh' 
articulated  with  the  thigh  bone  that  the  means  of  union  are  of  suffi- 
cient .strength  to  resist  the  causes  which  u.sually  give  rise  to  luxation.s, 
yet  there  is  sometimes  discovered  a  peculiar,  pathological  .state  in  the 
hind  legs  of  animals,  the  effect  of  which  is  clo.sely  to  simulate  the 
manifestation  of  many  of  the  general  .symptoms  of  dislocations. 
This  condition  (uiginates  in  muscular  crami)s,  the  action  of  which 
is  seen  in  a  certain  change  in  the  coaptation  of  the  articular  sur- 
faces of  the  stifle  and  thigh  bone,  resulting  in  the  exhii)ition  of  a 


364  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

sudden  and  alarming  series  of  symptoms  which  have  suggested  the 
phrase  of  "  stifle  out  "  as  a  descriptive  term. 

Sympto'nis. — The  animal  so  aifected  stands  quietly  and  firmly  in 
his  stall,  or  perhaps  with  one  of  his  hind  legs  extended  backward, 
and  resists  every  attempt  to  move  him  backward.  If  urged  to  move 
forward  he  will  either  refuse  or  comply  with  a  jump,  with  the  toe  of 
the  disabled  leg  dragging  on  the  ground  and  brought  forward  by  a 
second  effort.  There  is  no  flexion  at  the  hock  and  no  motion  at  the 
stifle,  while  the  circular  motion  of  the  hip  is  quite  free.  The  leg 
appears  to  be  much  longer  than  the  other,  owing  to  the  straightened 
position  of  the  thigh  bone,  w^hich  forms  almost  a  straight  line  with 
the  tibia  from  the  hip  joint  down.  The  stifle  joint  is  motionless,  and 
the  motions  of  all  the  joints  below  it  are  more  or  less  interfered  with. 
External  examination  of  the  muscles  of  the  hip  and  thigh  reveals  a 
certain  degree  of  rigidity,  with  perhaps  some  soreness,  and  the  stifle 
bone  may  be  seen  projecting  more  or  less  on  the  outside  and  upper 
part  of  the  joint. 

This  state  of  things  may  continue  for  some  time  and  until  treat- 
ment is  applied,  or  it  may  spontaneously  and  suddenly  terminate, 
leaving  everything  in  its  normal  condition,  but  perhaps  to  return 
again. 

Cause. — Pseudo-dislocation  of  the  patella  is  liable  to  occur  under 
many  of  the  conditions  which  cause  actual  dislocation,  and  yet  it  may 
often  occur  in  animals  which  have  not  been  exposed  to  the  ordinary 
causes,  but  which  have  remained  at  rest  in  their  stables.  Sometimes 
these  cases  are  assignable  to  falls  in  a  slippery  stall,  or  perhaps  slip- 
ping when  endeavoring  to  rise ;  sometimes  to  weakness  in  convalesc- 
ing patients;  sometimes  to  lack  of  tonicity  of  structure  and  general 
debility ;  sometimes  to  relaxation  of  tissues  from  want  of  exercise  or 
use.  A  straight  leg,  sloping  croup,  and  the  young  are  predisposed  to 
this  dislocation. 

Treatment. — The  reduction  of  these  displacements  of  the  patella  is 
not  usually  attended  with  difficulty.  A  sudden  jerk  or  spasmodic 
action  will  often  be  all  that  is  required  to  spring  the  patella  into 
place,  when  the  flexion  of  the  leg  at  the  hock  ends  the  trouble  for  the 
time.  But  this  is  not  alwa^^s  sufficient,  and  a  true  reduction  may 
still  be  indicated.  To  effect  this  the  leg  must  be  drawn  well  forward 
by  a  rope  attached  to  the  lower  end,  and  the  patella,  grasped  with 
the  hand,  forcibly  pushed  forward  and  inward  and  made  to  slip  over 
the  outside  border  of  the  trochlea  of  the  femur.  The  bone  suddenly 
slips  into  position,  the  excessive  rigor  of  the  leg  ceases  with  a  spas- 
modic jerk,  and  the  animal  may  walk  or  trot  awa^^  without  suspicion 
of  lameness.  Though  this  may  end  the  trouble  for  the  time,  and 
the  restoration  seem  to  be  perfect  and  permanent,  a  repetition  of  the 
entire  transaction  may  subsequently  take  place,  and  i:)erhaps  from 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  365 

the  loss  of  some  proportion  of  tensile  power  which  would  naturally 
follow  the  ori<rinal  attack  in  the  niiiscles  invohed  the  lesion  mijzht 
become  a  habitual  weakness. 

Warm  fomentations  and  douches  with  cold  water  will  often  pio- 
niote  permanent  recovery,  and  liberty  in  a  box  stall  or  in  the  Held 
will  in  many  cases  insure  constant  relief.  The  use  of  a  high-heeled 
shoe  is  recommended  by  European  veterinarians.  The  use  of  stimu- 
lating liniments,  with  frictions,  charges,  or  even  severe  blisters,  may 
be  resorted  to  in  ordei*  to  prevent  the  repetition  of  the  difficulty  by 
strengthening  and  toning  up  the  parts. 

DISEASES  OF  MUSCLES  AND  TENDONS. 

SPRAINS. 

This  term  expresses  a  more  or  less  complete  laceration  or  yielding 
of  the  fibers  of  the  muscles,  tendons,  or  the  sheaths  surrounding  and 
supporting  them.  The  usual  cause  of  a  sprain  is  external  violence, 
such  as  a  fall  or  a  powerful  exertion  of  strength,  with  following 
symptoms  of  soreness,  heat,  swelling,  and  a  suspension  of  fimction. 
Their  termination  varies  from  simple  resolution  to  suppuration,  and 
commonly  fibrinous  exudation  difficult  to  remove.  None  of  the 
muscles  or  tendons  of  the  body  are  exempt  from  liability  to  this 
lesion,  though  naturally  from  their  uses  and  the  exposure  of  their 
situation  the  extremities  are  more  liable  than  other  regions  to  become 
their  seat.  The  nature  of  the  prognosis  will  be  determined  by  a  con- 
sideration of  the  seat  of  the  injury  and  the  complications  likely  to 
arise. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  will  resolve  itself  into  the  routine  of 
local  applications,  including  warm  fomentations,  stimulating  lini- 
ments, counterirritation  by  blistering,  and  in  some  cases  even  firing. 
I\est,  in  the  stable  or  in  a  box  stall,  will  be  of  advantage  by  promoting 
the  absorption  of  whatever  fibrinous  exudation  may  have  formed,  or 
!:bsorption  may  be  stimulated  by  the  careful  persevering  application 
of  iodin  in  the  form  of  ointments  of  various  degrees  of  strength. 

There  are  many  conditions  in  which  not  onh'  the  muscular  and  ten- 
dinous structures  proper  are  affected  by  a  strain,  but.  by  contiguity  of 
]>arts,  the  periosteum  of  neighboring  bones  may  become  involved, 
with  a  complication  of  periostitis  and  its  sequelir. 

LAMENESS  OF  THE  SHOULDER. 

The  frequency  of  the  occurrence  of  lameness  in  the  shoulder  from 
sprains  entitles  it  to  precedence  of  mention  in  the  present  category, 
for.  though  so  well  covered  with  its  muscular  envelope,  it  is  often 
the  seat  of  injuries  which,  from  the  comjilex  structure  of  the  region, 
become  difficult  to  diagnosticate  with  satisfactory  pi-ecision  and 
facility.     The  flat  bone  which  forms  the  skeleton  of  that  region  is 


366  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

articulated  in  a  comparatively  loose  manner  with  the  bone  of  the  arm, 
but  the  joint  is,  notwithstanding,  rather  solid,  and  is  powerfully 
strengthened  by  tendons  passing  outside,  inside,  and  in  front  of  it. 
Still,  shoulder  lameness  or  sprain  may  exist,  originating  in  lacera- 
tions of  the  muscles,  the  tendons  or  the  ligaments  of  the  joint,  or 
perhaps  in  diseases  of  the  bones  themselves.  "  Slip  of  the  shoulder  " 
is  a  phrase  frequently  applied  to  such  lesions. 

The  identification  of  the  particular  structures  involved  in  these 
lesions  is  of  much  importance,  in  view  of  its  bearing  upon  the  ques- 
tion of  prognosis.  For  example,  while  a  simple  superficial  injury  of 
the  spinatus  muscles,  or  the  muscles  by  which  the  leg  is  attached  to 
the  trunk,  may  not  be  of  serious  import  and  may  readily  yield  to 
treatment,  or  even  recover  spontaneously  and  without  interference, 
the  condition  is  quite  changed  in  a  case  of  tearing  of  the  flexor 
brachii,  or  of  its  tendons  as  they  pass  in  front  of  the  articulation,  or, 
what  is  still  more  serious,  if  there  is  inflammation  or  ulceration  in  the 
groove  over  which  this  tendon  slides,  or  upon  the  articular  surfaces 
or  their  surroundings,  or  periostitis  at  any  point  adjacent. 

Causes. — The  frequency  of  attacks  of  shoulder  lameness  is  not  diffi- 
cult to  account  for.  The  superficial  and  unprotected  position  of  the 
part  and  the  numerous  movements  of  which  it  is  capable,  and  which, 
in  fact,  it  performs,  render  it  both  subjectively  and  objectively  pre- 
eminently liable  to  accident  or  injury.  It  would  be  difficult  and 
would  not  materially  avail  to  enumerate  all  the  forms  of  violence  by 
which  the  shoulder  may  be  crippled.  A  fall,  accompanied  with  pow- 
erful concussion ;  a  violent  muscular  contraction  in  starting  a  heavily 
loaded  vehicle  from  a  standstill ;  a  misstep  following  a  quick  muscular 
effort;  a  jump  accompanied  with  miscalculated  results  in  alighting;  a 
slip  on  a  smooth,  icy  road ;  balling  the  feet  with  snow ;  colliding  with 
another  horse  or  other  object — indeed,  the  list  may  be  indefinitely 
extended,  but  without  profit  or  utility. 

SymptOTyis. — Some  of  the  symptoms  of  shoulder  lameness  are  pecu- 
liar to  themselves,  and  yet  the  trouble  is  frequently  mistaken  for 
other  affections — navicular  disease  more  often  than  any  other.  The 
fact  that  in  both  affections  there  are  instances  when  the  external 
symptoms  are  but  imperfectly  defined,  and  that  one  of  them  especially 
is  very  similar  in  both,  is  sufficient  to  mislead  careless  or  inexperienced 
observers  and  to  occasion  the  error  which  is  sometimes  committed  of 
applying  to  one  disease  the  name  of  the  other,  erring  both  ways  in  the 
interchange.  The  true  designation  of  pathological  lesions  is  very  far 
at  times  from  being  of  certain  and  easy  accomplishment,  and,  owing 
to  the  massive  structure  of  the  parts  we  are  considering,  this  is  es- 
pecially true  in  the  present  connection.  Still  there  are  many  cases  in 
which  there  is  really  no  reasonable  excuse  for  an  error  in  diagnosis  by 
an  average  practitioner. 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  367 

Shoulder  lameness  will,  of  course,  manifest  itself  by  signs  and  ap- 
pearances more  or  less  distinct  and  pronounced,  according  to  the  na- 
ture of  the  degrees  and  the  extent  of  the  oiiginating  cause.  We  sum- 
marize some  of  these  signs  and  appearances: 

The  lameness  is  not  intermittent,  but  continued,  the  disturbance  of 
motion  gaging  the  severity  of  the  lesion  and  its  extent.  It  is  more 
marked  \\\n;n  the  bones  are  diseased  than  when  the  muscles  alone  are 
affected.  When  in  motion  the  two  upper  bony  levers — the  shoulder 
blade  and  the  bone  of  the  upper  arm — are  reduced  to  nearly  comi)lete 
immobility  and  the  walking  is  performed  by  the  complete  displace- 
ment of  the  entire  mass,  which  is  dragged  forward  without  either 
flexion  of  extension.  The  action  of  the  joint  below,  as  a  natural  con- 
sequence, is  limited  in  its  flexion.  In  many  instances  there  is  a  cer- 
tain degree  of  swelling  at  the  point  of  injury — at  the  joint,  or,  more 
commonly,  in  front  of  it,  or  on  the  surface  of  the  spinatus  muscle. 
Again,  instead  of  swelling  there  will  be  muscular  atrophy,  though, 
while  this  condition  of  loss  of  muscular  power  may  interfere  with 
perfect  locomotion,  it  is  not  in  itself  usually  a  cause  of  shoulder  lame- 
ness. "  Sweenied  '■  shoulders  are  more  often  due  to  disease  below  the 
fetlock  than  to  affections  above  the  elbow. 

During  rest  the  animal  often  carries  his  leg  forward,  somewliat 
analogous  to  the  "  pointing''  position  of  navicular  disease,  though  in 
some  cases  the  painful  member  drops  at  the  elbow  in  a  semiflexed 
position.  The  backing  is  sometimes  typical,  the  animal  when  ]ier- 
forming  it,  instead  of  flexing  his  shoulder,  dragging  the  whole  leg 
without  motion  in  the  upper  segment  of  the  extremity'. 

The  peculiar  manner  in  which  the  leg  is  brought  forward  in  the  air 
for  another  step  in  the  act  of  walking  or  trotting  is  in  some  instances 
characteristic  of  injuries  of  the  siioulder.  The  lameness  also  mani- 
fests itself  in  bringing  the  leg  forward  with  a  circumflex  swinging 
motion  and  a  shortening  in  the  extension  of  the  step.  The  foot  is 
carried  close  to  the  ground  and  stumbling  is  freq\ient,  especially  on 
an  uneven  road. 

With  the  utmost  scrutiny  and  care  the  vagueness  and  uncertainty 
of  the  symptoms  will  contribute  to  perplex  and  discredit  the  diagnosis 
and  embarrass  the  .surgeon,  and  sometimes  the  expedient  is  tried  of 
aggravating  the  symptoms  by  way  of  intensifying  their  significance, 
and  thus  rendering  them  more  intelligilde.  This  has  been  sought  by 
requiring  the  patient  to  travel  on  hard  or  very  soft  ground  and 
compelling  him  to  turn  on  the  sound  leg  as  a  pivot,  with  other 
motions  calculated  to  betray  the  locality  of  the  pain. 

Treat menf. — It  is  our  conviction  that  lameness  of  the  shoulder  will 
in  many  cases  disjippear  with  no  other  prescription  than  that  of  rest. 
Provided  the  lesions  occasioning  it  are  not  too  severe,  tiuie  is  all  that 
is  required.    But  the  negation  of  letting  alone  is  seldom  accepted  as 


368  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOKSE. 

a  means  of  doing  good,  in  the  place  of  the  active  and  the  positive 
forms  of  treatment.  This  is  in  accordance  with  a  trait  of  human 
nature  which  is  universal,  and  is  unlimited  in  its  applications ;  hence 
something  must  be  done.  In  mild  cases  of  shoulder  lameness,  then, 
the  indications  are  w^ater,  either  in  the  cold  douche  or  by  showering, 
or  by  warm  fomentations.  Warm,  wet  blankets  are  of  great  service ; 
in  addition,  or  as  alternative,  anodyne  liniments,  camphor,  bella- 
donna, either  in  the  form  of  tincture  or  the  oils,  are  of  benefit,  and 
at  a  later  period  stimulating  friction  with  suitable  mixtures,  sweat- 
ing liniments,  blistering  compounds,  subcutaneous  injections  over  the 
i-egion  of  the  muscle  of  1^  grains  of  veratrin  (the  variety  insoluble 
in  water)  mixed  in  2  drams  of  water,  etc.,  will  find  their  place,  and 
finally,  when  necessity  demands  it,  the  firing  iron  and  the  seton. 

The  duration  of  the  treatment  must  be  determined  by  its  effects 
and  the  evidence  that  may  be  offered  of  the  results  following  the 
action  of  the  reparative  process.  But  the  great  essential  condition 
of  cure,  and  the  one  without  which  the  possibility  of  relapse  will 
always  remain  as  a  menace,  is,  as  v>'e  have  often  reiterated  in  analo- 
gous cases,  rest^  imperatively  rest,  irrespective  of  any  other  prescrip- 
tions Avith  which  it  may  be  associated. 

SPRAIN   OF   THE   ELBOW   MUSCLES. 

Causes. — This  injury,  which  fortunately  is  not  very  common,  is 
mostly  encountered  in  cities  among  heavy  draft  horses  or  rapidly 
driven  animals  which  are  obliged  to  travel,  often  smooth  shod,  upon 
slippery,  icy,  or  greasy  pavements,  where  they  are  easily  liable  to  lose 
their  foothold.  The  region  of  the  strain  is  the  posterior  part  of  the 
shoulder,  and  the  affected  muscles  are  those  which  occupy  the  space 
between  the  posterior  border  of  the  scapula  and  the  posterior  face  of 
the  arm.     It  is  the  muscles  of  the  olecranon  Avhich  give  way. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  easily  recognized,  especially  when 
the  animal  is  in  action.  While  at  rest  the  attitude  may  be  normal, 
or  by  close  scrutiny  a  peculiarity  may  perhaps  be  detected.  The  leg 
may  seem  to  drop ;  the  elbow  may  appear  to  be  lower  than  its  fellow, 
with  the  knee  and  lower  part  of  the  leg  flexed  and  the  foot  resting  on 
the  toe,  with  the  heel  raised.  Such  an  attitude,  however,  may  be 
occasionally  assumed  by  an  animal  without  having  any  special  sig- 
nificance, but  when  it  becomes  more  pronounced  in  motion  the  fact 
acquires  a  symptomatic  value,  and  this  is  the  case  in  the  present 
instance.  A  rapid  gait  becomes  quite  impossible,  and  the  walk,  as 
in  some  few  other  diseases,  becomes  sufficiently  characteristic  to  war- 
rant a  diagnosis  even  when  observed  from  a  distance.  An  entire 
dropping  of  the  anterior  part  of  the  trunk  becomes  manifest,  and  no 
weight  is  carried  on  the  disabled  side  in  consequence  of  the  loss  of 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  369 

action  in  the  suspensory  muscles.  There  nre  often  neat,  pain,  and 
swelling  in  the  muscular  mass  at  the  elbow,  though  at  times  a 
hollow,  or  depression,  may  be  observed  near  the  posterior  border  of 
the  scapula,  whicli  is  probably  the  seat  of  injury. 

These  hurts  are  of  various  degrees  of  iuiportance,  varying  from 
mere  minor  casualties  of  (]uick  recovery  to  lesions  which  are  of  suili- 
cient  severity  to  render  an  animal  useless  and  valueless  for  life. 

T vcatment. — The  prime  elements  of  treatment,  which  should  be 
strictly  observed,  are  rest  and  quiet.  Prescriptions  of  all  kinds,  of 
course,  have  their  advocates.  Among  them  are  ether,  chloroform, 
camphor,  alcoholic  frictions,  w^arm  fomentations,  blisters,  setons,  etc. 
I'nless  the  conclusions  of  experience  are  to  be  ignored,  my  own 
judgment  is  decisive  in  favor  of  rest,  judiciously  applied,  however, 
and  my  view  of  what  constitutes  a  judicious  application  of  rest  has 
been  more  than  once  presented  in  these  pages.  There  are  degrees  of 
this  rest.  One  contemjdates  simple  immobility  in  a  narrow  stall. 
Another  means  the  enforced  mobility  of  the  slings  and  a  narrow  stall 
as  well.  Another  a  box  stall,  with  ample  latitude  as  to  posture  and 
space,  and  option  to  stand  or  lie  down.  As  wide  as  this  range  may 
appear  to  be,  radical  recovery  has  occurred  under  all  of  these 
modified  forms  of  letting  our  patients  alone. 

HIP   LAMENESS. 

The  etiologA'  of  injuries  and  diseases  of  the  hip  is  one  and  the 
same  with  that  of  the  shoulder.  The  same  causes  oiH'rate  and  the 
same  results  follow.  The  only  essential  change,  with  an  important 
exception,  which  would  be  necessary  in  passing  from  one  region  to 
the  other  in  a  descrii)tion  of  its  anatomy,  its  physiology,  and  its 
pathology  would  be  a  substitution  of  anatomical  names  in  reference 
to  certain  bones,  articulations,  muscles,  ligaments,  and  membranes 
concerned  in  the  injuries  and  diseases  described.  It  would  be  only 
a  useless  repetition  to  cover  again  the  ground  over  which  we  have  so 
recently  passed  in  recital  of  the  manner  in  whirh  certain  forms  of 
e.xternal  violence  (falls,  blows,  kicks,  etc.)  result  in  other  certain 
forms  of  lesion  (luxation,  fracture,  periostitis,  ostitis,  etc.),  and  to 
recapitulate  the  items  of  treatment  and  the  names  of  the  medica- 
ments proper  to  use.  The  same  rules  of  diagnosis  and  the  same  indi- 
cations and  prognosis  are  applicable  equally  to  every  portion  of 
the  organism,  with  only  such  modifications  in  api)lying  dressings  and 
apparatus  as  may  be  reijuircd  by  ditl'erences  of  conformation  and 
other  minor  circumstances,  which  must  suggest  themselves  to  the 
judgment  of  every  experienced  ob.server  when  the  occasion  arrives 
for  its  exercise. 

30444°— IG 24 


370  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

An  exception  is  to  be  made,  while  conbiclering  the  subject  in  con- 
nection with  the  region  now  under  advisement,  in  respect  to  the 
formidable  affection  known  as  morbus  coxarius,  or  hip-joint  dis- 
ease ;  and  leaving  the  detail  of  other  lesions  to  take  their  place  under 
other  heads,  that  relating  to  the  shoulder,  for  instance,  we  turn  to 
the  hip  joint  and  its  ailments  as  the  chief  subject  of  our  present 
consideration. 

Symptoms. — In  investigating  for  morbus  coxarius,  let  the  ob- 
server first  examine  the  lame  animal  by  scanning  critically  the  out- 
lines of  the  joint  and  the  region  adjacent  for  any  difference  of  size 
or  disturbance  of  symmetry  in  the  parts,  any  prominence  or  ro- 
tundity, and  on  both  sides.  The  lame  side  will  probably  be  warmer, 
more  developed,  and  fuller,  both  to  the  touch  and  to  the  eye.  Let 
him  then  grasp  the  lower  part  of  the  leg  (as  he  would  in  examining 
a  case  of  shoulder  lameness)  and  endeavor  to  produce  excessive  pas- 
sive motion.  This  will  probably  cause  pain  when  the  leg  is  made  to 
assume  a  given  position.  Let  him  push  the  thigh  forcibly  against 
the  hip  bone,  and  the  contact  will  again  probably  cause  a  manifesta- 
tion of  pain.  If  the  horse  is  trotted,  the  limited  action  of  the  hip 
joint  proper  and  the  excessive  dropping  and  rising  of  the  hip  of  the 
opposite  side  will  be  easily  recognized.  L^sually  the  animal  does 
not  extend  the  foot  so  far  as  customarily  and  picks  it  up  much 
sooner. 

The  abductive  or  circumflex  motion  observed  in  shoulder  lameness 
is  also  present  in  hip  lameness,  but  under  special  conditions,  and 
the  test  of  the  difficulty,  either  by  traveling  on  soft  ground  or  in 
turning  the  horse  in  a  circle,  may  here  also  contribute  to  the  diag- 
nosis, as  in  testing  for  lameness  in  the  anterior  extremity. 

Prognosis. — The  prognosis  of  hip  lameness  is  at  times  quite  seri- 
ous, not  only  on  account  of  the  long  duration  of  treatment  required 
to  effect  good  results,  and  because  of  the  character  which  may  be 
assumed  by  the  disease,  but  of  the  permanence  of  the  disability  re- 
sulting from  it.  Exostosis  and  ulcerative  arthritis  are  sequelae  which 
often  resist  every  form  of  treatment. 

Treatment. — As  before  intimated,  this  is  little  more  than  a  repeti- 
tion of  the  remarks  upon  the  lameness  of  the  shoulder,  with  slight 
modifications  occasioned  by  the  muscular  structure  of  the  hip,  and  we 
are  limited  to  the  same  recommendations  of  treatment.  Tlie  ad- 
vantages of  rest  must  be  reaffii'med.  with  local  applications,  of  which, 
however,  it  may  be  said  that  they  are  more  distinctly  indicated  and 
likeh^  to  be  more  effective  in  their  results  than  in  shoulder  lameness, 
and  may  be  more  freely  employed,  whether  in  the  form  of  liniments, 
blisters  (singly  or  repeated) ,  firing,  or  setoning. 


lameness:  its  cal'si::s  and  treatment.  371 

SPRAINS  OF  SUSPENSORY   LIGAMENTS   AND  OF  FLEXOR  TENDONS  OR  THEIR 

SHEATHS. 

The  fibrous  structure  situated  l)ehintl  the  caimoii  lx)nes,  l>oth  in  the 
fore  and  hind  lesJTs,  is  often  the  seat  of  hicerations  or  spniins  resulting 
from  violent  efforts  or  sudden  jerks. 

Ctnixe. — The  injury  may  be  considered  serious  or  triflin*;,  accordinnj 
to  the  circumstances  of  each  case  as  jud<red  by  its  own  history.  Amonf? 
the  predisposinjr  causes  are  a  lorifr.  tliin  fetlock  and  a  narrow  knee  or 
hock  as  viewetl  from  the  side,  with  the  flexor  muscles  tied  in  just  bvlow 
the  joint.  The  longer  and  more  ol»li(]ne  the  pastern  the  greater  is  the 
strain  on  the  flexor  tendons  and  susi)ensory  ligaments;  hence  a  low 
quarter,  a  toe  calk,  and  no  heel  calks,  or  a  thin  calk  placed  at  the  tip 
under  the  toe,  and  leaving  the  quarters  long  abnormally  stretches  the 
hack  tendons  and  causes  a  great  strain  upon  them  just  before  the 
weight  is. shifted  from  the  foot  in  hx-omotion.  Tn  nniners  and  huntei'S 
the  disease  is  liable  to  be  perioilic.  Tn  driving  horses  it  is  most  com- 
mon in  well-bred  animals  of  nervous  temperament.  Draft  horses 
suffer  most  frequently  in  the  hind  legs. 

JSj/mpfoms. — The  injury  is  readily  recognized  by  the  changed  as- 
pect of  the  region  and  the  accompanying  local  symptoms.  The  parts 
which  in  health  are  well  defined,  Avith  the  outlines  of  the  tendons  and 
ligaments  well  marked,  become  the  seat  of  a  swelling,  more  or  less 
developed,  from  a  small  spot  on  the  middle  of  the  back  of  the  tendon 
to  a  tumefaction  reaching  from  the  knee  down  to  and  even  involving 
tKe  fetlock  itself.  It  is  always  characterized  bv  heat,  and  it  is  vari- 
ously sensitive,  ranging  from  a  more  tenderness  to  a  degree  of  st)re- 
ness  which  shrinks  from  the  lightest  touch.  The  degree  of  the  lame- 
ness varies,  and  it  has  a  corresponding  range  with  the  soreness,  some- 
times showing  only  a  .slight  halting  an<l  at  others  the  extreme  of 
lameness  on  three  legs,  with  intermediate  degrees. 

The  lameness  is  always  worse  when  the  weight  is  throAvn  on  the 
foot  and  is  most  marked  toward  the  end  of  the  phase  of  contact  with 
the  ground.  Either  passive  irritation  of  the  leg  or  turning  the  ani- 
mal in  a  circle  causes  pain  as  in  diseases  of  the  joints.  Sometimes  the 
horse  likes  to  get  the  heels  on  a  stone  or  some  elevation  so  as  to  relieve 
the  weight  frouj  the  flexor  tendon.s.  Finally,  in  cases  of  hmg  stand- 
ing, a  shortening  of  the  tendons  occurs,  resulting  in  the  abnormal 
flexion  of  the  foot  known  by  horsemen  as  "broken  down."'  or  a  more 
ui)right  position  of  the  foot  may  follow,  producing  perhaps  knuck- 
ling or  the  so-called  clubfoot. 

Pror/noHis. — It  may  be  s.afely  a.ssumed  or.  general  ]irinciples  that  a 
leg  which  has  received  .such  injuries  seldom  returns  to  a  perfect  con- 
dition of  efficiency  and  soundness,  and  that  as  a  fact  a  certain  abso- 
lute amount  of  thickening  and  deformity  will  remain  permanent, 
e\'«n  when  the  lameness  has  entirely  disiippeared. 


372  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

Treatment. — The  injured  member  should  receive  the  earliest  atten- 
tion possible,  not  only  when  the  inflammatory  condition  is  present, 
but  when  it  is  subsiding  and  there  is  only  the  thickening  of  the  liga- 
ments, the  tendons,  or  the  sheath. 

The  most  important  remedy  is  rest,  and  the  shoes  should  always  be 
removed.  During  the  first  three  days  cold  in  the  form  of  immersion 
or  continuous  irrigation  is  indicated.  Then  warm  moisture  and  con- 
tinuous pressure  are  advised.  The  latter  is  best  applied  by  placing 
two  padded  splints  about  the  thickness  of  the  thumb  along  the  two 
sides  of  the  tendon  and  binding  them  in  place  with  even  pressure  by 
bandage.  Frequent  bathing  with  warm  soap  suds  is  also  beneficial. 
The  absorption  of  the  exudate  may  be  promoted  and  the  work  of 
lestorati^n  effected  by  frictions  with  alcohol,  tincture  of  soap,  spirits 
of  camphor,  mild  liniments,  strong,  svreating  liniments,  and  blisters. 
An  excellent  ointment  to  apply  with  massage  consists  of  equal  parts 
of  blue  ointment  and  green  soap,  with  double  the  quantity  of  vaseline. 
The  action  of  blisters  in  these  cases  depends  chiefly  upon  the  massage 
used  in  applying  them  and  upon  the  continuous  pressure  of  the  swol-' 
len  skin  on  the  inflamed  tendons.  In  old  cases  more  beneficial  results 
will  follow  line  firing.  In  these  cases  shoeing  is  very  important. 
Leave  the  quarters  long,  shorten  the  toe,  give  the  shoe  rolling  motion, 
and  either  put  short  heel  calks  on  the  branches  or  thicken  the 
branches.  Although  this  line  of  treatment  is  efficacious  in  many 
cases,  there  are  others  in  which  the  thickening  of  the  tendons  refuses 
to  yield  and  the  changed  tissues  remain  firmly  organized,  leaving 
them  in  the  form  of  a  thick  mass  resting  upon  the  back  part  of  the 
cannon  bone. 

KNUCKLING   OF   FETLOCK. 

As  a  consequence  of  the  last-mentioned  lesion  of  the  tendons,  a  new 
condition  presents  itself  in  the  articular  disposition,  constituting  the 
deformity  known  as  the  knuckling  fetlock.    (See  also  p.  400.) 

By  this  is  meant  a  deformity  of  the  fetlock  joint  by  which  the 
natural  angle  is  changed  from  that  whic^i  pertains  to  the  healthy 
articulation.  The  first  pastern,  or  suffraginis,  loses  its  oblique  direc- 
tion and  assumes  another,  which  varies  from  the  upright  to  the 
oblique,  from  before  backward,  and  from  above  downward;  ir  other 
words,  forming  an  angle  with  its  apex  in  front. 

Causes. — This  condition,  as  we  have  seen,  may  be  the  result  of 
chronic  disease  producing  structural  changes  in  the  tendons,  and  it 
may  also  occur  as  the  result  of  other  affections  or  some  peculiarity 
independent  of  this  and  situated  below  the  fetlock,  such  as  ringbones, 
sidebones,  or  traumatic  disease  of  the  foot  proper.  Animals  are 
sometimes  predisposed  to  knuckling,  such,  for  example,  as  are  natur- 
ally straiglit  in  their  pasterns,  or  animals  which  are  compelled  to 
labor  when  too  young.    The  hind  legs  are  more  predisposed  than  the 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  373 

fore  to  this  dofonnity,  in  conseqneiico  of  the  ^rciiter  niuoiint  of  luhor 
they  are  reiiuired  to  perforin  as  the  propelling  levers  of  the  botly. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  Iciiuckling  are  easily  recognized. 
The  changes  in  the  direction  of  the  bones  vary  more  or  less  Avith  the 
degree  of  the  lesion,  sometimes  assuming  such  a  direction  that  it 
almost  becomes  a  true  dislocation  of  the  pastein. 

The  ell'ect  of  kiuickling  upon  the  gait  also  varies  according  to  the 
degree  of  the  deformity.  As  the  ditlerent  degrees  of  the  shortening 
<>f  the  leg  att'ect  the  motion  of  the  fetlock,  the  lameness  may  be  very 
slight  or  quite  extreme.  Another  consequence  of  this  shortening  is 
such  a  change  in  the  position  of  tiie  foot  that  the  heels  cease  to  come 
in  contact  with  the  ground  and  assume  a  greater  elevation,  and  the 
iinal  result  of  this  is  soon  witnessed  in  the  development  of  a  clubfoot. 

Tnatnunt. — To  whatever  cause  the  knuckling  nniy  be  ascribed,  it 
is  always  a  severe  infirmity,  and  there  is  but  little  room  for  hoping 
to  overcome  it  unless  it  be  during  the  very  first  stages  of  the  trouble, 
and  the  hope  dwindles  t.o  still  smaller  dimensions  when  it  is  secondary 
to  other  diseases  below  the  fetlock.  If  it  is  caused  by  overworking 
the  animal,  the  first  indication,  of  course,  will  be  rest.  Line  firing 
has  proved  very  eflicacious  in  these  cases.  The  animal  must  be  turned 
loose  and  left  unemployed.  Careful  attention  should  be  given  to  the 
condition  of  his  feet  and  to  the  manner  of  shoeing,  while  time  is 
allowed  for  the  tendons  to  become  restored  to  their  normal  state  and 
the  irritation  caused  by  excessive  stretching  has  subsided.  A  shoe 
with  a  thick  heel  will  contribute  to  this.  If  no  improvement  can  be 
obtained,  however,  and  the  tendons  though  retracted  have  yet  been 
relieved  of  much  of  their  thickening,  the  case  is  not  a  desperate  one, 
and  ma}^  yet  be  benefited  by  the  operation  of  tenotomy,  single  or 
double — an  operative  expedient  which  must  be  committed  to  the 
experienced  surgeon  for  its  performance. 

SPRUNG    KNEES. 

Though  not  positively  the  result  of  diseases  of  the  tendons  acting 
upon  the  knees,  we  venture  to  consider  this  deformity  in  connection 
witli  that  which  we  have  just  described.  Tt  consists  in  such  an  alter- 
ation in  the  direction  and  articulation  of  the  bones  which  forui  the 
various  carpal  joints  that  instead  of  forming  a  vertical  line  from  the 
lower  end  of  the  forearm  to  the  cannctn  bone  they  are  so  unitiMl  that 
the  knee  is  more  or  less  bent  forward,  presenting  a  condition  caused 
by  the  retraction  of  two  of  the  principal  muscles  by  which  the  canncMi 
bone  is  flexed. 

Cause. — This  flexion  of  the  knee  may  be  a  congenital  defoiinity 
and  have  continued  from  the  foaling  of  the  animal ;  or,  like  clubfoot, 
it  may  be  the  result  of  heavv  labor  which  the  animal  has  been  com- 


374  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

pelled  to  perform  when  too  young.  It  may  also  be  due  ^o  other 
diseases  existing  in  parts  below  the  knee  joint. 

jSymptoTTis. — This  change  of  direction  largely  influences  the  move- 
ment of  the  animal  b}^  detracting  from  its  firmness  and  practically 
weakening  the  entire  frame,  even  to  the  extent  of  rendering  him  in- 
secure on  his  feet  and  liable  to  fall.  This  condition  of  weakness  is 
sometimes  so  pronounced  that  he  is  exposed  to  fall  even  when  stand- 
ing at  rest  and  unmolested,  the  knees  being  unable  even  to  bear  their 
portion  of  the  mere  weight  of  the  frame.  This  results  in  another 
trouble — that  of  being  unable  to  keep  permanently  upright.  He  is 
liable  to  fall  on  his  knees,  and  by  this  act  becomes  presently  a  sufferer 
from  the  lesion  known  by  the  term  of  "  broken  knees." 

Treatment. — Whatever  may  be  the  originating  cause  of  this  imper- 
fection, it  detracts  very  largel}'  from  the  usefulness  and  value  of  a 
horse,  disqualifying  him  for  ordinary  labor  and  wholly  unfitting  him 
for  service  under  the  saddle  without  jeopardizing  the  safety  of  his 
rider.  If,  however,  the  trouble  is  known  from  the  start,  and  is  not 
the  result  of  congenital  deformity  or  weakness  of  the  knee  joint,  or 
secondary  to  other  diseases,  rest,  with  fortifying  frictions,  may  some- 
times aid  in  strengthening  the  joints;  and  the  application  of  blisters 
on  the  posterior  part  of  the  knee,  from  a  short  distance  above  to  a 
point  a  little  below  the  joint,  may  be  followed  by  some  satisfactory 
results;  but  with  this  trouble,  as  with  knuckling  fetlocks,  the  danger 
of  relapse  must  be  kept  in  mind  as  a  contingency  alvraj^s  liable  to 
occur. 

CURB. 

This  lesion  is  the  bulging  backward  of  the  posterior  part  of  the 
hock,  where  in  the  normal  state  there  should  be  a  straight  line,  extend- 
ing from  the  upper  end  of  the  point  of  the  hock  down  to  the  fetlock. 

Cause. — The  cause  may  be  a  sprain  of  the  tendon  which  passes  on 
the  posterior  part  of  the  hock,  or  of  one  of  its  sheaths,  or  of  the 
strong  ligament  situated  on  the  posterior  border  of  the  os  calcis. 

Hocks  of  a  certain  conformation  seems  to  possess  a  greater  liability 
to  curb  than  others.  They  are  overbent,  coarse,  and  thick  in  appear- 
ance, or  may  be  too  narrow  from  front  to  back  across  the  lower  por- 
tion. This  condition  may  therefore  result  as  a  sequence  to  congeni- 
tal malformation,  as  in  the  case  of  horses  that  are  "saber-legged." 
It  often  occurs,  also,  as  the  result  of  violent  efforts,  of  heavy  pulling, 
of  high  jumping,  or  of  slipping :  in  a  Avord,  it  may  result  from  any  of 
the  causes  heretofore  considered  as  instrumental  in  producing  lacera- 
tions of  muscular,  tendinous,  or  ligamentous  structure. 

Syraptoms. — A  hock  affected  with  curb  will  present  at  the  outset 
a  swelling  more  or  less  diffuse  on  its  posterior  portion,  with  varying 
degrees  of  heat  and  soreness,  and  these  will  be  accompanied  with. 


LAMEXKSS:    ITS   CAUSES   AND   TREATMENT.  375 

lainoiieRs  of  a  iHTiiiaiient  cliaiactor.  At  a  later  period,  liowever,  tlio 
swellini;:  will  ln'conie  l)ettor  deliiied,  the  deroiinity  more  elmraeteris- 
tic,  the  prominent,  curved  line  readily  detected,  and  the  thickness  of 
the  infiltrated  tissue  easily  determined  l>y  the  fin«re!s.  At  this  lime, 
also,  there  may  be  a  condition  of  lameness,  varying  in  dejrrec,  while 
at  others,  ajrain,  the  iri-eofidarity  of  action  at  the  hock  will  he  so  sli»rht 
as  to  escape  detection,  the  animal  l)etrayin«;  no  apix-arance  of  its 
existence. 

A  curb  constitutes,  by  a  strict  construction  of  the  term,  an  '•  un- 
soundness," since  the  hock  thus  a  Heeled  is  less  al)le  to  endure  severe 
labor,  and  is  more  liable  to  give  way  with  the  slightest  effort.  Yet 
the  prognosis  of  a  curb  can  not  be  considered  to  be  serious,  as  it 
generally  yields  to  treatment,  or  at  least  the  lameness  it  may  occasion 
is  generally  easily  relieved,  though  the  loss  of  contour  caused  by  the 
bulging  will  always  ctmstitute  a  blemish. 

Treatment. — ()n  the  fiist  appearance  of  a  curb,  when  it  exhibits 
the  signs  of  an  acute  inflammation,  the  first  indication  is  to  subdue 
it  by  the  use  of  cold  applications,  as  inteiinittent  or  constant  irriga- 
tion or  an  ice  poultice;  when  these  have  exhausted  their  effect  and 
the  swelling  has  assumed  better  defined  boundaries,  and  the  infil- 
tration of  the  tendons  or  of  the  ligaments  is  all  that  remains  of  a 
morbid  state,  then  every  effort  must  be  directed  to  the  object  of  effect- 
ing its  absorpti(m  and  reducing  its  dimensions  l)y  piossure  and  other 
methods.  The  medicaments  most  to  be  trusted  are  blisters  of  can- 
tharides  and  frictions  with  ointments  of  ifnlin,  or,  preferably, 
biniodid  of  mercury.  Mercurial  agents  alone,  by  their  therapeutic 
properties  or  by  means  of  the  artificial  bandages  which  they  furnish 
by  their  incrustati(ms  when  their  vesicatory  effects  are  exhau.stetl, 
will  give  good  results  in  some  instances  by  a  single  application,  and 
often  by  lepeated  api)lications.  I'he  use  of  the  firing  iron  must, 
however,  be  fre(|uently  resorted  to.  either  to  remove  the  lameness  or 
to  stimulate  the  al)sorption.  We  believe  that  its  early  application 
(light  to  be  resorted  to  in  preference  to  waiting  until  the  exudation 
is  firmly  organized.  Firing  in  dull  points  or  in  lines  will  prove  as 
beneficial  in  curb  as  in  any  other  disease  of  a  similar  nature. 

LACERATED  TENDONS. 

Tills  form  of  injury,  whether  of  a  simple  or  of  a  compound  char- 
acter, may  become  a  lesion  of  a  very  s<'rious  natuie,  and  w  ill  usually 
require  long  arul  careful  treatment,  which  may  yet  prove  unavailing 
in  consequence  either  of  the  intrinsically  fatal  character  of  the  wound 
itself  or  the  complicatjons  which  have  rendeied  it  incurable. 

Caufte. — Like  all  similar  injuries,  they  are  the  residt  of  traumatic 
violence,  such  as  contact  with  objects  either  blunt  or  sharj^;  a  curb- 
stone in  the  city;  in  the  country,  a  tree  stump  or  a  fence,  especially 


376  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

one  of  wire.  It  may  easily  occur  to  a  runaway  horse  when  he  is 
"•  whipped  "  with  fragments  of  liarness  or  "  flogged  "  by  fragments 
of  splintered  shafts  "thrashing"  his  legs,  or  by  the  contact  of  his 
legs  with  the  wagon  he  has  overturned  and  shattered  with  his  heels 
while  disengaging  himself  from  the  wreck. 

Symptoms. — It  is  not  always  necessary  that  the  skin  be  involved 
in  this  form  of  injury.  On  the  contrary,  the  tegument  is  fre- 
quently left  entirely  intact,  especially  when  the  injury  follows 
infectious  diseases  or  occurs  during  light  exercise  after  long  periods 
of  rest  in  the  stable.  Again,  the  skin  may  be  cut  through  and  the 
tendons  nearly  severed.  A  point  a  little  above  the  fetlock  is  usually 
the  seat  of  the  injury.  But  irrespective  of  this,  and  whether  the 
skin  is  or  is  not  implicated,  the  symptoms  resemble  very  much  those 
of  a  fracture.  There  is  excessive  mobility,  at  least  more  than  in 
a  normal  state,  with  more  or  less  inability  to  carry  weight.  There 
may  be  swelling  of  the  parts,  and  on  passing  the  hands  carefully 
along  the  tendon  to  the  point  of  division  the  stumps  of  the  divided 
structure  will  be  felt  more  or  less  separated,  perhaps  wholly  divided. 
The  position  of  the  animal  while  at  rest  and  standing  is  peculiar 
and  characteristic.  "V^liile  the  heels  are  well  placed  on  the  ground, 
the  toe  is  correspondingly  elevated,  with  a  tendency  to  turn  up — 
a  form  of  breaking  down  which  was  described  when  speaking  of 
the  fracture  of  the  sesamoids.  Carrying  weight  is  done  only  with 
considerable  difficulty,  but  with  comparatively  little  pain,  and  the 
animal  will  unconsciously  continue  to  move  the  leg  as  if  in  great 
suffering,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  his  general  condition  may  be 
A  ery  good  and  his  appetite  unimpaired. 

The  effect  upon  the  general  organism  of  compound  lacerated 
wounds  of  tendinous  structures,  or  those  which  are  associated  with 
injuries  of  the  skin,  are  different.  The  wound  becomes  in  a  short 
time  the  seat  of  a  high  degree  of  inflammation,  with  abundant 
suppuration  filling  it  from  the  bottom;  the  tendon,  whether  as  the 
result  of  the  bruise  or  of  the  laceration,  or  of  maceration  in  the 
accumulated  pus,  undergoes  a  process  of  softening,  and  necrosis  and 
sloughing  ensue.  This  complicates  the  case  and  probably  some  form 
of  tendinous  sj^novitis  follows,  running  into  suppurative  arthritis, 
to  end,  if  close  to  a  joint,  with  a  fatal  result. 

Prognosis. — The  prognosis  of  lacerated  tendons  should  be  very 
conservative.  Under  the  most  favorable  circumstances  a  period  of 
from  six  weeks  to  two  months  will  be  necessary  for  the  treatment, 
before  the  formation  of  the  cicatricial  callus  and  the  establishment 
of  a  firm  union  between  the  tendinous  stumps. 

Treatment. — As  with  fractures,  and  even  in  a  greater  degree,  the 
necessity  is  imperative,  in  the  treatment  of  lacerated  tendons,  to 
obtain  as  perfect  a  state  of  immobility  as  can  be  obtained  compatibly 


lameness:  its  causes  and  tbeatment.  S7T 

wiih  the  disposition  of  the  patient;  the  natural  opposition  of  tli9 
animal,  sometimes  ill-tempered  and  fractious  at  best,  under  the 
ntressary  restraint  causin«^  at  times  nnich  embarrassment  to  the 
practitioner  in  applying  the  necessary  treatment.  Without  the  nec- 
essary immobility  theie  can  be  no  close  connection  of  the  ends  of 
the  tendons.  To  fulfill  this  necessary  condition  the  posterior  part  of 
the  foot  and  the  fetlock  must  be  supported  atul  the  traction  per- 
formed bv  them  relieved,  an  object  which  can  be  obtained  by  the  use 
of  the  high-heeled  and  bar  shoe,  or  possibly  better  accomplished  with 
a  shoe  of  the  same  kind  extending  about  2  or  2i  inches  back  of  the 
lieels.  The  perfect  innfiobility  of  the  legs  is  obtained  in  the  same 
way  as  in  the  treatment  of  fracture,  with  splints,  bandages,  iron 
apparatus,  plaster  of  adhesive  mixtures,  and  similar  means.  So 
long  as  the  dressings  remain  in  place  undisturbed  and  no  chafing 
or  other  evidence  of  pain  is  present,  the  dressings  may  be  continued 
without  changing,  the  patient  being  kept  in  the  slings  for  a  period 
suflicient  to  insure  the  perfect  union  of  the  tendons.  For  a  com- 
pound lesion  when  there  is  laceration  of  the  skin  some  special  care 
is  necessary.  The  wound  must  be  carefully  watched  and  the  dress- 
ings removed  at  intervals  of  a  few  days  or  as  often  as  may  be 
needful,  all  of  which  additional  manipulation  and  extra  nursing, 
however  indispensable,  still  adds  to  the  gi'avity  of  the  case  and 
renders  the  prognosis  more  and  more  serious.  MHien  the  tendcms 
have  sloughed  in  threads  of  various  dimensions,  or  if  in  the  absence 
of  this  process  of  mortification  healthy  granulations  should  form 
and  fill  up  the  wound,  still  very  careful  attention  will  be  required, 
the  granulating  ends  of  the  tendons  having  a  tendency  to  bulge 
between  the  edges  of  the  skin  and  to  assume  large  dimensions, 
forming  bulky  excrescences  or  growths  of  a  warty  or  caulifiower 
appearance,  the  removal  of  which  becomes  a  troublesome  matter. 
The  union  of  the  tendons  will  at  times  leave  a  thickening  of  vary- 
ing degree  near  the  ]K)int  of  cicati'ization,  the  absorption  of  which 
becomes  an  object  of  dillicult  and  doubtful  accomi)lishment,  but 
which  may  l>e  promoted  by  moderate  blistering  and  the  use  of  alter- 
ative and  absorbent  mixtures  or  perhaps  the  fire  iron.  A  siioe  with 
h('«'ls  somewhat  higher  than  usual  will  ])rove  a  comfort  to  the  animal 
and  aid  in  moderating  and  relieving  the  tension  of  the  tendons. 

RUPTURE  OF  THE  FLEXOR  METATARSI. 

This  is  a  muscle  of  the  anterior  part  of  the  shank.  It  is  situated 
in  front  of  the  tibia,  and  is  of  peculiar  formation,  being  couiposed  of 
a  muscular  portion  with  a  very  powerful  tendon,  which  are  at  first 
distinct  and  separate,  to  be  intimately  united  lower  down,  and  termi- 
nating at  the  lower  end  by  a  division  into  four  tendinous  bands.  It 
is  a  powerful  muscle  of  the  hinder  shank  bone,  and  also  acts  as  a 


378  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

strong  means  of  support  for  the  stifle  joint;  that  is,  of  the  articulation 
of  the  thigh  and  shank  bone,  in  front  and  outside  of  which  it  passes. 
Its  situation  and  its  use  cause  it  to  be  liable  to  severe  stretching 
and  straining,  and  a  rupture  of  some  of  its  fibers  is  sometimes  the 
consequence. 

Cause. — This  injurj'^  may  be  the  result  of  a  violent  effort  of  the 
animal  in  leaping  over  a  high  obstacle:  in  missing  his  foothold  and 
suddenly  slipping  backward  while  powerfully  grasping  the  ground 
with  the  feet  in  striving  to  start  a  heavily  loaded  vehicle ;  in  making 
a  violent  effort  to  prevent  a  probable  fall ;  or  in  attempting  to  lift  the 
feet  from  miry  ground. 

SyTnptoms. — The  accident  is  im^mediately  followed  by  disability 
which  will  vary  according  to  the  true  seat  of  the  injury  and  the 
period  of  its  duration.  This  rupture  will  not  prevent  the  horse  from 
standing  perfectly  and  firmly  on  his  feet  when  kept  at  rest,  and 
while  no  muscular  efforts  are  required  from  him  there  is  no  appear- 
ance of  any  lesion  or  unsoundness.  An  attempt  to  move  him  back- 
ward, however,  will  cause  him  to  throw  all  his  weight  upon  his  hind- 
quarters, and  he  will  refuse  to  raise  his  foot  from  the  ground.  If 
compelled  to  do  so,  or  required  to  move  forward,  the  hock  being  no 
longer  capable  of  flexion,  the  muscle  which  effects  that  movement 
being  the  injured  one,  the  opposite  muscles,  the  extensors,  acting 
freely,  the  entire  lower  part  of  tlie  leg,  from  the  hock  down,  will 
be  suddenly,  with  a  jerk,  extended  on  the  tibia  cr  shank  bone,  and 
simultaneously  with  this  the  tendo  Achillis,  the  cord  of  the  hock,  the 
tendons  of  the  extensors  of  the  hock  will  be  put  in  a  wrinkled  and 
relaxed  condition.  The  \q^  is  behind  the  animal  and  the  toe  rests 
on  the  gi'ound.  Examination  of  the  fore  part  of  the  shank  from  the 
stifle  down  to  the  hock  may  reveal  soreness,  and  possibly  some 
swelling  and  heat  at  the  seat  of  the  lesion. 

Treatment. — Our  experience  with  injuries  of  this  form  convinces 
us  that,  generalh'  speaking,  they  are  amenable  to  treatment.  Pro- 
vided a  sufficient  time  has  been  allowed  for  union  to  take  place,  very 
few  instances  in  which  radical  recovery  has  not  been  effected  have 
come  to  our  knowledge.  The  more  flexed  the  leg  can  be  kept,  the 
quicker  will  it  heal. 

In  these  cases,  as  in  those  of  simple  laceration  of  tendons,  already 
considered,  the  indications  resemble  those  which  apply  in  the  treat- 
ment of  fractures,  as  near  as  coaptation  of  thelacerated  ends  is  pos- 
sible, with  immobility,  being  the  necessary  conditions  to  secure.  The 
first  is  a  matter  of  very  difficult  accomplishment,  by  bandaging  alone, 
and  some  have  recommended  instead  the  application  of  charges  or 
blisters  in  order  to  compel  the  animal  to  keep  more  quiet. 

To  secure  the  necessary  immobility  the  animal  should  be  placed  in 
slings  snugly  applied,  and  kept  in  a  narrow  stall.    He  should  also  be 


lameness:  its  l'alses  and   ri;i:.\  i  .mi.m'.  379 

tied  short,  and  restrained  from  any  backward  niovenient  by  ropes  or 
boards,  and  should,  moreover,  be  kept  in  as  quiet  a  temper  as  pos- 
sible by  the  exclusion  of  all  causes  of  irritation  or  excitement.  Weeks 
must  then  elapse,  not  less,  but  fre<iuently  more  than  six,  often  ei<j;ht, 
before  he  can  be  considered  out  of  dan<j;er  and  able  to  retuin  to  his 
hibor,  Avhich  should  for  a  time  be  light  and  easy,  and  gradually,  if 
ever,  increased  to  the  measure  of  a  thoroughly  sound  and  stiong  ani- 
mal. If  he  is  used  too  soon  the  newly  formed  tissue  between  the  ends 
of  the  muscle  will  be  liable  to  stretch  and  leave  the  flexor  muscle  too 
long  and  i)ermancnlly  (.lisplacod. 

SUNDRY  ADDITIONAL  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  EXTREMITIES. 

Among  these  there  are  thii-e  which  will  principally  occupy  our 
attention,  and  which  may  be  considered  as  forming  a  single  group. 
In  some  parts  of  the  legs  may  be  found  certain  peculiar  little  stiuc- 
tures  of  a  saclike  formation,  containing  an  oily  substance  designed 
for  the  lubrication  of  the  parts  upon  which  they  are  placed  for  the 
purpose  of  facilitating  the  movements  of  the  tendons  which  pass  over 
them.  The.-e  little  sacs  or  muco-synovial  capsules,  under  peculiar 
conditions  of  traumatism,  are  liable  to  become  subject  to  a  diseased 
process,  which  consists  principally  in  a  hypersecretion  of  their  con- 
tents and  ;in  increase  in  dimensions,  and  they  may  undergo  peculiar 
pathological  changes  of  such  character  as  to  disable  an  animal,  and 
in  many  instances  to  cause  serious  blemishes  which  can  but  dej^re- 
ciate  its  value.  These  growths,  which  are  known  as  hygromata,  may 
result  from  external  violence,  as  blows  or  bruises,  and  may  appear  in 
the  form  of  small,  soft  tumors,  painless  and  not  inflammatory  in 
character,  but,  by  a  repetition  of  the  cause  or  renewal  of  violence, 
liable  to  acquire  increased  severity.  Severe  inflammation,  with  sup- 
puration, may  follow,  which,  filling  up  the  cavity,  the  walls  will 
become  thickened  and  hard,  resulting  in  the  foimation  of  a  tumor. 

The  elbow,  the  knee,  and  the  hock  are  the  parts  of  the  body  where 
these  lesions  are  ordinarily  found,  and  on  account  of  their  peculiar 
shape  and  the  position  thoy  occupy  they  have  received  the  denomina- 
tion '"capped."    They  will  be  considered  in  their  peculiar  aspect. 

CAPPED    ELBOW. 

Capped  elbow,  or  "shoe  boil,"  is  a  term  api)lied  to  an  enlargement 
often  found  at  the  point  of  the  elbow. 

Cause. — This  lesion  is  due  to  injury  or  pressure  of  the  part 
while  it  is  re.sting  on  the  ground.  The  horse,  unlike  the  (;o\v.  does  not 
rest  directly  on  the  under  surface  of  the  sternum,  or  breastbone,  on 
account  of  its  sharp,  ridge-like  foi  ination.  lie  rests  more  on  the  side 
of  the  breastbone  and  cliest,  and  conse(piently  the  leg  which  is  flexed 


380  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

under  the  body  is  subject  to  considerable  pressure.  If  the  leg  is  flexed 
under  the  body  so  that  the  hoof  or  shoe  is  directly  in  contact  with  the 
elbow,  which  may  occur  in  horses  having  an  extremely  long  cannon 
bone  or  excessive  length  in  the  shoes,  the  greater  part  of  the  weight 
of  the  chest  is  concentrated  at  this  point  and  the  pressure  may  cause  a 
bruise  or  an  inflammation. 

Symptoms. — Under  these  conditions  the  point  of  the  elbow  may 
become  sw^ollen  and  tender  and  exhibit  heat  and  pain.  This  swelling 
may  net  only  cover  the  point  of  the  elbow,  but  sometimes  reaches  the 
axilla  and  assumes  such  proportions  that  there  is  great  difficulty  in 
using  the  leg,  the  animal  show^ing  signs  of  lameness  even  to  the  extent 
of  the  circumflex  step,  as  in  shoulder  lameness.  This  edematous  con- 
dition, however,  does  not  remain  stationary.  It  may  by  degrees' 
subside  or  perhaps  disappear.  In  the  first  instance  it  will  become 
more  distinctly  defined,  with  better  marked  boundaries,  until  it  is 
reduced  to  a  soft,  round,  fluctuating  tumor,  with  or  without  heat  or 
pain.  There  is  then  either  a  bloody  or  serous  tumor  or  a  purulent 
collection,  and  following  the  puncture  of  its  walls  w^ith  the  knife 
there  will  be  an  escape  of  blood,  serum,  or  pus,  as  the  case  may 
be,  in  variable  quantities.  In  either  case,  but  principally  in  that  of 
the  cystic  form,  the  tumor  will  be  found  to  be  subdivided  by  septa, 
or  bands  running  in  various  directions. 

Various  changes  will  follow  the  opening  of  the  tumor  and  the 
escape  of  its  contents.  In  a  majority  of  cases  the  process  of  cica- 
trization will  take  place,  and  the  cavity  fill  up  by  granulation,  the 
discharge,  at  first  abundant,  gradually  diminishing  and  the  wound 
closing,  usually  without  leaving  any  mark.  At  times,  however,  and 
especially  if  the  disease  has  several  times  repeated  its  course,  there 
may  remain  a  pendulous  sac,  partly  obliterated,  which  a  sufficient 
amount  of  excitement  or  irritation  may  soon  restore  to  its  previous 
dimensions  and  condition. 

In  other  cases  an  entirely  different  process  takes  place.  The  walls 
of  the  cavity,  cyst,  or  abscess  become  ulcerated  and  thickened,  the 
granulations  of  the  sac  become  fibrous  in  their  structure  and  fill  up 
the  cavity,  and  it  assumes  the  character  of  a  hard  tumor  on  the  back 
of  the  elbow,  sometimes  partly  and  sometimes  entirely  covered  by  the 
skin.  It  is  fibrous  in  its  nature,  painless  to  the  touch,  well  defined 
in  its  contour,  and  may  vary  in  size  from  that  of  a  small  apple  to 
that  of  a  child's  head. 

This  last  form  of  capped  elbow  is  the  most  serious  of  any,  resisting 
all  known  forms  of  mild  treatment,  and  removable  by  the  knife  only. 
The  other  forms,  even  that  with  the  inflammatory  aspect  and  its  large 
edematous  swelling  which  interferes  with  the  work  of  the  animal, 
may  justify  a  much  milder  prognosis,  and,  aside  from  their  liability 
to  recur,  may  be  ranked  with  the  comparatively  harmless  affections. 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  381 

Treatment. — So  long  as  the  danger  of  recurrence  is  the  principal 
bad  feature  of  capped  elbow  tlie  nwist  important  consiileraticn  is  that 
of  devising  a  means  ft)r  its  prevention.  To  prevent  the  animal  from 
lying  down  is  evidently  the  simplest  metliod  of  keeping  the  heels  and 
the  elbow  apart;  but  the  impracticability  of  this  piesciiption  is  ap- 
l>arent,  since  most  animals  are  obliged  to  lie  down  when  they  sleep, 
though  it  is  true  that  a  few  take  their  sleep  on  their  feet.  The  (jucs- 
tion  of  shoeing  here  enters  into  the  discussion.  The  shortening  of 
the  inside  branch  of  the  shoe,  which  is  the  one  with  which  the  i)res- 
sure  is  made,  may  be  of  advantage,  and  especially  if  the  truncated  end 
of  the  .shoe  is  smooth  and  filed  over  to  remove  all  possibility  of 
pressure  and  contusion  upon  the  skin.  The  protection  of  the  skin  of 
the  elbow  by  interposing  soft  tissues  between  that  and  the  shoe,  or  by 
bandaging  the  heel  with  l)ags  or  covering  it  with  boots,  is  considered 
by  many  the  l)est  of  the  preventive  methods,  and  the  advantage  to  be 
obtained  by  resorting  to  it  can  not  be  overlooked  when  the  number  of 
horses  which  develop  shoe  boil  whenever  the  use  of  the  boot  is  inter- 
mitted is  considered.  In  order  to  prevent  the  animal  from  assuming 
the  sternal  decubitus,  many  give  preference  to  the  plan  of  fastening 
a  piece  of  wood  across  the  .stall  at  .^omo  distance  from  the  front  wall 
or  manger.  It  is  a  simple  expedient,  primitive,  perhaps,  but  never- 
theless practical,  and  followed  by  good  results. 

The  therapeutic  treatment  is  also  important.  The  edematous 
swelling,  when  recognized  by  its  external  appearance  and  the  existing 
inflammation,  should  be  treated  withojit  delay.  Warm  fomentations, 
repeated  .several  times  daily,  are  then  indicated,  the  degree  of  warmth 
being  as  high  as  can  be  borne  comfortably.  They  are  easily  applied 
and  often  yield  decided  relief  in  a  few  hour.s.  In  some  cases,  how- 
ever, astringents,  in  the  forni  of  poultices  or  pastes,  are  u.sed  in 
preference;  these  are  made  to  cover  the  entire  swelling  and  allowed 
to  remain,  drying  after  a  short  time,  it  is  true,  and  perhaps  falling 
off,  but  are  easily  renewed  and  reapplied.  An  excellent  astringent 
for  these  cases  is  a  putty  made  of  powdered  chalk  and  vinegar  (ace- 
tate of  lime),  and  the  whole  swelling  is  then  covered  with  a  thick 
coating  of  soft  clay  made  into  a  mass  with  water. 

These  simple  remedies  are  often  all  that  is  required.  Under  their 
use  the  swelling  passes  off  by  degrees  and  after  a  short  interval  the 
nnimal  is  fit  for  work  again,  but  not  uncommonly  instead  a  swelling 
develops,  puffy,  not  painful,  and  perhaps  giving  a  sensation  of  crepi- 
tation when  pressure  is  applied  with  the  finger.  It  is  soft,  evidently 
contains  a  liquid,  and  when  freely  opened  with  a  grjod-sized  incision 
discharges  a  certain  quantity  of  blood,  partly  liquid  and  partly  coag- 
ulated, and  perhaps  a  little  hemorrhage  will  follow.  The  cavity 
should  then  be  well  washed  out  and  a  J^lug  of  oakum  intro<lurod, 
leaving  a  small  portion  protruding  through  the  cut  to  prevent   it 


382  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

from  closing  prematurely.  It  may  be  taken  off  the  next  day,  and  a 
daily  cleansing  will  then  be  all  that  is  necessary.  In  another  case 
the  tumor  becomes  very  soft  in  its  whole  extent,  with  evident  fluctua- 
tion and  a  well-defined  form.  The  discharge  of  the  fluid  is  then  indi- 
cated, and  a  free  incision  will  be  followed  by  the  escape  of  a  quantity 
of  thin  yellowish  liquid  from  a  single  sac.  The  wound  should  be 
kept  clean  and  dressed  frequently,  in  order  to  insure  prompt  healing. 
But  if  the  cavity  is  found  to  be  subdivided  in  its  interior  by  numerous 
bands  and  the  cyst  proves  to  be  multilocular  the  partitions  should  be 
torn  out  with  the  fingers  and  the  cavity  then  treated  in  the  same 
manner  as  the  unilocular  sac.  In  still  another  case  the  swelling  may 
be  warm  and  painful  with  indistinct  fluctuation,  or  fluctuation  only 
at  a  certain  point.  This  indicates  an  abscess,  and  necessitates  an 
incision  to  drain  the  pus,  followed  by  the  careful  cleansing  and 
dressing  of  the  wound. 

But  cases  occur  in  which  all  the  treatment  that  has  been  described 
fails  to  effect  a  full  recovery,  and  instead  a  fibrous  tumor  begins  to 
develop.  A  change  of  treatment  is,  of  course,  then  in  order.  The 
inflammation  being  chronic  will  necessitate  stimulating  treatment  of 
the  part  in  order  to  increase  the  process  of  absorption.  "We  must 
again  draw  upon  the  resources  of  experience  in  the  form  of  blisters, 
the  fomentations,  the  iodin,  and  the  mercurial  ointments,  as  hereto- 
fore mentioned.  Good  results  may  always  be  insured  from  their 
judicious  and  timely  administration.  In  applying  the  powerful  min- 
eral inunctions  much  patience  and  wisdom  are  required.  It  should 
be  done  by  carefully  and  perseveringiy  rubbing  in  small  quantities 
daily;  it  should  be  done  softly  and  gently,  not  with  force,  nor  with 
the  expectation  of  producing  an  astonishing  effect  by  heavy  dosing 
and  main  strength  in  a  few  hours ;  it  should  be  after  the  manner  of 
a,  siege  rather  than  that  of  a  charge.  The  object  is  to  induce  the 
drugs  to  permeate  the  affected  part  until  the  entire  mass  is  pene- 
trated. Of  course  cases  will  be  encountered  which  resist  all  forms 
of  medical  treatment.  The  tumor  remains  as  a  fixed  fact;  it  con- 
tinues to  grow ;  it  is  large  and  pendulous  at  the  elbow ;  its  weight  is 
estimated  in  pounds;  it  is  not  an  eyesore  merely,  but  an  uncomfort- 
able, burdensome  mass,  excoriating  all  the  surrounding  parts  and 
being  itself  excoriated  in  turn :  mild  treatment  has  failed  and  is  no 
longer  to  be  relied  on. 

Resort  must  now  be  made  to  surgical  methods,  and  here  again  we 
must  choose  between  the  ligature,  the  cauterj- ,  and  the  knife.  Each 
has  its  advocates  among  practitioners.  In  a  case  like  the  present,  one 
of  the  difficulties  arises  in  connection  with  the  application  and  reten- 
tion of  bandages  and  other  dressings  after  the  amputation  has  been 
performed.  It  is  a  somewhat  difficult  problem,  owing  to  the  con- 
formation and  proportions  of  the  body  of  the  patient,  and  involves 


lameness:  its  causes  and  treatment.  383 

the  exercise  of  considerable  practical  ingenuity  to  ailjust  and  retain 
the  appliances  necessary  to  insure  a  jjood  tinal  result. 

In  the  lonj^  description  of  the  treatment  of  the  varieties  of  cupped 
elbow  I  have  thus  far  omitted  any  mention  of  one  method  which  is 
practiced  and  commemleil  by  not  a  few.  I  refer  to  the  use  of  setons, 
introduced  throuji^h  the  tumor.  My  own  experience  and  the  observa- 
tion of  many  failures  from  this  method  led  mo  to  abandon  it. 

CAPPED    KNEE. 

The  passage  of  the  tendons  of  the  extensor  muscle  of  the  cannon,  as 
it  glides  in  front  of  the  knee  joint,  is  assisted  by  one  of  the  little 
bursie  Ijefore  mentioned,  and  when  this  becomes  the  seat  of  dropsiial 
collection  a  hygroma  is  formed  and  the  knee  is  "  capi>ed."  Though 
in  its  history  somewhat  analogous  to  the  capped  elbow,  there  are 
points  of  dillerence  between  them.  Their  development  may  prove  a 
source  of  great  annoyance  from  the  fact  of  the  blemish  which  they 
constitute. 

Cause. — The  capped  knee  presents  itself  under  various  conditions. 
It  is  sometimes  the  result  of  a  bruise  or  contusion,  often  repeated, 
inflicted  upon  himself  by  a  horse  addicted  to  the  habit  of  pawing 
while  in  the  stable  and  striking  the  front  of  the  stall  with  his  knees. 
Another  class  of  patients  is  formed  of  those  weak-kneed  animals 
which  are  subject  to  falling  and  bruising  the  front  of  the  joint 
against  the  ground,  the  results  no  being  always  of  the  same  character. 

Symptoms. — The  lesion  may  be  a  simple  bruise,  or  it  may  be  a 
severe  contusion  with  swelling,  edema,  heat,  and  pain.  The  joint 
becomes  so  still'  and  rigid  that  it  interferes  with  locomotion  and  yet 
under  careful  simple  treatment  the  trouble  may  disappear. 

Again,  instead  of  altogether  passing  off.  the  edema  may  diminish 
in  extent,  becoming  more  defined  in  form  and  may  remain  as  a  swell- 
ing on  the  front  part  of  the  knee.  Resulting  from  the  crushing  of 
small  blood  vessels,  this  is  necessai-ily  full  of  blood.  The  swelling  is 
somewhat  soft,  diffuse,  not  painful,  more  or  less  fluctuating,  and 
after  a  few  days  becomes  crepitant  under  the  pressure  of  the  hand. 

Instead  of  being  filled  with  blood  the  swelling  may  l>e  full  of 
serum,  as  often  occurs  when  violence,  though  perhaj)s  slight,  has  been 
frequently  re|H'ated.  In  that  case  the  swelling  is  generally  well  de- 
fined, s<^)ft.  and  [)ainless.  with  more  or  less  fluctuation,  and  it  may 
e\en  become  pendulou.-.  In  other  cases  the  swelling  nuiy  be  of  an 
acute,  inflammatory  nature,  with  heat  and  pain,  accompanied  with 
stiffness  of  the  joint.  This  leads  to  the  formation  of  an  abscess. 
Whatever  the  nature  of  these  swellings  may  be,  either  fidl  of  blood, 
serum,  or  pus,  some  blemish  usually  remains  after  treatment. 

Prorjnottist. — Though  simple  bruises  of  the  knee  without  extensive 
lesions  are  usually  of  trilling  account,  a  ditferent  prognosis  must  be 


384  DISEASES    OF    THE   HOESE. 

pronounced  when  the  lesion  assumes  more  important  dimensions,  and 
though  a  capped  knee  may  be  comparatively  of  little  importance  we 
have  seen  cases  in  which  not  only  extensive  blemishes  were  left  to 
disfigure  the  patient,  but  the  animals  had  become  Avorthless  in  con- 
sequence of  the  extension  of  the  diseased  process  to  the  various  ele- 
ments composing  the  joint,  and  giving  rise  to  the  most  complicated 
cases  of  carpitis. 

Treatment. — Usually  the  first  symptom  of  trouble  is  the  edemat- 
ous sw^elling  on  the  front  of  the  "  knee."  The  prevention  of  the  in- 
flammation and  consequently  of  the  abscess,  is  the  prime  object  in 
view,  and  it  may  be  realized  by  the  use  of  warm-w^ater  fomentations 
or  compresses  applied  over  the  swelling,  which  may  be  used  either  in 
a  simple  form  or  combined  with  astringents,  such  as  Goulard's  ex- 
tract, alum,  or  sulphate  of  zinc.  The  application  of  warm  poultices 
of  oil  meal  or  ground  flaxseed,  enveloping  the  whole  joint  and  kept 
in  place  by  bandages,  is  often  followed  by  absorption  of  the  swelling, 
or,  if  the  abscess  is  in  process  of  formation,  by  the  active  excretion  of 
pus.  If  an  abscess  forms  in  spite  of  these  precautions  it  may  be 
treated  surgically  in  several  waj^s. 

In  one  it  should  be  done  by  a  careful  incision,  which  will  allow  the 
escape  of  the  blood  or  the  serum,  or  of  the  pus  which  is  inclosed  in 
the  sac ;  in  another  it  may  be  by  means  of  a  seton,  in  order  that  the 
discharge  may  be  maintained  and  allowed  to  escape ;  for  another  we 
may  adopt  the  more  cautious  manner  of  emptying  the  cavity  by 
means  of  punctures  with  small  trocars  or  aspirators.  The  danger 
attending  this  last  method  arises  from  the  possible  sloughing  of  large 
portions  of  the  skin,  while  that  attending  the  first  is  the  hazard  of  the 
possibility  of  the  extension  of  the  infliimmation  to  the  capsular  liga- 
ment of  the  Imee,  with  the  possibility  of  an  open  joint  in  prospect. 

As  we  have  remarked,  the  cavity  after  being  emptied  may  rapidly 
close  and  leave  in  a  short  time  but  slight  traces  of  its  previous  exist- 
ence. But  in  many,  if  not  in  most  cases,  there  will  remain,  after 
the  cicatrization  is  complete,  a  thickening  or  organized  exudation  at 
one  time  round  and  well  defined,  at  another  spreading  by  a  diffused 
infiltration,  to  which  it  will  be  necessary  to  give  immediate  atten- 
tion, from  the  fact  of  its  tendency  to  form  into  an  organized  and 
permanent  body.  To  stimulate  inflammation  in  this  diseased  struc- 
ture, blisters  are  recommended,  but  chiefly  for  the  purpose  of  promot- 
ing the  process  of  absorption. 

If  this  treatment  fails,  the  use  of  iodin  and  mercurial  preparations 
is  recommended. 

Plain  mercurial  or  plain  iodin  ointment,  or  both  in  combination  as 
iodid  of  mercury,  are  commonly  used,  and  may  be  applied  either 
moderately  and  by  gentle  degrees,  as  we  have  suggested,  or  more 
freely  and  vigorously  with  a  view  to  more  immediate  effects,  which, 


LAMli^ESS:    MS    CAUSES    AND    TRK-\TMENT.  385 

however,  will  iilso  be  moi'e  superficisil.  The  use  of  the  filing  irim 
jipplied  deej)!}'  with  fine  points  is  then  to  be  strongly  recoiniiiended, 
to  be  followed  by  blistei-s  and  various  liniments.  This  course  may 
•Generally  be  relied  on  as  <iuit<'  sure  to  be  followed  by  satisfactory 
results. 

While  the  treatment  is  in  progress  it  will,  of  coui-se,  be  necessary 
to  secure  the  aninjal  in  such  manner  that  a  recurrence  of  the  injury 
will  Ix!  impossible  from  simihir  causos  to  those  which  were  previously 
responsible. 

CAPPED   HOCK. 

A  bad  hal)it  of  rubbing  (  r  striUing  the  partitions  of  their  stalls 
with  their  iiocks  prevails  among  s«  uie  horses,  with  the  result  of  an 
injury  which  shows  itself  on  the  upper  points  of  those  liones,  the 
sunnnit  of  the  (  s  calcis.  From  its  analogy  to  the  condition  of  capped 
elbow  the  designation  of  capped  hock  has  been  applied  to  this  con- 
dition. 

^t/mptums. — A  capped  hock  is  therefore  but  the  development  of  a 
bruise  at  the  pr,int  of  the  heck,  which  if  many  times  repeated  may 
excite  aji  inflammatory  proce.ss,  with  all  its  usual  external  symptoms 
of  swelling,  heat,  soreness,  and  the  rest  of  the  now-familiar  phenom- 
ena. The  swelling  is  at  iii>;t  dill'used,  extending  more  or  less  on  the 
exterior  pa  it  of  the  hock,  and  in  a  few  instances  running  up  along 
the  tendons  and  muscles  of  the  back  of  the  shank.  Soon,  however, 
unless  the  initating  causes  are  continued  and  lepeated,  the  edema 
diminishes,  and.  becon)ing  moie  defined  in  its  external  outlines,  leaves 
the  hock  cai)})ed  with  a  hygroma.  The  hygroma,  at  the  very  begin- 
ning of  the  trouble,  contains  a  bloody  serositv  which  soon  becomes 
strictly  serum,  and  this,  through  the  influence  of  an  acute  inflanmia- 
tory  action,  is  liable  to  undergo  a  cliange  which  convei-ts  it  into  the 
usual  purident  product  of  suj)puration. 

The  external  appejirance  ought  to  be  suflicient  to  determine  the 
diagnosis,  but  thei-e  are  a  few  signs  which  may  contribute  toward  a 
nicer  identification  of  tlie  lesion.  The  capjH'd  hock,  wiiether  under 
the  appejirance  of  an  acute,  edematous  swelling,  or  as  a  bloody  serous 
collection,  or  as  a  simple  mmous  cv.st.  does  not  give  rise  to  any  remai'k- 
able  local  manifestation  other  than  such  as  have  already  passed  under 
our  survey  in  considering  similar  ca.ses,  nor  will  it  be  liable  to  inter- 
fere with  tlie  functions  which  belong  to  the  member  in  <^iuestion,  un- 
less it  assumes  very  large  dimensions  and  on  each  side  of  the  tendons, 
as  well  as  on  the  summit  of  the  bone,  lint  if  the  inflammation  is 
quite  high,  if  supjmration  is  developing,  if  there  is  a  true  absco&s, 
or — and  this  is  a  common  comjilication — especially  when  the  kicking 
or  rubbing  of  the  animal  is  fre<iuently  recurring,  then,  bcside-s  the 
3G4+r— 10 '2o 


386  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE, 

local  trouble  of  the  cyst  or  of  the  abscess,  the  bones  become  diseased 
and  the  periosteum  inflamed ;  perhaps  the  superior  ends  of  the  bone 
and  its  fibro-cartilage  become  affected,  and  a  simple  lesion  or  bruise, 
whatever  it  may  have  been,  becomes  complicated  with  periostitis  and 
ostitis,  and  is  naturally  accompanied  with  lameness,  developed  in  a 
greater  or  less  degree,  which  in  some  cases  may  be  permanent  and 
in  others  increased  by  work.  These  complications,  however,  are  not 
common  or  frequent. 

Treatrnent. — Capped  hocks  are  in  many  cases  amenable  to  treat- 
ment, and  yet  they  often  become  the  opprobrium  of  the  practioner 
by  remaining,  as  they  frequently  do,  an  eyesore  on  the  top  of  the 
hock;  they  do  not  interfere,  it  is  true,  with  the  work  of  the  horse, 
but  fixing  upon  him  the  stigma  of  what,  in  human  estimation,  is  a 
most  unreliable  and  objectionable  reputation,  to  w^it,  that  of  being 
an  habitual  "  kicker,"  and,  worse  than  all,  one  that  kicks  when  fed. 

The  maxim  that  "  an  ounce  of  prevention  is  worth  a  pound  of 
cure  "  fits  the  present  case  very  neatly.  A  horse  whose  hocks  have  a 
somew^hat  puffy  look  and  whose  skin  on  the  front  of  the  hock  is  loose 
and  flabby,  justly  subjects  himself  to  a  suspicion  of  addictedness  to 
this  bad  habit,  but  a  little  watching  will  soon  establish  the  truth. 
If,  then,  the  verdict  is  one  of  conviction,  precautions  should  be  imme- 
diately adopted  against  a  continuance  of  the  evil.  The  padding  of 
the  sides  of  the  stall  with  straw  mats  or  mattresses  and  covering  the 
posts  with  similar  material,  in  such  manner  as  to  expose  no  hard 
surface  with  which  to  come  in  contact,  will  reduce  the  evil  to  its 
minimum.  The  animal  may  jar  his  frame  when  he  kicks,  but  even 
then  there  will  be  less  force  in  the  concussion  than  if  it  impinged 
upon  the  solid  plank,  and  cuts  and  abrasions  can  not  be  inflicted  by 
a  properly  made  cushion.  Hobbles  are  also  rightly  recommended 
with  a  view  to  the  required  restraint  of  motion,  so  applied  as  to  se- 
cure the  leg  with  which  the  kicking  is  performed,  or  even  both  hind 
legs,  in  such  manner  as  not  to  interfere  with  the  movement  of  lying 
down  and  rising  again  and  yet  preventing  that  of  kicking  backward. 
Boots  similar  in  pattern  to  those  which  are  used  for  the  prevention 
of  shoe  boil  are  also  prescribed.  These  are  placed  above  the  hock 
and  retained  by  straps  tightly  fastened.  We  apprehend,  however, 
that  the  difficulty  of  retaining  them  in  the  proper  place  without  the 
danger  of  chafing  from  the  tightness  of  the  straps  may  form  an 
objection  to  their  use.  Notwithstanding  all  precautions,  hocks  will 
be  capped  in  the  future  as  in  the  past,  and  the  study  of  their  treat- 
ment will  always  be  in  order. 

The  mode  of  dealing  with  them  will,  of  course,  be  greatly  influ- 
enced by  the  condition  of  the  parts.  When  the  inflammation  is 
excessive  and  the  swelling  large,  hot,  and  painful  to  the  touch,  the 
application  of  warm  w^ater  wall  be  very  painful.     The  leg  should  be 


lameness:  its  calses  and  tkeatment.  887 

well  loinenttHl  .several  times  a  ilay,  for  from  1"»  to  :iO  iuiiuile>  each 
time,  a  stronjjr  decoction  of  marsh-mallow  leaves  liciii<;  ailded  to  the 
water,  and  after  each  application  swathed  with  llaiintl  handai^es 
soalced  in  the  same  warm  mixtuie.  A  few  days  of  this  treatment 
will  usually  effect  a  resohitit)n  of  the  inflamnuition :  if  not  complete, 
at  least  sutliciently  so  to  disclose  the  correct  outlines  of  the  hygroma 
and  exhihit  its  iH'culiar  and  specific  symptoms.  The  expediency  <d' 
its  removal  and  the  method  of  accomj)lishin^  it  are  then  to  he  con- 
sidered, with  the  question  of  opening  it  to  give  exit  to  its  contents. 
If  the  fluid  is  of  a  purulent  character,  the  indication  is  in  favor  of 
its  immediate  discharge.  Xo  time  .should  l)e  lost,  ami  it  should  l»e 
by  means  of  a  small  opening  made  w  ith  a  narrow  bi.stoury.  If,  how- 
ever, the  fluid  is  a  serosity,  we  prefer  to  remove  it  by  punctures  with 
a  very  snudl  trocar.  Our  reason  for  special  caution  in  these  cases  is 
our  fear  of  the  possibility  of  the  existence  of  diseased  conditions  of 
a  severe  character  in  the  pseudo  joint.  For  the  same  reason  we 
prefer  the  treatment  of  those  growths  by  external  ai)plications.  In 
the  first  stages  of  the  disease  a  severe  and  stiff  blister,  such  as  the 
cantharidate  of  collodium,  entirely  covering  the  cyst,  j^erhaps  not 
yet  completely  formed,  when  the  inllammation  has  subsided,  will  be 
of  great  l)enefit  by  its  stimulating  effect,  the  absorption  it  may  excite, 
and  the  pre.ssure  which,  when  dry.  it  will  maintain  upon  the  tumor. 
If,  however,  the  thickening  of  the  growth  fails  to  dimiiii.sh,  it  should 
l)e  treated  with  some  of  the  iodin  preparations  in  the  form  of  oint- 
ments, pure  or  in  combination  with  potassium,  mercury,  etc.,  of 
various  strengths  and  in  various  i)roportions.  My  <)[)inion  of  setons 
is  not  favorable,  but  the  actual  cautery,  by  deep  and  tine  firing,  in 
points — needle  cauterization — I  believe  to  be  the  best  mode  of  treat- 
ment, and  especially  when  ai)plied  early. 

A  very  satisfactory  way  to  treat  these  cases  iij  to  burst  the  swelling 
by  pressure  from  without.  A  .strap  or  strong  linen  bandage  is  i)laced 
aix>ut  the  hock,  pre.ssing  on  the  buisa,  while  the  alfected  leg  is  on 
the  ground,  the  other  hind  foot  being  lifted  up.  When  the  l)andage 
is  in  place  the  leg  should  be  released,  and  the  hoi-.se  will  violentiv 
flex  the  bandaged  limb  and  produce  pre.ssure  on  the  bursa,  with 
oon.se<|uent  bursting  and  discharging  of  its  content.s. 

Whatever  treatment   may  be   adopted   for  capped   hock,   patiejice 
mu.st  be  one  of  the  ingredient.s.     In  these  parts  absorption  is  slow, 
the  skin  is  very  thick,  and  its  return  to  a  .soft,  j)liable,  natural  condi 
tion,  if  effected  at  all,  will  take  place  only  after  w»'ek<  added  to  other 
weeks  of  medical  treatment  an<l  patient  waiting. 

INTERFERING,  AND  SPEEDY  CUTS. 

The^e  designations  belong  to  certain  special    inji^.ries  of  the  ex 
tremities,  produced  by  similar  caust's,  giving  rise  to  kindred  patho- 


388  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

logical  lesions  with  allied  phenomena,  requiring  about  the  same  treat- 
ment and  often  followed  by  the  same  results,  to  wit,  a  blemish  which 
may  not  only  subject  the  animal  to  a  suspicion  of  unsoundness,  but 
in  some  special  circumstances  may  interfere  with  his  ability  to  labor. 
It  is  known  as  "  interfering  "  when  the  location  of  the  trouble  is  the 
inside  of  the  fetlock  of  either  the  fore  or  hind  leg.  It  is  called 
"  speedy  cut "  when  it  occurs  on  the  inside  of  the  fore  leg,  a  little 
below  the  knee,  at  the  point  of  contact  of  that  joint  with  the  cannon. 
It  is  always  the  result  of  a  blow,  self-inflict«d,  of  varying  severity, 
and  giving  rise  to  A^arious  lesions.     (See  also  p.  399.) 

Sympfo7ns. — At  times  the   injury   is  too   slight  to  be  seriously 
noticed,  the  hair  being  scarcely  cut  and  the  sldn  unmarked.    At  other 
times  the  skin  will  be  cut  through,  partlj^  or  wholly,  and  it  may  for 
the  time  cause  sufficient  pain  to  check  the  motion  of  the  animal  and 
induce  him  to  suspened  his  labor  through  his  inability  to  use  the 
wounded  limb,  traveling  meanwhile  for  a  short  space  on  three  legs 
only.     Sometimes  a  single  blow  will  suffice,  or  again  there  will  be  a 
repetition  of  lighter  strokes.    In  the  latter  case  the  parts  will  become 
much  swollen,  hot,  and  so  painful  to  the  touch  that  the  motion  of 
the  knee  or  the  fetlock  will  be  sufficiently  disturbed  to  cause  lame- 
ness of  a  degree  of  severity  corresponding  to  that  of  the  lesion.    Fol- 
lowing the  subsidence  of  this  diffused  and  edematous  swelling  is 
sometimes  the  formation  of  a  tumor,  either  at  the  knee  or  the  fetlock. 
This  may  be  soft  at  first  or  become  so  by  degrees,  with  fluctuation, 
its  contents  being  at  first  extravasted  blood,  and  later  a  serosity ;  or, 
if  there  has  been  a  sufficient  degree  of  inflammation,  it  may  become 
suppurative.     The  result  of  the  fault  of  interfering  may  thus  be 
exhibited,  whether  at  the  knee  or  at  the  fetlock,  as  characterized  by 
all  the  pathological  conditions  which  have  appeared  as  accompani- 
ments of  capped  laiee  or  capped  hock.    If,  in  consequence  of  the  force 
of  the  blow  or  blows,  the  inflammation  has  been  usually  severe,  a 
mortification  of  the  skin  may  become  one  of  the  consequences,  a  slough 
talring  place,  succeeded  by  a  cutaneous  ulcer  on  the  inside  of  the  fet- 
lock or  when  the  greater  number  of  the  original  wounds  are  inflicted. 
If  the  interfering  has  been  often  repeated  it  may  be  followed  by 
another  condition,  which  has  been  considered  in  our  remarks  upon 
other' affections.    It  is  a  plastic  exudation  or  thickening  of  the  pa.rts, 
which  are  commonly  said  to  have  become  "callous,"  and  the  effect 
of  it  is  to  destroy  the  regularity  of  the  outlines  of  the  joint  to  an  ex- 
tent which  constitutes  a  serious  blemish,  Avhich  will  be  permanent, 
and  according  to  the  degree  of  the  aberration  from  the  natural  and 
symmetrical  lines  will  enevitably  depreciate  the  commercial  value  of 
the  animal. 

An  animal  in  interfering  may  thus  exhibit  a  range  of  symptoms 
which  from  the  simplest  form  of  a  mere  "  touching."  may  succes- 


lameness:  its  causes  and  tkeatmext.  389 

sively  assiuue  the  serious  characters  of  an  ugly  cicatrix,  a  hard, 
phistic  swelling,  or  perhaps,  as  witnessed  at  the  knee,  of  periostitis 
with  its  sequelie. 

If  a  single  and  constantly  recurring  cause — a  blow — is  tiie  starting 
point  in  interfering,  we  may  now  consider  the  subject  of  the  predis- 
position Avhich  brings  such  serious  results  upon  the  sullering  animal, 
and  the  conditions  which  lead  to  and  ac<'ompany  it.  These  are 
numerous,  but  the  lirst  in  fretpiency  and  importance  is  peculiarity 
of  conformation  in  the  animals  addicted  to  it.  The  first  class  will 
include  horses  whose  chests  are  narit)W  and  whose  legs  do  not  stand 
straight  and  upright,  but  are  ciooked  and  pigeon-toed  in  and  out. 
The  second  class  includes  tliose  whose  legs  are  weak,  either  from 
youth  ov  hard  labor,  or  from  severe  attacks  of  sickness.  Another 
class  is  made  up  of  those  ha\  ing  abnormally  developed  feet,  or  which 
have  been  badly  shod  with  unnecessarily  wide  or  heavy  shoes.  An- 
other class  consists  of  those  that  are  alVected  with  swollen  fetlocks  or 
chronic,  edematous  swelling  of  the  leg.  Another  is  formed  of  ani- 
mals with  a  peculiar  action,  as  those  whose  knee  action  is  very  high, 
and  it  is  these  that  furnish  most  of  the  cases  of  speedy  cut. 

ProynosU. — The  ])rognosis  of  interfenng  is  never  a  very  serious 
one.  However  violent  the  blow-  ma}'  be  it  is  rarely  that  subsequent 
complications  of  a  troublesome  nature  occur.  The  principal  evil 
attending  it  is  a  liability  to  be  followed  by  a  thickened  or  callous 
deposit  which  is  not  only  an  eyesore  and  a  blemish,  but  constitutes  a 
new  juid  increased  predisi>osition.  The  remark  that  *'  an  animal 
which  has  interfered  once  is  always  liable  to  interfere,"  is  often  con- 
firmed and  sanctioned  by  a  recurrence  of  the  tiouble. 

Tnatm^nt. — Another  point  in  which  there  is  a  resemblance  between 
this  lesion  and  others  which  we  ha\e  consitlered  iy  in  its  responsive- 
ness to  the  same  treatment  with  them.  Indeed,  the  prescription  of 
warm  fomentations,  soothing  applications,  and  astringent  and  re- 
H^ilvent  mixtures,  in  a  njajfu-ity  of  cases,  is  the  first  that  occurs  all 
through  the  list.  If  the  swelling  assumes  the  character  of  a  serous 
collection,  pressure,  c«:ld  wat<M-,  and  bandages  will  contribute  to  its 
removal.  If  suppuration  seems  to  be  establi.shed  and  the  swelling 
a.ssumes  the  character  of  a  developing  abscess,  hot  poultices  of  flax- 
seed or  of  boiled  vegetables  and  the  embrocations  of  sedatixe  oint- 
ments, those  of  basilicon,  or  vaseline,  impregnated  with  preparations 
of  opium  or  belladonna — all  these  recommend  themselves  by  their 
general  adaj^tation  and  the  beneficial  results  which  have  followed 
their  admini.straticn,  not  less  in  one  case  than  in  another.  "\\  hen  an 
abscess  has  formed  and  is  fluctuating,  it  .should  be  carefully  but  fully 
opened  to  evacuate  the  pu.s.  If  it  is  a  serous  cyst,  some  care  is  neces- 
sary in  emptyiuL^  it.  and  the  ])os^ibility  of  the  extension  of  the  in- 
flammation to  the  joint  nnist  be  taken  into  consideration.     "When  the 


390  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

cavities  have  been  emptied  and  have  closed  by  filling  up  with  granu- 
lations, or  if,  not  being  opened,  the  contents  have  been  reabsorbed, 
and  there  remains  in  either  case  a  plastic  exudation  and  a  tendency 
to  the  callous  organization  that  may  yet  exist,  blisters  under  their 
various  forms,  including  those  of  cantharides,  of  mercury,  and  of 
iodin,  are  then  indicated,  principally  in  the  early  stages,  as  it  is  then 
that  their  effects  will  prove  most  satisfactory.  The  use  of  the  actual 
cautery,  with  fine  points,  penetrating  deeply  throughout  the  enlarge- 
ment, has  in  our  hands,  when  used  in  the  very  early  stages  of  its  for- 
mation, nearly  always  brought  on  a  radical  recovery  with  complete 
absorption  of  the  thickening. 

STRINGHALT. 

This  is  an  involuntary  movement  of  one  or  both  hind  legs,  in  which 
the  foot  is  suddenly  and  spasmodically  lifted  from  the  ground  much 
higher  than  it  is  normally  carried,  with  excessive  flexion  of  one  bone 
upon  the  other.  This  peculiarity  is  usually  prominent,  although  it 
may  disappear  with  work,  only  to  reappear  after  a  short  rest.  Some- 
times it  is  most  apparent  at  a  trot,  sometimes  at  a  walk,  and  other 
times  only  when  turned  around ;  or  it  may  not  be  affected  by  the  gait, 
of  the  horse.  It  does  not  seem  to  be  influenced  by  the  horse's  ago, 
young  and  old  being  alike  affected.  Its  first  manifestations  are  some- 
times very  slight.  It  has  been  noticed  as  occurring  in  an  animal 
when  backing  out  of  his  stable  and  ceasing  immediately  after.  In 
some  animals  it  is  best  seen  when  the  animal  is  turning  around  on 
the  affected  leg,  and  it  is  not  noticed  when  he  moves  straight  for- 
ward. That  this  peculiar  action  interferes  with  facility  of  locomo- 
tion and  detracts  from  a  horse's  claim  to  soundness  can  not  for  a 
moment  be  denied. 

Cause. — Veterinarians  and  pathologists  are  yet  in  doubt  in  respect 
to  the  cause  of  this  affection,  as  well  as  to  its  essential  nature. 
Whether  it  results  from  disease  of  the  hock,  of  an  ulcerative  charac- 
ter ;  whether  it  springs  from  a  malformation ;  whether  it  is  a  short- 
ening of  the  ligaments,  a  chronic  inflammation  of  the  sciatic  nerve,  or 
a  disease  of  the  spinal  cord ;  whether  it  is  purely  a  muscular  or  purely 
a  nervous  lesion,  or  a  compound  of  both- — it  still  continues,  if  an 
etiologist  is  bound  to  possess  universal  knowledge  within  the  scope  of 
his  special  studies,  to  be  his  reproach  and  his  puzzle. 

Treatment. — When  there  is  a  loiown  or  suspected  cause  the  treat- 
ment should  be  directed  toward  this  factor.  If  due  to  local  inflamma- 
tion of  the  hock  or  foot,  only  this  local  lesion  should  be  treated.  If 
it  remains  after  the  local  lesion  has  healed,  or  if  we  have  no  as.sign- 
a])le  cause,  the  best  results  have  followed  the  sectioning  of  the  lateral 
extensor  of  the  foot.  A  competent  veterinarian  alone  should  imder- 
take  this  operation. 


lameness:  its  caisks  and   i  isia  imknt.  391 

thrombosis. 

Tlicre  lilt'  certain  forms  of  lameness  which  are  \ery  jH.'cuIiar  in 
theii-  manifesttttion,  and  which  to  the  nnnprofessional  mind  must 
appear  to  belonjr  to  the  domain  of  njystery  or  theory  instead  of  oc- 
cupying u  well-establisljed  position  anion*;  the  subjects  of  equine 
patholoiry.  Vet  they  are  no  less  susceptible  of  actual  demonstration 
and  <d"  positi\e  coniprchfiision  thiui  many  facts  whidi,  plain  and 
familiar  to  the  fieneral  understanding  now,  were  once  ranked  among 
things  occult  and  unsearchable.  A  throml)Us.  considered  as  a  cause  of 
lameness,  may  find  a  place  among  these  undeistood  mystei'ies. 

('<ntf<c. — Under  certain  peculiar  conditions  ai  inflammation  of  the 
bl(X)d  vessels,  and  also  in  aneurisms,  clots  of  blood  are  sometimes 
formed  in  the  arteries  and  find  their  way  in  the  general  circulation. 
At  first,  while  very  small,  or  siifliciently  so  to  pass  from  one  vessel  to 
another,  they  move  from  a  small  vessel  to  a  larger,  and  from  that  to 
one  still  larger,  constantly  increasing  in  size  until  at  some  given  point, 
from  tlieii-  inability  to  enter  smaller  vessels,  their  movement  is 
finally  arrested.  The  artery  is  thus  effectually  (himmed,  and  the  clot 
in  a  short  time  cuts  off  completely  the  sui:)i)ly  of  blood  from  the  parts 
beyond.  This  is  thrombosis,  and  it  often  gives  rise  to  sudden  and 
exces.sive  lameness  of  a  very  painful  character. 

'^iimptomx. — Thrombi  may  form  in  any  of  the  arteiies,  and  doubt- 
le.ss  have  been  the  cause  of  many  ca.ses  of  lameness  which  could  never 
be  accounted  for.  If  they  exist  in  small  arteries  their  diagnosis  will 
probably  fail  to  be  made  out  with  certainty,  but  when  situated  in 
the  larger  trunks  a  strong  suspicion  of  their  jire.sence  may  be  excited- 
Tn  some  cases  they  may  even  be  recognized  with  possitive  accuracy, 
as  when  the  vessels  which  supply  the  posterior  extremities  are  aflFected 
by  the  blocking  up  of  the  posteiior  aoita  or  its  ramifications. 

The  exis-tence  of  thrombosis  of  the  arteries  of  the  hind  leg  may 
always  l)e  suspected  when  the  following  history  is  known:  The  gen- 
eral health  of  the  animal  is  good,  but  symptoms  of  lameness  in  one  of 
the  legs  have  been  <leveloped,  becoming  more  marked  as  he  is  worked, 
and  especially  when  driven  at  a  fast  gait.  But  the  disturbance  is  not 
permanent,  and  the  lameness  di.sai)pears  almost  imme<liately  after  a 
rest.  There  is  an  increase  of  tlie  difliculty,  however,  and.  though  the 
aniuii^l  may  walk  normally,  he  will,  when  made  to  trot,  verv  soon 
l>egin  to  slacken  his  pace  and  to  show  siirnx  of  the  trouble,  and  if 
urgefl  to  increase  his  speed  will  become  lamer  and  lamer;  an  abundant 
perspiration  will  break  out;  he  will  refu.se  to  go.  and  if  forced  he 
shows  we^iknesH  behind,  seems  ready  to  fall,  and  perhai)s  does  fall. 
^^'hile  on  his  feet  the  leg  is  kept  in  con.stant  motion,  up  and  down, 
and  is  ke]>t  from  the  ground  as  if  the  contact  were  too  painful  to 
bear.  If  undi.sturbed  this  .series  of  .symjitoms  will  gradually  .subside, 
sometimes  very  soon,  and  occasionally  after  a   few  hours  he  will 


392  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

return  to  an  apparently  perfect  conditiuii.     A  return  to  labor  will 
lead  to  a  renewal  of  the  same  incidents. 

A  history  like  this  suggests  a  strong  suspicion  of  a  thrombus  in  an 
artery  of  the  hind  leg,  and  this  suspicion  will  be  confirmed  by  the 
external  symptoms  exhibited  by  the  animal.  The  total  absence  of 
anj'  other  disease  which  might  account  for  the  lameness,  and  a  mani- 
fest diminution  of  heat  over  a  part  or  the  whole  of  the  extremity, 
when  compared  with  the  opposite  side  or  with  any  other  portion  of 
the  body;  a  sensation  of  cold  attendant  on  the  pain,  but  gradually 
subsiding  as  the  pain  subsides,  and  the  circulation,  quickened  by  the 
rest,  has  been  reestablished  throughout  the  extremity;  all  these  are 
confirmatory  circumstances.  Still,  it  is  thus  far  only  a  suspicion,  and 
absolute  certainty  is  yet  wanting.  To  establish  the  truth  of  the  case 
the  rectal  exploration  must  be  resorted  to.  The  hands  then,  well  pre- 
pared and  carefully  introduced  into  the  rectum,  must  explore  for  the 
truth,  first  feeling  for  the  large  blood  vessels  which,  divided  at  the 
aorta,  separate  to  supply  the  right  and  left  legs.  These  must  be  com- 
pared in  respect  to  the  pulsation  and  other  particulars.  The  artery 
which  is  healthy  will,  of  course,  exhibit  all  the  proper  conditions  of 
that  state.  On  the  other  hand,  if  the  vessel  appears  to  the  feel  hard, 
more  or  less  cordy,  and  pulseless,  or  giving  a  sensation  of  fluttering, 
as  of  a  small  volume  of  blood  w4th  a  trickling  motion  passing  through 
a  confined  space,  the  difference  between  the  sides  will  make  the  case 
plain.  The  first  will  be  the  full  flow  of  the  circulation  through  an 
imobstructed  channel,  the  other  a  forced  passage  of  the  fluid  between 
the  thrombus  and  the  coats  of  the  artery.  In  such  case  the  prog- 
nosis is  necessarily  a  gi-ave  one  and  the  disease  is  more  liable  to  grow 
worse  than  better. 

Treatment. — No  form  of  treatment  can  be  advised;  the  suffering 
of  a  helpless  and  useless  animal  can  only  be  terminated  by  that 
which  ends  all. 

Cases  occur,  however,  Mdiere  this  condition  of  the  blood  vessels 
exists  in  a  much  less  degi-ee,  and  the  diseased  condition  is  not  suf- 
ficiently pronounced  for  final  condemnation.  There  may  even  be 
a  possibility  of  the  absorption  of  the  clot,  or  that  an  increase  of  the 
collateral  circulation  may  be  sufficient  to  supply  the  parts  with  blood. 
In  such  cases  spontaneous  recovery  may  follow  moderate  exercise  in 
the  pasture,  field,  or  staUe.  or  continuous  light  work  may  be  given, 
but  too  much  hope  should  not  be  placed  in  such  treatment. 

SPRAINS  OF  THE   LOINS. 

This  is  an  aff'ection  which  suggests  to  the  mind  the  idea  of  mus- 
cular injury,  and  is  difficult  to  distinguish  from  many  similar  cases. 
If  the  animal  shrinks  from  the  slightest  pressure  or  pinching  of  the 
spine  in  the  region  of  the  loins,  he  is  by  many  pronounced  to  be 


i,AMi:Ni:ss:  its  causes  and  thkatmknt.  393 

'•  lame  in  the  loins,"  or  '*  spiaineil  in  the  loins,"  or  "  weak  in  the 
kidneys."  This  is  a  grave  error,  as  in  fact  this  simple  and  gentle 
yielding  to  such  u  pressure  is  not  a  i)athologieal  sign,  hut  is  normal 
anil  significant  of  health.  Yet  tiiere  are  several  conditions  to  which 
the  detinition  of  '"sprains  of  the  loins"  nmy  apply  which  are  not 
stnctly  normal. 

Cause. — The  muscles  of  the  back  anil  ihrse  of  the  loins  }noper,  as 
the  psoas,  may  have  been  injured,  or  again  there  nray  be  trouble  of  a 
rheumatic  nature,  perhaps  suggestive  of  linnbago.  Diseases  of  the 
bones  <;f  the  vertebral  column,  or  even  those  of  the  organs  of  circula- 
tion, may  give  rise  to  an  exhibition  of  simihir  symptoms. 

i:>ymptom8. — The  symptoms  are  characteristic  of  a  loss  of  rigidity 
or  firmness  of  tlie  vertebral  colunm,  both  >vhen  the  animal  is  at  rest 
and  in  action.  In  the  former  condition,  <  r  when  at  rest,  there  is  an 
arched  condition  of  the  back  anil  a  constrained  posture  in  standing, 
with  the  hind  legs  sejjaratcd.  In  the  latter  there  is  a  lateral,  balan- 
i-ing  mo\ emint  at  the  loins,  principally  noticeable  while  the  animal  is 
in  the  act  of  trotting — a  peculiar  motion,  sometimes  referred  to  as  a 
"crick  in  the  back."  or  what  the  French  call  a  "t<  ur  de  bateau."  If, 
while  in  action,  the  animal  is  suddenly  maile  to  halt,  liie  act  is  accom- 
panied with  much  pain,  the  back  suddenly  arching  or  bending  later- 
ally, and  perhaps  the  hind  legs  tiirown  uniU'r  the  body,  as  if  unable 
to  perfiu'm  their  functions  in  stoj)ping,  and  sometimes  it  is  only 
accomplished  at  the  cost  of  a  sudden  and  seveie  fall.  This  manifes- 
tation is  also  exhibited  when  the  animal  is  called  upon  to  back,  when 
a  repetition  of  the  same  symptoms  will  also  occur. 

If  a  slight  pressure  on  the  back  or  the  loins  is  followed  by  a 
mmlerato  yiehling  of  the  animal,  it  is.  as  before  remarked,  a  good 
sign  of  health.  With  a  sprain  of  the  loins  pressure  of  any  kind 
is  painful,  and  will  cause  the  aninml  to  bend  or  to  crouch  under  it 
more  or  less,  according  to  the  weight  of  the  pressure.  Heavy  loads, 
and  even  heavy  harnessing,  will  develop  this  tendernes.s.  In  lying 
down  he  seems  to  suffer  much  discomfort,  and  often  accompanies  the 
act  with  groaning,  and  when  compelled  to  rise  does  so  only  with 
great  diliiculty  and  si'ldom  .succx'eds  without  rejjcated  efforts. 

Sprains  of  nuiscles  proper,  when  recent,  will  always  l3e  accora- 
panieil  with  this  seiies  of  symi)toms.  and  the  fact  of  their  exhibition, 
with  an  excessive  sensiliility  of  the  parts,  and  possiblv  with  a  degree 
of  swelling,  will  always  justify  a  diagnosis  of  acute  muscular  lesion, 
and  especially  .so  if  accompanied  with  a  history  of  violent  effitrts, 
jmwerful  muscular  strains,  falls,  heavy  loading,  etc.,  connected  with 
the  case.  If  the  symptoms  have  been  of  slow  development  and 
gradual  increase,  it  Incomes  a  more  diflicult  task  to  determine  whether 
the  diagnosis  points  t^)  pathological  changes  in  the  structure  of  the 
muscles  or  of  the  bones,  the  nervous  centers,  or  the  blood  vessels  of 


394 


DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 


the  region.  And  jet  it  is  important  to  decide  as  to  Avhicli  par- 
ticular structure  is  affected  in  reference  to  the  question  of  prog- 
nosis, as  the  degi-ee  of  gravity  of  the  lesion  will  depend  largely  upoii 
Avhetlier  the  disabled  condition  of  the  animal  is  due  to  an  acute 
vi  a  chronic  disease. 

Treatment. — The  prescription  which  will  necessarily  first  of  all 
suggest  itself  for  sprains  of  the  loins  is  rest.  An  animal  so  affected 
should  be  immediately  placed  in  slings,  and  none  of  his  efforts  to 
lelease  himself  shoiikl  be  allowed  to  succeed.  Hot  compresses,  cold- 
water  douclies,  sweating  applications,  stimulating  frictions,  strength- 
ening charges,  blistering  ointments  of  cantharides  and  the  actual 
cautery,  all  have  their  advocates,  but  in  no  case  can  the  immobility 
obtained  by  the  slings  be  dispensed  with.  In  many  cases  in  which 
the  weakness  of  the  hind  quarters  was  caused  by  disease  of  the 
nervous  centers  electricity'-  has  also  pelded  good  results. 


DISEASES   OF   THE    FETLOCK,  ANKLE,  AND  FOOT. 

By   A.   A.    HdicuMUK.   1  >.    N.   S.. 

Vetvihiiii)!  I  iisptttor.  Itnnuit  nf  Anininl  I  ml  iislni. 

ANATOMICAL  REVIEW  OF  THE  FOOT. 

In  a  dosciiption  M  the  foot  of  tlu'  lioi'so  it  is  cnstomarv  t(>  includo 
only  the  hoof  and  its  contents,  yet,  iroiii  a  /oolofficiil  standpoint,  th(^ 
foot  includes  all  the  leir  from  the  knee  and  the  hock  down. 

The  foot  of  the  horse  is  undouhtedly  the  most  important  i)ait  of 
the  animal,  so  far  as  veterinary  surp:ery  is  concerned,  for  the  reason 
that  it  is  subject  to  so  many  injuries  and  diseases  which  in  part  or 
in  whole  render  the  patit>nt  unfit  for  the  lahoi"  demanded  of  him. 
The  old  aphorism  "  no  foot  no  hoi-se  "  is  as  true  to-day  as  when  til^st 
expre.s.sed ;  in  fact,  domestication,  coupled  with  the  multijilied  uses 
to  which  the  animal  is  put.  and  the  constant  reproduction  of  heredi- 
taiy  defects  and  tendencies,  has  largely  transformed  the  ancient 
"  companion  of  the  wind  "  into  a  very  cotnmon  piece  of  machinery 
which  is  often  out  of  repaii-.  and  at  l)0sst  is  i)ut  shortlived  in  its  us«'- 
fulness. 

Since  the  value  of  the  horse  depends  laigely  or  even  entirely  uj)on 
his  ability  to  labor,  it  is  essential  that  his  or«rans  of  locomotion  l>e 
kept  sound.  To  accomplish  this  end  it  is  nece^ssary  not  only  to  know 
how  to  cure  all  diseases  to  which  these  ore:rtns  are  liable  but,  l>etter 
still,  how  to  prevent  them. 

An  impoi-tant  prerecjuisite  to  the  detection  and  cure  of  disease  is  a 
knowledLTe  of  the  con^tru(■tion  and  function  of  tlu'  ]iart-s  which  riiav 
i)e  involved  in  the  diseased  pr(K'ess.  Hence,  first  of  all.  the  anatomical 
structui'es  must  be  understood.     (See  also  p.  583.) 

The  bones  of  the  fetlock  and  foot  constitute  the  skeleton  o!i  which 
the  other  .structures  are  built  and  compi*ise  the  lowt>r  end  of  the  can 
non  bone  (the  metacarpus  in  the  fore  leg,  the  metntarsus  in  the  iiind 
leg),  the  two  sesamoids,  the  large  pasteiii  or  os  sutiVaginis.  the  small 
pastern  or  coronet,  the  small  sesamoid  or  navicuhir  bone,  and  the 
coffin  bone  or  os  pedis.     (Plate  XXXIV,  fig.  3.) 

The  cannon  bone  extends  from  the  knee  or  ho<k  to  the  lethnk.  is 
cylindrical  in  shape,  and  .stands  neaily  or  <iuite  peri)endictdar. 

The  sesamoids  occur  in  pairs,  are  small,  shaped  like  a  three-faced 
pyramid,  and  are  set  behind  the  fetlock  joint,  at  the  upper  end  of  tlu' 
large  pastern,  with  the  basr  of  the  pyramid  down. 

395 


396  DISEASES  or  the  horse. 

The  large  pastern  is  a  verj'  compact  bone,  set  in  an  oblique  direc- 
tion downward  and  forward,  and  extends  from  the  cannon  bone  to 
the  coronet. 

The  coronet  is  a  short,  cube-shaped  bone,  set  between  the  large 
pastern  and  coffin  bone,  in  the  same  oblique  direction. 

The  navicular  bone  is  short,  flattened  above  and  beloAv,  and  is 
attached  to  the  coffin  bone  behind. 

The  coffin  bone  forms  the  end  of  the  foot  and  is  shaped  like  the 
homy  box  in  which  it  is  inclosed. 

All  these  bones  are  covered  on  the  surfaces  which  go  to  make  up 
the  joints  with  a  cartilage  of  incrustation,  while  tlie  portions  be- 
tween are  covered  with  a  fibrous  membrane  called  the  periosteum. 

The  jcints  of  the  legs  are  of  especial  importance,  since  an}'^  inter- 
ference with  their  function  very  largely  impairs  the  value  of  the 
animal  for  most  purposes.  As  the  joints  of  the  foot  and  ankle  are 
at  the  point  of  great^sl;  concussion  they  are  the  ones  most  subject  to 
injury  and  disease. 

There  are  three  of  these  joints — the  fetlock,  pastern,  and  coffin. 
They  are  made  by  the  union  of  two  or  more  bones,  held  together  by 
ligaments  of  fibrous  tissue,  and  are  lubricated  by  a  thick,  viscid 
fluid,  called  synovia,  which  is  secreted  by  a  special  membrane  inclos- 
ing the  joints. 

The  fetlock  joint  is  made  by  the  union  of  the  lower  end  of  the 
cannon  and  the  upper  end  of  the  large  pastern  bones,  supplemented 
by  the  two  sesamoids,  ao  placed  behind  the  upper  end  of  the  pastern 
that  the  joint  is  capable  of  a  very  extensive  motion.  These  bones  are 
held  together  by  ligaments,  only  one  of  which — the  suspensory — de- 
mands special  mention. 

The  suspensory  ligament  of  the  fetlock  starts  from  the  knee,  ex- 
tends down  behind  the  cannon,  lying  behind  the  two  splint  bones, 
until  near  the  fetlock,  where  it  divides  and  sends  a  branch  on  each 
side  of  the  joint,  downward  and  forward,  to  become  attached  on 
the  sides  of  the  extensor  tendon  at  the  lower  end  of  the  pastern  bone. 
As  it  crosses  the  sesamoids,  on  the  posterior  borders  of  the  fetlock,  it 
throws  out  fibers  which  hold  it  fas-t  to  these  bones.  (Plate  XXXIV, 
fig.  2.)  _ 

The  pastern  joint  is  made  by  the  union  of  the  two  pastern  bones. 

The  coffin  joint  is  made  by  the  union  of  the  small  pastern,  coffin, 
and  small  sesamoid,  or  navicular  bones,  the  latter  being  set  behind 
and  beneath  the  joint  surface  of  the  coffin  bone  in  such  wav  as  to 
receive  largely  the  weight  of  the  small  pastern. 

Three  tendons  serve  to  move  the  bones  of  the  foot  one  on  another. 
Two  of  these  flex,  or  bend,  the  joints,  while  the  other  extends,  or 
straightens,  the  column  of  bones.     (Plate  XXXIII,  fig.  5.) 


DISEASES    OF    THE    FETLOCK,  AX  Kl.K.  ANIJ    FOOT.  397 

The  lU'Xor  pedis  perforans,  or  deep  llexur  of  the  foot,  passes  down 
behind  tlie  runnon  bone,  lyin«r  against  the  siisi)enst)rv  lij;anient  in 
front,  ciost^es  the  fetlock  joint  in  the  pjroove  made  by  the  union  of 
the  two  sesamoids,  and  is  attafhe<l  to  the  bottom  on  the  collin  bone, 
after  eoveiin^  the  navicuhir.  by  a  ^vide  expansion  of  its  fibers.  It  is 
the  function  of  this  tendon  to  Ilex  the  coffin  bone  and,  with  it,  the 
horny  box. 

The  llexor  pedis  perforatus,  or  superficial  flexor  of  the  foot,  follows 
the  course  of  the  i)recedinfr  tendon  and  is  attached  to  the  middle  of 
the  ankle.  The  function  of  this  tendon  is  to  flex  the  foot  at  the 
fetlock. 

The  extensor  pedis  runs  down  in  front  of  the  leg,  is  attached  on 
the  most  prominent  jwint  of  the  coffin  bone,  and  has  for  function  the 
straiiihtenin<r  of  the  liones  of  the  ankle  and  foot. 

The  bones,  ligaments,  and  tendons  are  covered  by  a  loose  connective 
tissue,  which  gives  a  symmetry  to  the  parts  by  filling  up  and  round- 
ing off,  and  all  are  prot-ected  by  the  skin  and  hoof. 

The  skin  of  the  fetlock  and  ankle  is  generally  characterized  by  its 
thickness  and  the  length  of  its  hairs,  e>specially  around  the  hind  parts 
of  the  fetlock  joint  in  certain  breeds  of  horses.  Tiie  most  important 
part  of  this  envelope  is  that  known  as  the  coronary  band. 

The  coronary  band  is  that  jiortion  of  the  skin  which  secretes  the 
horn  of  which  the  wall  of  the  hoof  is  made.  This  horn  much  resem- 
bles the  nail  which  grows  on  the  fingers  and  toes  of  man.  It  is  com- 
posed of  cylindrical  tubes,  which  are  held  together  by  a  tenacious, 
opaque  matter.  The  horn  extends  from  the  coronary  band  to  the 
lower  border  of  the  hoof.     (Plate  XXXII,  fig.  1.) 

The  hoof  is  a  box  of  horn,  consisting  of  a  wall,  sole,  and  frog,  and 
contains,  besides  the  coffin,  navicular,  and  part  of  the  small  pastern 
bones,  the  sensitive  lamina^,  plantar  cushion,  and  the  lateral  cartileges. 
(Plate  XXXITI,  fig.  4.) 

The  sole  of  the  foot  incloses  the  box  on  the  ground  surface,  is  shaped 
like  the  circumference  of  the  foot,  except  that  a  V-shaped  opening  is 
left  behind  for  the  reception  of  the  frog,  and  is  concave  on  the  lower 
surface.  The  sole  is  produced  by  the  velvety  tissue,  a  thin  membrane 
a)vering  the  plantar  cu.shion  and  other  soft  tissues  bene^ith  the  coffin 
bone.  The  horn  of  the  sole  ditTcrs  from  the  hoi'u  of  the  wall  in  that 
its  tubes  are  not  straight  and  from  the  fact  that  it  scales  otT  in  pieces 
over  the  whole  surface. 

Tlie  frog  is  a  triangular-shaj^cMl  body,  dividetl  into  two  equal  parts 
by  a  deep  fissure,  exti'nding  from  its  apex  in  front  to  the  i>ase.  It 
fills  the  triangular  space  in  the  sole,  to  which  it  is  intimately  attached 
by  its  borders.  The  horn  of  the  frog  is  produce<l  in  the  same  maimer 
;\s  tlu'  sole:  but  it  difTtMs  fj-<,iii  both  the  wall  and  sole  in  tliat  the  horn 


398  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

is  soft,  moist,  and  elastic  to  a  remarkable  degree.    It  is  the  function 
of  the  frog  to  destroy  shock  and  to  preAent  slipping. 

The  sensitive  lamina?  are  thin  plates  of  soft  tissue  covering  the  en- 
tire anterior  surface  of  the  coffin  bone.  They  are  present  in  great 
numbers,  and  by  fitting  into  corresponding  grooves  on  the  inner  sur- 
face of  the  horn  of  the  wall  the  union  of  the  soft  and  horny  tissues  is 
made  complete.     (Plate  XXXII,  fig.  1.) 

The  f)lantar  cushion  is  a  thick  pad  of  fibrous  tissue  placed  behind 
and  under  the  navicular  and  coffin  bones  and  resting  on  the  sole  and 
frog,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  the  downward  pressure  of  the  col- 
umn of  bones  and  to  destroy  shock.     (Plate  XXXII,  fig.  4.) 

The  lateral  cartilages  are  attached,  one  on  each  side,  to  the  wings 
of  the  coffin  bone  by  their  inferior  borders.  They  are  thin  plates  of 
fibro-cartilage,  and  their  function  is  to  assist  the  frog  and  adjacent 
structures  to  regain  their  proper  position  after  having  been  displaced 
by  the  weight  of  the  body  while  the  foot  rested  on  the  ground.  (Plate 
XXXII,  fig.  2.) 

FAULTS  OF  CONFORMATION. 

A  large  percentage  of  horses  have  feet  which  are  not  perfect  in 
conformation,  and  as  a  consequence  they  are  especially  predisposed  to 
certain  injuries  and  diseases. 

Flatfoot  is  that  condition  in  which  the  sole  has  little  or  no  con- 
vexity. It  is  a  peculiarity  common  to  some  breeds,  especially  heavy, 
lymphatic  animals  raised  on  low,  marshy  soils.  It  is  confined  to  the 
fore  feet,  which  are  generally  broad,  low^-heeled,  and  with  a  wall  less 
upright  than  is  seen  in  the  perfect  foot. 

In  flatfoot  there  can  be  little  or  no  elasticity  in  the  sole,  for  the 
reason  that  it  has  no  arch,  and  the  weight  of  the  animal  is  received  on 
the  entire  plantar  surface,  as  it  rests  upon  the  ground  instead  of  on 
the  wall.  For  these  reasons  such  feet  are  particularly  liable  to  bruises 
of  the  sole,  corns,  pumiced  sole,  and  excessive  suppuration  when  the 
process  is  once  established.  Horses  with  flatfoot  should  be  shod  with  a 
shoe  having  a  w^'de  web,  pressing  on  the  wall  only,  while  the  heels  and 
frog  are  never  to  be  pared.  Flatfoot  generally  has  weak  walls,  and  as 
a  consequence  the  nails  of  the  shoe  are  readily  loosened  and  the  shoe 
cast. 

Clubfoot  is  a  term  applied  to  such  feet  as  have  the  walls  set  nearly 
perpendicular.  When  this  condition  is  present  the  heels  are  high,  the 
fetlock  joint  is  thrown  forward,  or  knuckles,  and  the  weight  of  the 
animal  is  received  on  the  toes.  Many  mules  are  clubf  ooted,  especially 
behind,  where  it  seems  to  cause  little  or  no  inconvenience.  Severe 
cases  of  clubfoot  may  be  cured  by  cutting  the  tendons,  but  as  a  rule 
special  shoeing  is  the  only  measure  of  relief  that  can  be  adopted.  The 
toe  should  not  be  pared,  but  the  heels  are  to  be  lowered  as  much  as 


DISEASES   OF    THE    FETI.OCK.  ANKl.i:.  AND    lOOT.  399 

possible  and  a  shoe  put  on  with  a  lon<?,  proj(>ctin<::  too  j)ioce,  slightly 
turiiod  up,  while  the  heels  of  the  shoe  are  to  l)e  nuule  thin. 

Crookidfoot  is  that  condition  in  whiih  one  side  of  the  wall  is 
hi«i:her  than  the  other.  If  the  inside  wall  is  the  hijrher,  the  ankle  is 
thrown  outward,  so  that  the  fetlock  joints  are  ahnornially  wide  apart 
and  the  toes  close  together.  Aninuds  with  this  deformity  are 
"  pigeon-t(X?d,"  and  are  prone  tt)  inteifere.  the  inside  toe  striking  the 
op|)osite  fetlcM'k.  If  but  one  foot  is  all'ected,  the  |i:ibility  to  inteifere 
is  still  greater,  for  the  reason  that  the  fetlock  <>l'  the  ]»crffct  h-g  is 
nearer  the  center  plane. 

When  the  outside  heel  is  the  higher  the  ankle  is  thrown  in  and  tlie 
toe  turns  out.  Horses  with  such  feet  interfere  with  the  heel.  If  but 
one  foot  is  so  atFected,  the  liability  to  interfere  is  less  than  when  both 
feet  are  affected,  for  the  reason  that  the  ankle  of  the  perfect  leg  is 
not  so  near  to  the  center  plane.  Such  animals  are  especially  liable  to 
stumbling  and  to  lameness  from  injury  to  the  ligaments  of  the  fet- 
h)ck  joints.  This  deformity  is  to  be  overcome  by  such  shoeing  as  will 
c<|ualize  the  disparity  in  length  of  walls,  and  by  i)rt)per  boot<  to 
protect  the  fetlocks  from  interfeiing. 

INTERFERING. 

An  animal  is  said  to  interfere  when  one  foot  strikes  the  opposite 
leg,  as  it  passes  by,  during  locomotion.  The  inner  surface  of  the 
fetlock  joint  is  the  part  most  subject  to  this  injury,  although,  under 
certain  conditions,  it  may  happen  to  any  part  of  the  ankle.  It  is 
seen  more  often  in  the  hind  than  in  the  fore  legs.  Interfering 
causes  a  bruise  of  the  skin  and  deeper  tissues,  generally  accompanied 
with  an  abrasion  of  the  surface.  It  may  cause  lameness,  dangerous 
tripping,  and  thickening  of  the  injured  parts.      (See  also  j).  :is7.) 

('au-st'H. — Faulty  conformation  is  the  most  piolific  cause  of  inter- 
fering. ^^^len  the  bones  of  the  leg  are  so  united  that  the  toe  of  the 
foot  tunis  in  (pigeon-toed),  or  when  the  fetlock  joints  are  close 
together  and  the  toe  turns  out,  when  the  leg  is  .so  defoiined  that  the 
whole  foot  and  ankle  turn  either  in  or  out,  interfering  is  almost 
sm-e  to  follow.  It  may  happen,  also,  when  the  feet  grow  too  long, 
from  defective  shoeing,  rough  or  slip|>ery  i-oads.  from  the  exiiaustion 
of  labor  or  sickness,  swelling  of  the  leg,  high  knee  a'tion,  fast  woik, 
and  because  the  chest  or  hi])s  are  too  narrow. 

Symptoms. — Generally,  the  evidences  of  interfering  aie  easily 
detected,  for  the  parts  are  tender,  swollen,  and  the  skin  broken.  V>\\t 
very  often,  especially  in  trotters,  the  flat  surface  of  the  h(X)f  strikers 
the  fetlock  without  evident  injury,  and  attention  is  dire<'ted  to  these 
parts  only  by  the  occasional  tripping  and  unsteady  gait.  In  such 
cases  proof  of  the  cause  may  be  had  by  walking  and  trotting  the 


400  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

animal,  after  first  painting  the  inside  toe  :nid  quarter  of  the  sus- 
pected foot  with  a  thin  coating  of  chalk,  charcoal,  mud,  or  paint. 

Treatment. — '^Anien  the  trouble  is  due  to  deformity  or  faulty  con- 
formation it  may  not  be  possible  to  overcome  the  defect. 

In  such  cases,  and  as  well  in  those  due  to  exhaustion  or  fatigue, 
the  fetlock  or  ankle  boot  riuist  be  used.  In  many  instances  inter- 
fering may  be  prcA^ented  by  proper  shoeing.  The  outside  heel  and 
quarter  of  the  foot  on  the  injured  leg  should  be  lowered  sufficiently 
to  change  the  relative  position  of  the  fetlock  joint  by  bringing  it 
farther  awa}'  from  the  center  plane  of  the  body,  thereb}'  permitting 
the  other  foot  to  pass  by  without  striking. 

A  very  slight  change  is  often  sufficient  to  effect  tliis  result.  At 
the  same  time  the  offending  foot  should  be  so  shod  that  the  shoe  may 
set  well  under  the  hoof  at  the  point  responsible  for  the  injury.  The 
shoe  should  be  reset  every  three  or  four  weeks. 

"V^Hien  the  cause  has  been  removed,  cold-water  bandages  to  the 
injured  parts  will  soon  remove  the  soreness  and  swelling,  especially 
in  recent  cases.  If,  however,  the  fetlock  has  become  calloused  from 
long-continued  bruising,  a  Spanish-fl}'  blister  over  the  parts,  I'e- 
peated  in  two  or  three  weeks  if  necessary,  will  aid  in  reducing  the  leg 
to  its  natural  condition. 

KNUCKLING,  OR  COCKED  ANKLES. 

Knuckling  is  a  partial  dislocation  of  the  fetlock  joint,  in  which  the 
relative  position  of  the  pastern  bone  to  the  cannon  and  coronet  bones 
is  changed,  the  pastera  becoming  more  nearly  perpendicular,  with 
the  lower  end  of  the  ciinnon  bone  resting  behind  the  center  line  of 
the  large  pastern,  while  the  lower  end  of  this  bone  rests  behind  the 
center  line  of  the  coronet.  While  knuckling  is  not  always  an  un- 
Eoundness,  it  nevertheless  predisposes  to  stumbling  and  to  fracture 
of  the  pastern. 

Causes. — Young  foals  are  quite  subject  to  this  condition,  but  in  the 
great  majority  of  cases  it  is  only  temporary.  It  is  largel}"  due  to 
the  fact  that  before  birth  the  legs  were  flexed;  and  time  is  re- 
quired after  birth  for  the  ligaments,  tendons,  and  muscles  to  adapt 
themselves  to  the  function  of  sustaining  the  weight  of  the  body. 

As  they  grow  old,  hoi'ses  with  erect  pasterns  are  ^erv  prone  to 
icQuckle,  especiall}'  in  the  hind  legs.  All  kinds  of  heav}'  work, 
particularly  in  hilly  districts,  and  fast  work  on  hard  race  tracks  or 
roads  are  exciting  causes  of  knuckling.  It  is  also  commonly  seen  as 
an  accompaniment  of  that  faulty  conformation  called  clubfoot,  in 
which  the  toe  of  the  wall  is  perpendicular  and  short,  and  the  heels 
high — a  condition  most  often  seen  in  the  mule,  especially  in  the 
hind  feet. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


Plate  xxxii. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


Plate  XXxiii. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


l'L-<VX'K     X  X  X  I  \' 


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h      '•  '»>^^ 


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tt>r  Mu*iu«lteii4t 


ANATo^^^'  axd  dtrkasks  of  tuf  f<  x^t. 


U.  S.  bept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


1  1  itml .',.  Smiii  'I  /fiKt  n7  :  >--'0  yii'  '  /■' 


PLA TK^  X-\.X\ 


-/.  .v.,,,r"v--. "•' 


('///ifrof Iff/  fijiil 


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A 


/fiidly  niri/riji/ril  fnot. 


Siti/u/  hi//  /fi//  fi/ot. 

SOT'NM.)    AN]>    r(  »  NTH  ACrF!  I    F  K  F  "T" 


niSKASKs  OF   rnr.  vktiock,  wki.k,  and  foot.  401 

Lastly,  knuckling  i^  protliut'il  by  disease  of  the  suspensory  V\gn- 
nient  or  of  the  Hexor  tentlons,  whereby  they  air  shortene*!.  and  by 
disease  of  the  fethxk  joints.      (See  p.  372.) 

Treufnu'nt. — In  yonnj;:  foals  no  treatment  is  necessary,  unless  there 
is  some  deformity  present,  since  the  le<;s  straighten  up  withotit 
interference  in  the  course  of  a  few  weeks,  ^^'hen  knuckling  lias  com- 
menced, the  iuiiications  are  to  relieve  the  tendons  and  ligaments  by 
proper  shoeing.  The  foot  is  to  be  prepared  for  the  shoe  by  shorten- 
ing the  toe  as  much  as  possible,  leaving  the  heels  high;  or  if  the  foot 
is  prepai-ed  in  the  iisual  way  tiic  shoe  shoukl  be  thin  in  front,  with 
thick  he«'ls  or  high  calks.  For  the  hind  feet  a  long-heeled  shoe  with 
calks  seems  to  do  best.  Of  course,  when  ])ossible,  the  causes  of  knuck- 
ling are  to  be  removed;  since  this  can  not  always  l)e  done,  however, 
the  time  may  come  when  the  patient  can  no  longer  perform  any 
service,  particularly  in  those  ca.ses  in  which  both  fore  legs  are 
a  fleeted,  and  it  becomes  necessary  either  to  destroy  the  animal  or 
obtain  relief  by  surgical  interference.  In  such  cases  the  tendons  be- 
tween the  fetlock  anil  knee  may  be  divided  for  the  purpose  of  obtain- 
ing temporary  relief.  Firing  and  blistering  the  pai'ts  responsible  for 
the  knuckling  may.  in  some  instjuices,  efl'ect  a  cure:  but  a  considera- 
tion of  these  measures  belongs  properly  to  the  treatment  of  the 
disease  in  which  knuckling  appears  simi)ly  as  a  seipiel. 

WINDGALL. 

Joints  and  t^iulons  iire  furnished  with  sacs  containing  a  lubricating 
fl'iid  called  synovia.  ^^  hen  these  sacs  are  overdistended  by  reafex)n 
of  an  excessi\e  secretion  of  syiovia,  they  are  called  windgalls.  They 
form  a  soft,  pully  tumor  about  the  size  of  a  hickory  nut,  iind  are 
most  often  found  in  the  fore  leg,  at  the  upper  part  of  the  fetlock 
joint,  between  the  tendon  and  the  shin  bone.  A\  hen  they  develop  in 
the  hind  leg  it  is  not  unusual  to  see  them  reach  the  si/.e  of  a  walnut. 
Occasionally  they  appear  in  front  of  the  fetlock  on  the  border  of  the 
tendon.  The  majority  of  horses  are  not  subject  to  tlu-m  after  colt- 
hoo<l  has  pasx'd.      (See  also  l>.  355.) 

CaiiAes. — Windgalls  are  often  seen  in  young,  oveigrown  horses, 
in  which  the  body  seems  to  have  outgrown  the  ability  of  the  joints  to 
sustain  the  weight.  In  cart  and  other  horses  used  to  hard  work,  in 
trotters  w  ith  exces,sive  knee  action,  in  hurtUe  racers  and  hunters,  and 
in  most  cow  ponies  there  is  a  predisposition  to  windgalls.  Street-car 
horses  and  otln'rs  used  to  .start  heavy  loads  on  slippery  sticfts  are  the 
ones  most  liable  to  develop  windgalls  in  the  hind  legs. 

Srjm.itf'itns. — Tlu'  tumoi-  is  more  or  less  firm  and  ten>e  when  the  foot 
is  on  tlie  ground,  but  is  soft  and  compressible  when  the  foot  is  off  the 
ground.  In  old  horses  windpills  generally  develop  slowly  and  cause 
30444°— ir 20 


402  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

no  inconvenience.  If  they  are  caused  by  excessive  tension  of  the  joint 
the  tumor  develops  rapidly,  is  tense,  hot,  and  painful,  and  the  animal 
is  exceedingly  lame.  The  patient  stands  with  the  joint  flexed,  and 
walks  with  short  steps,  the  toe  only  being  placed  on  the  ground. 
When  the  tumor  is  large  and  situated  upon  the  inside  of  the  leg  it 
may  be  injured  by  interfering,  causing  stumbling  and  inflammation 
of  the  sac.  Rest  generally  causes  the  tumor  to  diminish  in  size,  only 
to  fill  up  again  after  renewed  labor.  In  old  cases  the  tumors  are 
hardened,  and  may  become  converted  into  bone  by  a  deposit  of  the 
lime  salts. 

Treatment. — The  large,  puff'y  joints  of  suckling  colts,  as  a  rule, 
re({uire  no  treatment,  for  as  the  animal  grows  older  the  parts  clean 
up  and  after  a  time  the  swelling  entirely  disappears. 

^^Iien  the  trouble  is  from  an  injury,  complete  rest  is  to  be  obtained 
by  the  use  of  slings  and  u  high-heeled  shoe.  Cold-water  douches 
should  be  used  once  or  twice  a  day,  followed  by  cold-water  bandages, 
until  the  fever  has  subsided  and  the  soreness  is  largely  removed, 
when  a  blister  is  to  be  applied. 

In  old  windgalls,  which  cause  more  or  less  stiffness,  some  relief 

may  be  had  by  the  use  of  cold-compress  bandages,  elastic  boots,  or  the 

red  iodid  of  mercury  blisters.     Opening  the  sacs,  as  recommended 

by  some  authors,  is  of  doubtful  utility,  and  should  be  adopted  only 

by  the  surgeon  capable  of  treating  the  w^ound  he  has  made.    Enforced 

rest  until  complete  recovery  is  effected  should  always  be  insisted 

upon,  since  a  too  early  return  to  work  is  sure  to  be  followed  by 

relapse. 

SPRAIN  OF  THE  FETLOCK. 

Sprain  of  the  fetlock  joint  is  most  common  in  the  fore  legs,  and,  as 
a  rule,  affects  but  one  at  a  time.  Horses  doing  fast  work,  as  trotters, 
runners,  steeplechasers,  hunters,  cow  ponies,  and  those  that  inter- 
fere, are  particularly  liable  to  this  injury. 

Causes. — Horses  knuckling  at  the  fetlock,  and  all  those  with  dis- 
eases which  impair  the  powers  of  locomotion,  such  as  navicular  dis- 
ease, contracted  heels,  sidebones,  chronic  laminitis,  etc.,  are  predis- 
posed to  sprains  of  the  fetlock.  It  generally  happens  from  a  mis- 
step, stumbling,  or  slipping,  Avhich  results  in  the  joint  being  extended 
or  flexed  to  excess-.  The  same  result  may  happen  where  the  foot  is 
caught  in  a  rut,  a  hole  in  a  bridge,  or  in  a  car  track,  and  the  animal 
falls  or  struggles  violently.  Direct  blows  and  punctured  wounds 
may  also  set  up  inflammation  of  the  joint. 

SynvptOTTis. — The  symptoms  of  sprain  of  the  fetlock  vaiy  w^ith  the 
severity  of  the  injury.  If  slight,  there  may  be  no  lameness,  but  simply 
a  little  soreness,  especially  when  the  foot  strikes  on  uneven  ground 
and  the  joint  is  twisted  a  little.  In  more  severe  cases  the  joint  swells, 
is  hot  and  puffy,  and  the  lameness  may  be  so  intense  as  to  compel  the 


DISEASES   OF    THE    FETLOCK.  ANKLK,  AM)    lODT.  403 

animal  to  hobble  on  three  legs.  While  at  n-t  the  leg  is  Hexed  at  the 
joint  atfected,  anel  the  toe  lests  on  the  ground. 

Treatnietit. — If  the  injury  is  slight,  cold-water  bandages  and  a  lew 
days'  rest  are  sutlicient  to  etfect  recovery.  When  there  is  an  intense 
lameness,  swelling,  etc.,  the  leg  should  be  placed  untler  a  con.stant 
btieam  of  cold  water,  as  de.scribed  in  the  treatment  for  <|uittor. 
When  the  inflammation  has  subsided,  a  blister  to  the  joint  should  be 
applied. 

In  some  ca.^'s,  es[)ecially  in  old  horses  long  accu.stome<l  to  last 
work,  the  ligaments  of  the  joints  are  ruptured,  in  whole  or  in  i)art, 
and  the  lameness  may  last  a  long  time.  In  these  cases  the  joint  .should 
be  kept  completely  at  rest;  this  condition  is  best  obtained  by  the 
application  of  plaster  of  Paris  bandages,  as  in  cases  of  fracture. 
As  a  rule,  patients  take  kindly  to  this  bandage,  and,  while  wearing  it, 
may  be  given  the  freedom  of  a  roomy  box  or  yard.  If  they  are  dis- 
posed to- tear  it  otf,  or  if  sufficient  rest  can  not  otherwise  be  obtained, 
the  patient  must  1k'  kei>t  in  slings. 

In  the  majority  of  instances  the  plaster  bandage  .should  remain  cm 
from  two  to  four  weeks.  If  the  lameness  returns  when  the  bandage 
is  removed,  a  new  one  should  be  put  on.  The  swelling,  which  always 
remains  after  the  other  evidences  of  the  disease  have  disappeared, 
may  be  largely  dissipated  and  the  joint  strengthened  by  the  use  of  the 
firing  iron  and  blisters. 

A  joint  once  injured  by  a  severe  sprain  never  entirely  regains  its 
original  strength,  and  is  ever  after  ]>articulnrly  liable  to  a  repetition 
of  the  injury. 

RUPTURE  OF  THE  SUSPEN.SORY  LIGAMENT. 

Sprain  with  or  without  rupture  of  the  suspensory  ligament  may 
happen  in  either  the  fore  or  hind  legs,  and  is  occasionally  seen  in 
horses  of  all  classes  and  at  all  ages.  Old  animals,  however,  and  espe- 
cially hunters,  runners,  and  trotters,  are  the  most  subject  to  this 
injury,  and  with  them  the  seat  of  the  trouble  is  nearly  always  in  one 
or  both  the  f<;re  legs.  IIor.ses  used  for  heavy  tlraft  are  more  liable  to 
have  the  ligament  of  the  hind  legs  affected. 

When  the  strain  upon  the  suspensory  ligann-nt  becomes  too  great, 
one  or  both  of  the  branches  nuiy  be  t<irn  from  the  sesam<»id  bones,  one 
or  both  of  the  branches  may  be  torn  completely  acro.ss,  or  the  liga- 
ment may  rupture  above  the  point  of  division. 

St/mpforiiM. — The  most  common  injury  to  the  su.spensory  ligament 
is  sprain  of  the  internal  branch  in  one  of  the  fore  legs.  The  trouble 
is  i'ldicatod  by  lanuMiess,  heat,  swelling,  and  ten<lerness  of  the  affected 
branch,  beginning  just  above  the  sc>samoid  bone  and  extending 
obli«|uely  downward  and  forward  to  the  front  of  the  ankle.  If  the 
whole  ligament  is  involved,  the  swelling  crimes  on  gradually,  and  is 


404  DISEASES    OF    THE   HOESE. 

found  above  the  fetlock  and  in  front  of  the  flexor  tendons.  The 
patient  stands  or  walks  upon  the  toe  as  much  as  possible,  keeping  the 
fetlock  joint  Hexed  so  as  to  relieve  the  ligament  of  tension. 

When  both  branches  are  torn  from  their  attachments  to  the  sesa- 
moids, or  both  are  torn  across,  the  lameness  comes  on  suddenW  and 
is  most  intense;  the  fetlock  descends,  the  toe  turns  up,  and,  as  the 
animal  attempts  to  walk,  the  leg  has  the  appearance  of  being  broken 
off  at  the  fetlock.  These  symptoms,  followed  by  heat,  pain,  and 
swelling  of  the  parts  at  the  point  of  injury.  Avill  enable  anyone  to 
make  a  diagnosis. 

Treatment. — Sprain  of  the  suspensory  ligament,  no  matter  how 
mild  it  .may  be,  should  always  be  treated  by  enforced  rest  of  at  least  a 
month,  and  the  application  of  cold  douches  and  cold-water  bandages, 
firmly  applied  until  the  fever  has  subsided,  when  a  cantharides  blister 
should  be  put  on  and  repeated  in  two  or  three  weeks  if  necessarv. 
Wlien  rupture  has  taken  place  the  patient  should  be  put  into  slings 
and  a  constant  s-tream  of  cold  water  allowed  to  trickle  over  the  seat 
of  injury  until  the  fever  is  reduced.  In  the  course  of  a  week  or  ten 
days  a  plaster  of  Paris  splint,  such  as  is  used  in  fractures,  is  to  be 
applied  and  left  on  for  a  month  or  six  weeks.  Allien  this  is  taken  off. 
blisters  may  be  used  to  remove  the  remaining  soreness;  but  it  is  use- 
less to  expect  a  removal  of  all  the  thickening,  for,  in  the  process  of 
repair,  new  tissue  has  been  formed  which  will  always  remain. 

In  old  cases  of  sprain  the  firing  iron  ma}^  often  be  used  with  good 
results.  As  a  rule,  severe  injuries  to  the  suspensory  ligament  inca- 
pacitate the  subject  for  anything  but  sIoav,  light  work. 

OVERREACH. 

When  the  shoe  of  the  hind  foot  strikes  and  injures  the  heel  or  quar- 
ter of  the  forefoot  the  horse  is  said  to  overreach.  It  rarely  happens 
except  when  the  animal  is  going  fast;  hence  is  most  common  in  trot- 
ting and  running  horses.  In  trottei-s  the  accident  generally  happens 
when  the  animal  breaks  from  a  trot  to  a  run.  The  outside  heels  and 
quarters  are  most  liable  to  the  injury. 

Symptotiis. — ^The  coronet  at  the  heel  or  quarter  is  bruised  or  cut. 
the  injurA"^  in  some  instances  involving  the  horn  as  well.  WTien  the 
hind  foot  strikes  well  back  on  the  heel  of  the  fore  foot — an  accident 
known  among  horsemen  as  "  grabbing  " — the  shoe  may  be  torn  from 
the  forefoot  or  the  animal  may  fall  to  its  laiees.  Horses  accustomed 
to  overreaching  are  often  "  bad  breakers,"  for  the  reason  that  the  pain 
of  the  injm-y  so  excites  them  that  they  can  not  readily  be  brought  back 
to  the  trotting  gait. 

Treatment. — If  the  injury  is  but  a  slight  bruise,  cold-water  band- 
ages applied  for  a  few  davs  will  remove  all  the  sorene^ss.  If  the  parts 
are  deeply  cut,  more  or  less  suppuration  will  follow,  and,  as  a  rule,  it 


DISEASES   OF   T1TF-:    FETLOl'K,  ANKl  K.  AND    FOOT.  405 

IS  well  to  poultice  tin-  ]>:irts  for  u  day  oi-  two.  after  wliit-h  cold  luiths 
may  \)e  used,  oi-  the  wounds  dressed  with  tinctuie  of  aloes.  oaUiim, 
jjnd  a  roller  handajri-. 

When  an  animal  is  know  n  to  be  subject  to  overreaching,  he  should 
never  be  driven  fast  w  ithout  (jiiarter  boots,  which  are  specially  made 
for  the  protection  of  the  heels  and  (juarters. 

If  there  is  a  disposition  to  "  <rrab  "  the  forward  shoes,  the  tionbU- 
may  be  remedied  by  Iwn  in<r  the  heels  of  these  shoes  made  as  short  as 
j)ossible,  uhile  the  toe  of  the  hind  foot  should  project  well  over  the 
sJioe.  When  circumstances  permit  of  their  use.  the  fore  feet  may  be 
shod  with  the  "tii)s"  instead  of  the  conmion  shoe,  as  desci-ibcd  in 
treatment  for  contract^'d  heels. 

CALK  WOUNDS. 

Horses  wearino^  sIuk's  w  ith  sharp  calks  are  liable  to  wound-  of  the 
coronary  reeion,  cither  from  tramplinii  on  themselves  or  on  each 
other.  These  injuries  are  most  common  in  heaw  draft  horses,  espe- 
lially  on  rough  roads  and  slippery  streets.  The  fore  feet  are  more 
liable  than  the  hind  ones,  and  the  seat  of  injury  is  commonly  on 
the  (juarters.  In  the  hind  feet  the  wound  often  results  from  the 
juiimal  resting  with  the  heel  of  one  foot  set  diiectly  oxer  the  front 
of  the  other.  In  these  cases  the  injinw  is  generally  close  to  the  horn, 
and  often  involves  the  coronary  band,  the  sensitive  lamin:e.  the 
extensor  tendon,  and  even  the  collin  bone. 

Treatrtient. — Preventive  measin*es  include  the  use  of  boots  to  pro- 
tect the  coronet  of  the  hind  foot  and  of  a  blunt  calk  on  the  outside 
lieel  of  the  fore  .sh(K'.  since  this  is  genei-.illy  tlie  offending  instru- 
ment when  the  fore  feet  are  injured.  If  the  wound  is  not  deep 
and  the  soreness  slight,  cold-water  bandages  and  a  light  protecti\e 
dressing,  such  as  carboli/.ed  cosmoline.  will  be  all  that  is  needed. 
When  the  injiUT  is  deep,  followed  by  inflammation  and  suppuration 
of  the  coronaiy  band,  lateral  cartilages,  sensitive  laminie,  etc.,  active 
measures  must  be  revolted  to.  Cold,  astringent  baths,  made  by 
adtiing  2  ounce,s  of  sulphate  of  iron  to  1  gallon  of  water,  should  be 
used,  followed  by  poultices,  if  it  is  necessary  t^  ha.sten  the  cleansing 
of  the  wound  by  stinudating  the  sloughing  jirocess.  If  the  wound 
is  deep  between  the  horn  and  the  skin,  esjiecially  over  the  ant<»rior 
tendon,  the  horn  .<;hould  be  cut  away  so  that  the  injured  tissues  may 
be  exposed.  The  sub.seqnent  treatn)ent  in  these  cases  should  follow 
the  dire<^ions  given  in  the  article  on  toe  cracks. 

FROSTBITES. 

Excepting  the  eai-s,  the   feet  and   legs  are  about  the  only  parts  of 

the  horse  liable  to  become   frostbitten.      Ihe  ca.ses  m(»st   commonly 

seen  are  foiiml  in  cities.  espe<ially  among  cai-  horses,  where  salt  is 

used  for  the  purpose  (»f  melting  the  snow    on  curves  and  switches. 


406  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

This  mixture  of  snow  and  salt  is  splashed  over  the  feet  and  legs, 
lapidJy  lowering  the  temperature  of  the  parts  to  the  freezing  point. 
In  mountainous  districts,  where  the  snowfall  is  heavy  and  the  cold 
often  intense,  frostbites  are  not  uncommon,  even  among  animals 
running  at  large. 

Symptoms. — ^When  the  frosting  is  slight  the  skin  becomes  pale  and 
bloodless,  followed  soon  after  by  intense  redness,  heat,  pain,  and 
swelling.  In  these  cases  the  hair  may  fall  out  and  the  epidermis 
peel  off,  but  the  inflammation  soon  subsides,  the  swelling  disappears, 
and  only  an  increased  sensitiveness  to  cold  remains. 

In  more  severe  cases  irregular  patches  of  skin  are  destroyed  and 
after  a  few  days  slough  away,  leaving  slow-healing  ulcers  behind.  If 
produced  by  low  temperatures  and  deep  snow,  the  coronary  band  is 
the  part  most  often  affected. 

In  many  instances  there  is  no  destruction  of  the  skin,  but  simply  a 
temporary  suspension  of  the  horn-producing  function  of  the  coronary 
band.  The  fore  feet  are  more  often  affected  than  the  hind  ones,  and 
the  heels  and  quarters  are  less  often  involved  than  the  front  part  of 
the  foot.  The  coronary  band  becomes  hot,  swollen,  and  painful,  and 
after  two  or  three  days  the  horn  separates  from  the  band  and  slight 
suppuration  follows.  For  a  few  days  the  animal  is  lame,  but  as  the 
suppuration  disappears  the  lameness  subsides.  New  horn,  often  of  an 
inferior  quality,  is  produced  by  the  coronarj^  band,  and  in  time  the 
cleft  is  grown  off  and  complete  recovery  is  effected.  The  frog  is 
occasionally  frostbitten  and  rnsij  slough  off,  exposing  the  soft  tissues 
beneath  and  causing  severe  lameness  for  a  time. 

Treatment, — Simple  frostbites  are  best  treated  by  cold  fomenta- 
tions followed  by  applications  of  a  5  per  cent  solution  of  carbolized 
oil.  When  portions  of  the  skin  are  destroyed,  their  early  separation 
should  be  hastened  by  warm  fomentations  and  poultices.  Ulcers 
are  to  be  treated  by  the  application  of  stimulating  dressings,  such  as 
carbolized  oil,  a  1  per  cent  solution  of  nitrate  of  silver  or  of  chlorid 
of  zinc,  with  i)ads  of  oakum  and  flannel  bandages.  In  many  of 
these  cases  recovery  is  exceedingl}^  slow.  The  new  tissue  by  which 
the  destroyed  skin  is  replaced  always  shrinks  in  healing,  and,  as  a 
consequence,  unsightly  scars  are  unavoidable.  AYhen  the  coronary 
band  is  involved  it  is  generally  advisable  to  blister  the  coronet  over 
the  seat  of  injury  as  soon  as  the  suppuration  ceases,  for  the  purpose 
of  stimulating  the  growth  of  new  horn.  Where  a  crevasse  is  formed 
between  the  old  and  the  new  horn  no  serious  trouble  is  liable  to  be 
met  with  until  the  cleft  is  nearly  grown  out,  when  the  soft  tissues 
may  be  exposed  by  a  breaking  off  of  the  parth"  detached  horn.  But 
even  if  this  accident  happens  final  recoveiy  is  effected  by  poulticing 
the  foot  until  a  sufficient  growth  of  horn  protects  the  parts  from 
injury. 


DISEASKS    OF    THK    IKTI.OCK,  AXKLK,  AND    FOOT.  407 

QUITTOR. 

Quitter  is  a  term  applied  to  various  affections  of  the  foot  wherein 
the  tissued  which  are  involved  undergo  a  process  of  degeneration 
that  results  in  the  formation  of  a  slough  followed  by  the  elimination 
of  the  iliseased  stnictures  by  means  of  a  more  or  less  extensive  sup- 
puration. 

For  convenience  of  consideration  quittors  may  be  divided  into  four 
classes,  as  suggested  by  (lirard:  (1)  Cutaneous  quittor,  which  is 
known  also  as  simple  quittor,  skin  quittor,  and  carbuncle  of  the  coro- 
net; (2)  tendinous  quittor :  (o)  subhoniy  ([uittor;  and  (4)  cartilagi- 
nous quittor. 

CUTANEOUS    QUITTOR. 

Simple  quittor  consists  in  a  local  inllannnation  of  the  skin  and 
subcutaneous  connective  tissue  on  some  pa  it  of  the  coronet,  followed 
by  a  slough  and  the  formation  of  an  ulcer  which  heals  by  suppura- 
tion. 

It  is  an  extremely  painful  disease,  owing  to  the  dense  character  of 
tlie  tissues  involved;  for  in  all  dense  structures  the  swelling  which 
accompanies  inflammation  alwa^'s  produce^j  inten.se  pressure.  This 
pressure  not  only  atlds  to  the  patient's  suffering  but  may  at  the  same 
time  endanger  the  life  of  the  affected  parts  by  strangulating  the 
blood  ves.sels.  It  is  held  by  some  writers  that  simple  quittor  is  most 
often  met  with  in  the  hind  feet,  but  in  my  expeiience  more  than  two- 
thirds  of  the  cases  have  developed  in  the  fore  feet.  While  any  part 
of  the  corftnet  may  become  the  seat  of  attack,  the  heels  and  ipiarters 
are  undoubtedly  most  liable. 

Causes. — Bruises  and  other  wountls  of  the  coronet  are  often  the 
cause  of  cutaneous  <iuittor,  yet  there  can  be  no  question  that  in  the 
great  majority  of  cases  the  disease  develops  without  any  known 
cause.  For  some  reason  not  yet  satisfactorily  explained  most  cases 
happen  in  the  fall  of  the  year.  One  explanation  of  this  fact  has 
been  attemi)ted  in  the  statement  that  tlie  disease  is  due  to  the  injuri- 
ous action  of  cold  and  uuul.  This  claim,  however,  seems  to  lose 
force  when  it  is  remembered  tiiat  in  many  parts  of  this  country 
the  most  mud,  acconq)anied  with  freezing  and  thawing  weather,  is 
seen  in  the  early  springtime  without  a  corresponding  increase  of 
quittor.  Furthermore,  the  serious  outbreaks  of  this  disea.s<',  in  the 
mountainous  regions  of  Colorado,  Wyoming,  and  Montana  are  seen 
in  the  fall  and  winter  seasons,  when  the  weather  is  the  driest.  It 
may  be  claimed,  and  perhaps  with  justice,  that  during  these  seasons, 
when  the  water  is  low,  animals  are  compelled  to  wade  through  more 
mud  to  drink  from  lakes  and  i>ools  than  is  necessary  at  other  seasons 
of  the  year,  when  these  lakes  and  pools  are  full.  Adil  to  tlie-n;  condi- 
tions the  fuither  fai't  that  much  of  this  mud  is  impregnatetl  with 


408  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

alkaline  salts  which,  like  the  mineral  substances  always  found  in 
the  mud  of  cities,  are  more  or  less  irritating,  and  it  seems  fail'  to 
conclude  that  imder  certain  circumstances  mud  may  become  an 
important  factor  in  the  production  of  quittor.^ 

AVliile  this  disease  attacks  any  and  all  classes  of  horses,  it  is  the 
large,  conunon  breeds,  with  thick  skins,  heavy  coats,  and  coarse  legs 
that  are  most  often  affected.  Horses  well  groomed  and  cared  for  in 
stables  seem  to  Ije  less  liable  to  the  disease  than  those  rmming  at  large 
or  than  those  which  are  kept  and  worked  under  adverse  circum- 
stances. 

iiynvptoms. — Lameness,  lasting  from  one  to  three  or  four  days, 
nearly  always  precedes  the  development  of  the  strictly  local  evi- 
dences of  quittor.  The  next  sign  is  the  appearance  of  a  small,  tense, 
hot,  and  painful  tumor  in  the  sldn  of  the  coronary  region.  If  the 
skin  of  the  affected  foot  is  white,  the  inflamed  portion  will  present  a 
dark-red  or  even  a  purplish  appearance  near  the  center.  Within  a 
few  hours  the  ankle,  or  even  the  whole  leg  as  high  as  the  Icnee  or 
hock,  becomes  much  swollen.  The  lameness  is  now  so  great  that  the 
patient  refuses  to  use  the  foot  at  all,  but  carries  it  if  compelled  to 
move.  As  a  consequence,  the  opposite  leg  is  required  to  do  the  work 
of  both,  and  if  the  animal  persists  in  standing  a  greater  part  of  the 
time  it,  too,  becomes  swollen.  In  many  of  these  cases  the  suffering 
is  so  intense  during  the  fii'st  feAv  days  as  to  cause  general  fever,  dull- 
ness, loss  of  appetite,  and  increased  thirst.  Generally  the  tumor 
shows  signs  of  suppuration  within  48  to  72  hours  after  its  fii*st  ap- 
pearance: the  summit  softens,  a  fluctuating  fluid  is  felt  beneath  the 
skin,  which  soon  ulcerates  complete!}'  through,  causing  the  discharge 
of  a  thick,  yellow,  bloody  pus,  containing  shreds  of  dead  tissue  which 
have  sloughed  away.  The  sore  is  now  converted  into  an  open  ulcer, 
generally  deep,  nearly  or  quite  circular  in  outline,  and  with  hardened 
base  and  edges.  In  exceptional  cases  large  patches  of  skin,  varying 
from  1  to  2^  inches  in  diameter,  slough  away  at  once,  leaving  an  ugly 
superficial  ulcer.  These  sore.s,  especially  when  deep,  suppurate  fi-eely, 
and  if  there  are  no  complications  they  tend  to  heal  rapidly  as  soon 
as  the  degenerated  tissue  has  softened  and  is  entirely  removed.  When 
suppuration  is  fully  established,  the  lameness  tmd  general  symptoms 
subside.  ^Hien  but  a  single  tumor  and  abscess  form,  the  disease  pro- 
gresses rapidly,  and  recovery,  under  proper  treatment,  may  be  ef- 

1  An  outbroak  of  qnittor  noar  Chcyc-nne,  Wyo.,  which  cnmo  nndor  the  axithor's  ohsf^i-v.-i- 
tion,  was  caused  by  the  mud  through  which  the  hors-es  liad  to  wade  to  reach  the  watering 
troughs.  These  troughs  were  furnished  with  water  by  windmills,  and  the  mudholes  were 
caus-ed  by  the  waste  water.  More  than  50  cases  developed  inside  of  two  months,  or  durin..,' 
Septembpr  and  Ocfobor.  In  these  50  cases  all  forms  of  the  disease  and  all  possible  compli- 
cations were  presented.  During  the  rainy  season  at  Leadvllle,  Colo.,  outbreaks  of  quittor 
are  common,  and  the  disease  is  so  virulont  that  it  has  long  been  known  as  the  "  lyeadville 
foot  rot."  The  soil  being  rich  in  mineral  matters  is  no  doubt  the  cause  of  the  outbreaks. 
In  the  city  of  Montreal  quittor  is  said  to  bo  very  common  in  the  early  springtime,  when 
the  streets  are  muddy  from  the  melting  snow  and  ice. 


DISEASES   OF   TUE    EETLOCK,  ANKLE,  AND   FOOT.  409 

fected  in  from  two  to  tliree  weeks;  but  wlieii  two  oi  moiv  tumors  are 
de\'eloi)ed  at  once,  or  if  the  formation  of  oiio  tumor  is  nipidly  suc- 
ceeded by  another  for  an  indelinitc  tina',  the  sullerings  of  the  patient 
are  greatly  increased,  the  case  is  more  dilliodt  to  treat,  and  recovery 
is  moi*e  sh)w  and  less  certain. 

This  form  of  (juittor  is  often  lomplicatctl  with  the  tendinous  and 
subhorny  (juittors  by  an  extension  of  the  sloughing  process. 

Treatment. — The  first  step  in  the  treatment  of  an  outbreak  of  (piit- 
tor  shoidd  be  the  removal  i»f  all  exciting  causes.  Crowding  animals 
into  small  corrals  and  stables,  where  injuries  to  the  coronet  are  likely 
to  happen  from  trampling,  esi)ecially  among  unl)i<»ki'u  lange  horses, 
must  be  avoided  as  much  as  possible. 

Watciing  places  accessible  without  ha\ing  ti>  wade  through  niiid 
should  be  i)rovided.  In  towns,  where  the  mud  or  dust  is  largely  im- 
pregnated with  mineral  ])roducts,  it  is  not  jjossible  to  adopt  com- 
plete preventive  measures.  Much  can  be  done,  however,  by  caieful 
cleansing  t)f  the  feet  and  legs  as  soon  as  the  animal  returns  from 
work.  AVarni  water  should  be  used  to  remove  the  mud  and  dirt, 
after  which  the  parts  aie  to  be  thoroughly  dried  with  soft  cloths. 

The  means  which  are  to  be  adopted  for  the  cure  of  cutaneous  quit- 
tor  vary  with  the  stage  of  the  disease  at  the  time  the  case  is  pre- 
sented for  treatment.  If  the  case  is  seen  early — that  is,  before  any 
of  the  signs  of  suppuration  have  develoi)ed — the  atfected  foot  is  to  be 
placed  under  a  constant  stream  of  cold  water,  with  the  object  of 
arre4>ting  a  further  extension  of  the  inflammatory  process.  To  ac- 
complish this,  put  the  patient  in  slings  in  a  narrow  .stall  having  a 
slat  or  open  floor.  Bandage  the  foot  and  leg  to  the  knee  or  hock,  iis 
the  case  may  be,  with  flannel  bandages  loo.sely  aj)plied.  Set  a  tub 
or  barrel  filled  with  cold  water  above  the  patient,  and  by  the  use 
of  a  small  rubber  hose  of  suflicient  length  make  a  siphon  which  will 
carry  the  water  from  the  bottom  of  the  tub  to  the  leg  at  the  top 
of  the  bandage.  The  stream  of  water  should  be  <iuite  small,  and  is 
to  be  continued  until  the  inflammation  has  entirely  subsided  or  until 
the  presence  of  i>us  can  be  detected  in  the  tumor.  When  suppuration 
has  commenced,  the  pr<K'e«s  should  be  aided  by  the  use  of  warm 
baths  and  poidtices  of  line.«?eed  meal  or  boiled  turnips.  If  the  tumor 
is  of  ra|»i(l  growth,  accompanied  with  intense  pain,  relief  is  obtained 
and  sloughing  largely  limit<»d  by  a  free  incision  of  the  partis.  The 
incision  should  be  Aertical  and  deep  into  the  tumor,  can'  being  taken 
not  to  divide  the  coronan*  band  entirely.  If  the  tumor  is  large, 
luore  than  one  incision  may  be  necessary. 

The  foot  .should  now  he  placed  in  a  wann  bath  for  half  an  hour  or 
longer  and  then  jioulticed.  The  hemoirhage  produced  by  (he  cutting 
and  encouraged  by  the  warm  bath  is  generally  very  copious  and  soon 
gives  relief  to  thr  overtonsion  of  the  j^arts 


410  DISEASES   OF   THE   HOESE. 

In  Other  cases  it  will  be  found  that  suppuration  is  well  under  way, 
so  that  the  center  of  the  tumor  is  soft  when  the  patient  ic  first  pre- 
sented for  treatment.  It  is  always  good  surgery  to  relieve  the  tumor 
of  pus  whenever  its  presence  can  be  detected ;  hence,  in  these  cases  a 
free  incision  must  be  made  into  the  softened  parts,  tlie  pus  evacu- 
ated, and  the  foot  j^oulticed. 

By  surgical  interference  the  tumor  is  now  converted  into  an  open 
sore  or  ulcer,  which,  after  it  has  been  well  cleaned  l)y  warm  baths 
and  poultices  applied  for  two  or  three  days,  needs  to  l)e  protected  by 
proper  dressings.  The  Ijest  of  all  protective  dressings  is  made  of 
small  balls,  or  pledgets,  of  oakum,  carefully  packed  into  the  wound 
and  held  in  place  by  a  roller  bandage  4  yards  long,  from  3  to  4  inches 
wide,  made  of  common  bedticking  and  skillfully  applied. 

The  remedies  which  may  be  used  to  stimulate  the  healing  process 
are  many,  and,  as  a  rule,  they  are  applied  in  the  form  of  solutions  or 
tinctures. 

In  mj  own  practice  I  prefer  a  solution  of  bichlorid  of  mercury  1 
part,  water  500  parts,  with  a  few  drops  of  muriatic  acid  or  a  few 
grains  of  muriate  of  anunonia  added  to  dissolve  the  mercury.  The 
balls  of  oakum  are  wet  with  this  solution  before  they  are  applied  to 
the  wound. 

Among  the  other  remedies  which  may  be  used,  and  perhaps  with 
equally  as  good  results,  will  be  noted  the  sulphate  of  copper,  iron,  and 
zinc,  5  grains  of  either  to  the  ounce  of  water ;  chlorid  of  zinc,  5  grains 
to  the  ounce ;  carbolic  acid,  20  drops  dissolved  in  an  equal  quantity  of 
glycerin  and  added  to  1  ounce  of  water;  and  nitrate  of  silver.  10 
grains  to  the  ounce  of  water. 

If  the  wound  is  slow  to  heal,  it  will  l)e  found  of  advantage  to 
change  the  remedies  every  few  days. 

If  the  wound  is  pale  in  color,  the  granulations  transparent  and 
glistening,  the  tincture  of  aloes,  tincture  of  gentian,  oj-  the  spirits  of 
camphor  may  do  best. 

Wlien  the  sore  is  red  in  color  and  healing  rapidly,  an  ointment 
made  of  1  part  of  carbolic  acid  to  40  parts  of  cosmoline  or  vaseline  is 
fll  that  is  needed. 

If  the  granulations  continue  to  groAv  until  a  tumor  is  formed  which 
])i-ojects  heyond  the  surrounding  skin,  it  should  be  cut  off  with  a 
sharp,  clean  knife,  and  the  foot  poulticed  for  twenty-four  houi-s, 
after  which  the  wound  is  to  be  well  cauterized  daily  with  lunar 
caustic  and  the  bandages  applied  with  great  firmness. 

Tlie  question  as  to  how  often  the  dressings  should  be  renewed  must 
be  determined  by  the  condition  of  the  womid,  etc.  If  the  sore  is  sup- 
purating freely,  it  will  be  necessary  to  renew  the  dressing  every 
24  or  48  hours;  if  the  discharge  is  small  in  quantity  and  the  patient 
comfortable,  the  dressing  may  be  left  on  for  several  days:  in  fact. 


DISEASES    OF     I'llK    KK  ll^OCK,  AN  Kl.i:,   A  ND    KOiH.  411 

tlie  less  often  the  wound  is  disturbed,  the  l>etter,  so  long  as  the  healing 
process  is  healthy.  When  the  sore  coniineuces  to  "skin  over."  the 
edges  should  he  lightly  touched  with  lunar  caustic  at  each  dressing. 
The  patient  may  now  l)e  given  a  little  exercise  daily,  hut  the  bandages 
must  be  kept  on  until  the  wound  is  entirely  healed. 

TENDINOUS   QUITTOR. 

This  form  of  quittor  ditlVis  from  the  rutaneous  in  that  it  not  only 
affects  the  skin  and  sul)cutanoous  tissues,  but  involves  also  tiic  ten 
dons  of  the  leg,  the  ligaments  of  the  joints,  and,  in  many  cases,  tlic 
bones  of  the  foot  as  well. 

Fortunately,  this  foi*m  of  <{uittor  is  k'ss  common  than  the  i)i'eced- 
ing.  yet  any  case  beginning  as  siuiple  cutaneous  ([uittor  may  at  any 
time  during  its  course  become  complicated  by  the  death  of  some  part 
of  the  tendons,  by  gangiene  of  the  liganieuts.  sloughing  of  the  coro- 
nary band,  caries  of  the  bones,  or  intlammation  and  suppuration  of 
the  synovial  sacs  and  joints,  thereby  converting  a  simple  quittor  into 
one  which  will,  in  all  j>robability,  either  destroy  the  patient's  life  or 
maim  him  for  all  time. 

Causes. — Tendinous  quittor  is  caused  by  the  same  injuries  and 
influences  that  produce  the  simple  form.  Zundel  believes  it  to  be  a 
not  infrequent  accompaniment  of  distemper.  In  my  own  experience 
I  have  seen  nothing  to  verify  this  belief,  but  I  am  convinced  that 
young  animals  ai'e  more  liable  to  have  tendinous  quittor  than  older 
ones,  and  tiuit  they  are  nnich  more  likt'ly  to  make  a  good  recovery. 

Sympfom^f. — When  a  case  of  simple  quittor  is  transformed  into  the 
tendinous  variety  the  change  is  announced  by  a  sudden  increase  in 
the  severity  of  all  the  symptoms.  On  the  other  hand,  if  the  attack 
primarily  is  one  of  tendinous  quittoi-,  the  earliest  symptom  seen  is  a 
well-marked  lameness.  In  those  cases  due  to  causes  other  than  inju- 
ries this  lameness  is  at  first  very  slight,  and  the  animal  limps  no 
more  in  trotting  than  in  walking;  later  on,  generally  during  the  next 
48  hours,  the  lameness  increases  to  such  extent  that  the  patient  often 
refuses  to  use  the  leg  at  all.  An  examination  made  during  tiic  first 
two  days  rarely  discloses  any  cause  for  this  lamene.ss;  it  may  not  be 
]v>ssil)le  even  to  say  with  certainty  that  the  foot  is  the  seat  of  the 
tro\ible.  On  the  third  or  fourth  day,  sometimes  as  late  as  the  fifth, 
a  doughy-feeling  tumor  will  be  found  forming  on  the  heel  or  quarter. 
This  tumor  giows  raj)idly,  feels  hot  to  the  touch,  and  is  extremely 
painfhl.  As  the  tumor  develops,  all  the  othei-  symjitoms  increase  in 
intensity,  the  pulse  is  rapid  and  hard;  the  breathing  quick;  the 
t«'mi>erature  elevated  3^  or  4"  ;  the  appetite  is  gone;  thii'st  increased; 
and  the  lameness  so  great  that  the  foot  is  carried  if  locomotif)n  is 
attempted.  At  this  stage  of  the  di.sease  the  patient  generally  seeks 
relief  bv  lying  upon  the  broad  --ide.  with  outstretched  legs:  the  eoat 


412  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

is  bedewed  with  a  claiuiiiy  sweat,  and  every  respiration  is  accompanied 
with  a  moan.  The  leg  soon  swells  to  the  fetlock;  later  ihis  swelling 
gradually  extends  to  the  knee  or  hock,  and  in  some  cases  reaches  the 
})od.y.  As  a  rule,  several  days  elapse  before  the  disease  develops  a 
Avell-defined  abscess,  for,  owing  to  the  dense  structure  of  the  bones, 
ligaments,  and  tendons,  the  suppurative  process  is  a  slow  one.  and 
the  pus  is  prevented  from  readily  collecting  in  a  mass. 

I  made  a  post-mortem  examination  on  a  typical  case  of  this  disease, 
in  which  the  animal  had  died  on  the  fourth  day  after  being  found 
on  the  range  slightly  lame.  The  suffering  had  been  intense,  yet 
the  only  external  evidences  of  the  disease  consisted  in  the  shed- 
ding of  the  hoof  from  the  right  fore  foot  and  a  limited  swelling 
of  the  leg  to  the  knee.  The  sloughing  of  the  hoof  took  place  two 
or  three  hours  before  death,  and  was  accompanied  Avith  liut  little 
suppuration  and  no  hemorrhage.  The  skin  from  the  knee  to  the 
foot  was  thickened  from  watery  infiltration  (edema),  and  on  the 
inside  quarter  three  holes,  each  about  one-half  inch  in  diameter, 
were  found.  All  had  ragged  edges,  while  but  one  had  gone  deep 
enough  to  perforate  the  coronarj^  band.  The  loose  connective  tissue 
beneath  the  skin  was  distended,  with  a  gelatinous  inJBltration  over 
the  whole  course  of  the  flexor  tendons  and  to  the  fetlock  joint  over 
the  tendon  in  front.  The  soft  tissues  covering  the  coffin  bone  were 
loosened  in  patches  by  collections  of  pus  which  had  formed  beneath 
the  sensitive  laminae.  The  coffin  and  pastern  joints  were  inflamed, 
as  were  also  the  coffin,  navicular,  and  coronet  bones,  while  the  out- 
side toe  of  the  coffin  bone  had  become  softened  from  suppuration 
until  it  readily  crumbled  between  the  fingers.  The  coi-onary  l)aud 
was  largely'  destroyed  and  completely  separated  from  the  other 
tissues  of  the  foot.  The  inner  lateral  cartilage  was  gangi'enous, 
as  Avas  also  a  small  spot  on  the  extensor  tendon  near  its  point  of 
attachment  on  the  coffin  bone.  Several  small  collections  of  pus  were 
found  deep  in  the  connective  tissue  of  the  coronary  region ;  along 
the  course  of  the  sesamoid  ligaments;  in  the  sheath  of  the  flexor 
tendons;  under  the  tendon  just  below  the  fetlock  joint  in  front; 
and  in  the  coffin  joint. 

But  all  cases  of  tendinous  quittor  are  by  no  means  so  complicated 
as  this  one  was.  In  rai-e  instances  the  swelling  is  slight,  and  aftei- 
a  few  days  the  lameness  and  other  symptoms  subside,  without  any 
discharge  of  pus  from  an  external  opening.  In  most  cases,  how- 
ever, from  one  to  half  a  dozen  or  more  soft  points  arise  on  the 
skin  of  the  coronet,  open,  and  discharge  slowly  a  thick,  yellow, 
fetid,  and  bloody  matter.  In  other  cases  the  suppurative  piocess 
is  largely  confined  to  the  sensitive  laminre  and  plantar  cushion, 
when  the  suffering  is  intense  until  the  pus  finds  an  avenue  of  escape 


DISEASES    OF    THE    FKTT.OfK,   ANKI.K.  AND    FOOT.  413" 

bv  separating  the  hoof  fi-oin  the  coioiiary  hiiiul.  at  or  near  tlic  heels, 
Avithout  causing;  a  loss  of  the  >\lu)U>  horny  hox.  When  tlie  flexor 
tendon  is  involved  deep  in  the  foot,  the  diyehar«j^e  of  ]>iis  usually 
takes  place  from  an  opening  in  tlie  follow  of  the  heel:  if  the  sesa- 
moid ligament  or  the  sheath  of  (he  (lexors  are  affected,  the  opening" 
is  nearer  the  fetlock  joint,  although  in  most  of  these  eases  the  sup- 
I)uration  .spreads  along  the  rourse  of  the  tendons  until  the  navicular 
joint  is  involved,  and  extensive  sloughing  of  the  deeper  parts  follows. 

Treat tnoit. — The  treatment  of  tendinous  (juittor  is  to  he  directed 
toward  the  sa\  ing  of  the  foot.  First  of  all  an  effort  must  he  made  to 
prevent  suppuration:  if  the  i)atient  is  seen  at  the  heginning,  cold 
irrigation,  recommended  in  tlie  treatment  for  cutaneous  (piittor,  is  to 
he  resorted  to.  Later,  when  the  tumor  is  forming  on  the  c<tronet, 
the  knife  must  he  used,  and  a  free  and  deep  incision  made  into  the 
swelling.  AVhene>er  openings  appear,  from  which  ])us  escapes,  they 
should  he  carefully  prol-ed:  in  all  instances  the.se  fistulous  tracts  lead 
down  to  dead  tissue  which  nature  is  trying  to  remove  hy  the  process 
of  sloughing.  If  a  counter  o])einng  can  he  made,  which  will  enahle  a 
more  ready  escajie  of  the  jms,  it  should  he  done  at  once;  for  instance, 
if  the  probe  shows  that  the  discharge  originates  from  the  bottom  of 
the  foot,  the  sole  must  be  pared  through  over  the  seat  <^f  trouble. 
\Vliene\  er  suppuration  has  commenced  the  jirocess  is  to  he  .stimulated 
hv  the  use  of  warm  V)aths  and  poultices.  The  pus  wjiich  accumulates 
in  the  deeper  parts,  esjiccially  along  the  tendons,  around  the  joint.s, 
and  in  the  hoof,  is  to  be  removed  by  pressme  and  injections  made 
with  a  small  syringe,  repeated  tw(»  or  three  times  a  day.  As  soon  as 
the  discharge  jissumes  a  healthy  charactei*  and  diminislK's  in  (juantity, 
stimulating  scdutions  are  to  be  injected  into  the  open  wounds.  A\'hen 
the  tendons,  ligaments,  and  other  deeper  parts  are  affected,  a  strong 
solution  <.f  carliolic  acid — 1  to  '1 — should  be  used  at  first;  or  strong 
solutions  of  tincture  of  iodin,  sulphate  of  iron,  sulphate  of  copper, 
hichlorid  of  mercury,  etc.,  may  be  used  in  ])lace  of  th<^  carbolic;  after 
this  the  remedies  and  dressings  directed  for  use  in  simjde  (|uittor 
are  to  he  used.  In  those  cases  in  which  the  fistulous  tracts  refuse  to 
heal  it  is  often  nec'e,*«ary  to  bm-n  them  out  \\ith  a  saturated  solution 
of  caustic  soda.  e<|ual  parts  of  muriatic  acid  and  water,  or,  better 
Btill,  with  a  long,  thin  iron,  heated  white  hot. 

But  no  matter  what  treatment  is  adopted,  a  large  percentage  of 
the  ca.'^es  of  tendinous  jjuittor  fail  to  make  g(M)tl  i-ecoverie.s.  If  the 
entire  hoof  sloughs  away,  the  growth  of  a  new.  l»ut  soft  and  imper- 
fect hoof  may  be  obtained  by  carefully  protecting  the  exposed  ti.ssues 
with  proper  baiulages.  TVhen  the  joints  are  ope?ied  by  d»'ep  slough- 
ing, recovery  may  eventually  take  jilace.  hut  the  joint  remains  im- 
movable ever  after.    If  caries  of  a  small  )»art  of  the  coflin  hone  takes 


,  414  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

place,  it  may  be  removed  by  an  operation ;  but  if  much  of  the  bone 
is  affected,  or  if  the  navicular  and  coronet  bones  are  invohed  in  the 
carious  process,  the  only  hope  for  a  cure  is  in  the  amputation  of  the 
foot.  This  operation  is  advisable  only  when  the  aniuial  is  valuable 
for  breeding  purposes.  In  all  other  cases  in  which  there  is  no  hope 
for  recovery  the  patient's  suffering  should  be  relieved  by  death.  In 
tendinous  quittor  much  thickening  of  the  coronary  region,  and  some- 
times of  the  ankle  and  fetlock,  remains  after  suppuration  has  ceased 
and  the  fistulous  tracts  have  healed.  To  stimulate  the  reabsorption  of 
this  new  and  unnecessary  tissue,  the  parts  should  be  fired  with  tlie 
hot  iron,  or,  in  its  absence,  repeated  blistering  with  the  biniodid  of 
mercury  ointment  maj'  largely  accomplish  the  same  results. 

SUBHORNY  QUITTOR. 

This  is  the  most  common  form  of  the  disease.  It  is  generally  seen 
in  but  one  foot  at  a  time,  and  more  often  in  the  fore  than  in  the  hind 
feet.  It  nearly  always  attacks  the  inside  quarter,  but  may  affect  the 
outside,  the  band  in  front,  or  the  heel,  where  it  is  of  but  little  con- 
sequence. It  consists  in  the  inflammation  of  a  small  part  of  the 
coronary  band  and  adjacent  skin,  followed  by  sloughing  and  sup- 
puration, which  in  most  cases  extends  to  the  neighboring  sensitive 
laminae. 

Causes. — Injuries  to  the  coronet,  such  as  bruises,  overreaching,  and 
calk  wounds,  are  considered  as  the  common  causes  of  this  disease. 
Still,  cases  occur  in  which  there  appears  to  be  no  existing  cause,  just 
as  in  the  other  forms  of  quittor,  and  it  seems  fair  to  conclude  that 
subhorny  quittor  maj^  also  be  produced  by  internal  causes. 

SyniptoTTis. — At  the  outset  the  lameness  is  always  severe,  and  the 
patient  often  refuses  to  use  the  affected  foot.  Swelling  of  the  coronet 
close  to  the  top  of  the  hoof  causes  the  quarter  to  protrude  beyond  the 
wall.  This  tumor  is  extremeh"^  sensitive,  and  the  whole  foot  is  hot 
f^.nd  painful.  After  a  few  days  a  small  spot  in  the  skin,  over  the 
most  elevated  part  of  the  tumor,  softens  and  opens  or  the  hoof  sepa- 
rates from  the  coronary  band  at  the  quarter  or  well  back  toward  the 
heel.  From  this  opening,  wherever  it  may  be,  a  thin,  watery,  often 
dark,  offensive  discharge  escapes,  at  times  mixed  with  blood  and 
always  containing  a  considerable  percentage  of  pus. 

Probing  will  now  disclose  a  fistulous  tract  leading  to  the  bottom  of 
the  diseased  tissues.  If  the  opening  is  small,  there  is  a  tendency  upon 
the  part  of  the  suppurative  process  to  spread  downward;  the  pus 
gradually  separates  the  hoof  from  the  sensitive  laminas  until  the  sole 
is  reached,  and  even  a  portion  of  this  may  be  undermined. 

As  a  rule,  the  slough  in  this  form  of  quittor  is  not  deep,  and  if  the 
case  receives  early  and  proper  treatment  complications  are  generally 
avoided ;  but  if  the  case  is  neglected,  and,  occasionally,  even  in  spite 


DISEASKS    OF    TilK    KETl.OCK,   ANKl.K,  AND    KOOT.  415 

of  the  l)est  treatment,  the  disease  spreads  until  the  tendon  in  front, 
thi'  hiteral  cartihige,  or  the  coffin  bone  and  joint  as  well  are  in- 
v<»l\ed. 

In  all  cases  of  subhorny  quittor  much  relief  is  experienced  when 
the  slough  comes  away,  and  rapid  recovery  is  made.  If,  .however, 
after  the  lapse  of  a  few  days,  the  lameness  remains  and  tlio  wound 
continues  to  discharge  a  thin,  uidiealthy  matter,  the  j^rolmhilitics  sire 
that  the  disease  is  spreading,  and  pus  collecting  in  the  deeper  parts  of 
the  f(x>t.  In  Zundel's  opinion,  if  the  use  of  the  ])rol)e  now  detects  a 
pus  cavity  IjcIow  the  opening,  a  cartilaginous  <|uittor  is  in  the  course 
of  development. 

Trcatnu  nt. — Hot  baths  and  poultices  arc  to  i)e  used  until  the  pres- 
ence of  pus  can  be  determined,  when  the  tumor  is  to  be  opened  with 
a  knife  or  sharp-pointed  iron  heated  white  hot.  The  hot  baths  and 
poultices  are  now  continued  for  a  few  days  or  until  the  entire  slough 
has  come  away  and  the  discharge  is  diminished,  when  dressings 
recommended  in  the  treatment  for  cutaneous  quittor  are  to  be  used 
until  recovery  is  completed.  In  cases  in  which  the  discharge  comes 
from  a  cleft  between  the  upper  border  of  the  hoof  and  the  corona ly 
band,  always  pare  away  the  loosened  horn,  so  that  the  soft  tissues 
beneath  are  fully  e.\jv)sed,  care  being  taken  not  to  injure  the  healthy 
parts.  This  operation  })eruiits  of  a  thorough  inspection  of  the  dis- 
eased parts,  the  easy  removal  of  all  gangrenous  tissue,  and  a  better 
application  of  the  necessary  remedies  and  dressings.  The  only  objec- 
tion to  the  (•})eration  is  that  the  patient  is  jnevented  from  being 
early  returned  to  work. 

When  the  probe  shows  tliat  pus  has  collected  under  the  coffin  bone 
the  sole  must  i)e  pared  through,  and,  if  caries  of  the  l)one  is  present, 
the  dead  parts  cut  away.  After  either  of  these  operations  the  wound 
is  to  be  dressed  with  the  oakum  balls,  saturated  in  the  bichlorid  of 
mercury  solution,  as  previously  directed,  and  the  bandages  tightly 
applied,  (ienerally  the  discharge  Un-  the  lirst  two  or  three  days  is 
so  great  that  the  dressings  need  to  be  changed  e\ery  21  hours;  but 
wlien  the  discharge  diminishes,  the  dressing  may  be  left  on  from 
one  to  two  weeks.  Before  the  patient  is  returned  to  work,  a  bar  shoe 
should  1h'  applied,  since  the  removed  (piarter  or  heel  <  an  only  be  made 
perfect  again  by  a  new  growth  from  the  coronary  band. 

Tendinous  or  cartilaginous  complications  are  to  be  treated  as 
directed  under  those  headings. 

CARTILAGINOUS  QUITTOR. 

This  form  of  quittor  may  <-oMunence  as  a  primary  inflammation  of 
the  lateral  cartilage,  but  in  the  great  majority  of  cases  it  ai>pears  as 
a  .sequel  to  cutaneous  or  subhorny  quittor.  It  may  affect  either  the 
foro  or  hind  feet,  but  is  most  commonly  seen  in  the  former.     As  a 


416  DISEASES   OF    TIIE    HOESE. 

rule,  it  attacks  but  one  foot  at  a  time,  and  but  one  of  the  cartilages, 
generally  the  inner  one.  It  is  always  a  serious  affection  for  the 
reason  that,  in  many  cases,  it  can  only  be  cured  by  a  surgical  opera- 
tion, requiring  a  tho)"ough  knowledge  of  the  anatomy  of  the  parts 
involved,  and  much  surgical  skill. 

Caifses. — Direct  injui-ies  to  the  coronet,  such  as  trampling,  pricks, 
burns,  and  the  blow  of  some  heavy  falling  object  which  may  punc- 
ture, bruise,  or  ci'ush  the  cartilage,  are  the  common  direct  causes  of 
cartilaginous  quittor.  Besides  being  a  sequel  to  the  other  forms  of 
quittor,  it  sometimes  develops  as  a  complication  in  suppurative  corn, 
canker,  grease,  laminitis,  and  punctured  wounds  of  the  foot.  Ani- 
mals used  for  heav}^  draft,  and  those  with  fiat  feet  and  low  heels,  are 
more  liable  to  the  disease  than  others,  for  the  reason  that  they  are 
more  exposed  to  injury.  Rough  roads  also  predispose  to  the  disease 
by  increasing  liability  to  injury. 

Symptoms. — When  the  disease  commences  as  a  primary  inflamma- 
tion of  the  cartilage,  lameness  develops  with  the  formation  of  a 
swelling  on  the  side  of  the  coronet  over  the  quarter.  The  severity  of 
this  lameness  depends  largely  upon  the  part  of  the  cartilage  Mhich 
is  diseased,  for  if  the  disease  is  situated  in  that  part  of  the  cartilage 
nearest  the  heel,  where  the  surrounding  tissues  are  soft  and  spongy, 
the  lameness  may  be  very  slight,  especially  if  the  jiatient  is  required 
to  go  no  faster  than  a  walk ;  but  when  the  middle  and  anterior  parts 
of  the  cartilage  are  diseased,  the  pain  and  consequent  lameness  are 
much  greater,  for  the  tissues  are  less  elastic  and  the  coffin  joint  is 
more  liable  to  become  affected. 

Except  in  the  cases  to  be  noted  hereafter,  one  or  more  fistulous 
openings  finally  appear  in  the  tumor  on  the  coronet.  These  openings 
are  surrounded  by  a  small  mass  of  granulations  Avhich  are  elevated 
above  the  adjacent  skin  and  bleed  readily  if  handled.  A  probe  shows 
these  fistulous  tracts  to  be  more  or  less  sinuous,  but  always  leading 
to  one  point — the  gangrenous  cartilage.  AVlien  cartilaginous  quittor 
happens  as  a  complication  of  suppurative  corn,  or  from  punctured 
wounds  of  the  foot,  the  fistulous  tract  may  open  alone  at  the  point  of 
injury  on  the  sole. 

The  discharge  in  this  form  of  quittor  is  generally  thin,  watery,  and 
contains  pus  enough  to  give  it  a  pale-yellow  color;  it  is  offensive  to 
the  sense  of  smell,  due  to  the  detachment  of  small  flakes  of  cartilage 
which  have  become  gangrenous  and  are  seen  in  the  discharge  as  small, 
gi-eenish- colored  particles.  In  old  cases  it  is  not  unusual  to  find  some 
of  the  fistulous  openings  heal  at  the  surface;  this  is  followed  by  the 
gi'adual  collection  of  pus  in  the  deeper  parts,  forming  an  abscess, 
which  in  a  short  time  opens  at  a  new  point.  The  wall  of  the  hoof, 
over  the  affected  quarter  and  heel,  in  verj'^  old  cases  becomes  rough 
and  wrinkled  like  the  horn  of  a  ram,  and  generally  it  is  thicker  than 


DISEASES    OF     rHK    KKTl.OCK,  AXKLK,  AND    FOOT.  417 

tlic  eoMei5pondiii<i:  quaiti'r.  o\\in<i  to  llic  >tiiiiiilating  eflfect  ^\llit•ll  tlie 
diseiise  has  upon  the  coronary  band. 

Complications  may  arise  by  an  extension  of  the  diseaM'  to  tiie  hit- 
eral  lij^ament  of  the  coHin  joint,  to  the  joint  itself,  to  the  plantar 
cuijliion.  anil  by  earies  of  the  collin  bone. 

Treat nu)it. — Before  recovery  can  take  place  all  the  dead  cartil:i«j[e 
must  bo  removed.  In  rare  instances  this  is  etlected  by  natnre  without 
assistance.  Usually,  however,  the  disease  does  not  tend  to  reco\ery, 
and  active  curnti\e  measures  nnist  l)e  adopted.  The  best  and  sim- 
plest treatment,  in  a  majority  of  cases,  is  the  injection  of  strong 
caustic  solutions,  which  destiov  the  diseased  cartilage  and  cause  its 
dis<*harge,  along  \\\i\\  the  other  j)roducts  (»f  suppuration.  In  fa\<»r- 
able  cases  these  injections  will  .secure  a  healing  of  the  wound  in 
from  two  to  three  weeks.  While  the  satuiated  solution  of  sulphate 
of  copi>er,  or  a  solution  of  10  parts  of  bichlorid  of  mercury  to  KM) 
parts  of  water,  has  given  the  best  results  in  my  hands,  e<iually  a^ 
favorable  success  has  been  secured  by  others  from  the  use  of  caustic 
soda,  nitrate  of  silver,  sulphate  of  zinc,  tincture  of  iodin,  etc.  Xo 
matter  which  one  of  these  remedies  may  be  selected,  however,  it  must 
be  Used  at  least  twice  a  day  for  a  time.  The  solution  is  injected  into 
the  various  openings  w-ith  force  enough  to  drive  it  to  the  bottom  of 
the  wound,  after  which  the  foot  is  to  be  dressed  with  a  pad  of  oakum. 
held  in  place  by  a  roller  bandage  tightly  applied.  While  it  is  not 
always  necessary,  it  is  often  of  advantage  to  relieve  the  pressure  on 
the  paits  by  rasj)ing  away  the  h(>of  over  the  seat  of  the  cartilage:  the 
coronary  band  and  laminju  should  not  l>e  injured  in  the  operation. 

If  the  caustic  injections  pi-ove  successful,  the  discharge  will  be- 
c()me  healthy  and  gradually  iliminish,  so  that  by  the  end  of  the 
second  week  the  fistuhms  tracts  are  closing  up  and  the  injections  are 
made  with  much  difliculty. 

If,  on  the  other  hand,  there  is  but  little  or  no  imi)rovcm('nt  aftri- 
this  treatment  has  been  u.^ed  for  three  weeks,  it  may  reasonably  be 
concluded  that  the  operation  for  the  removal  of  the  lateial  cartilage 
must  Ik-  resorti'd  to  for  the  cure  of  the  trouble.  As  this  operation 
can  bt»  safely  undertaken  only  bv  an  expert  surgeon,  it  will  not  be 
described  in  this  connection. 

THRUSH. 

Thrush  is  characterized  liy  au  excessive  secretion  of  unhealthy 
matter  from  the  cleft  of  the  frog.  While  all  classes  of  horses  are 
liable  to  this  alfcction.  it  is  m«ue  often  seen  in  the  couimon  draft 
horse  than  in  any  other  breed,  owing  to  the  conditions  of  servitude 
and  not  to  the  fault  of  the  breed.     Country  hoi.^'s  are  much  less 


418  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

subject  to  the  disease,  except  in  wet,  marshy  districts,  than  are  the 
horses  used  in  cities  and  towns. 

Causes. — The  most  common  cause  of  thrush  is  the  filthy  condition 
of  the  stable  in  which  the  animal  is  kept.  Mares  are  more  liable  to 
contract  the  disease  in  the  hind  feet  when  filth  is  the  cause,  while 
the  gelding  and  stallion  are  more  liable  to  develop  it  in  the  fore 
feet.  Hard  work-  on  rough  and  stony  roads  may  also  induce  the 
disease,  as  may  a  change  from  dryness  to  excessive  moisture.  The 
latter  cause  is  often  seen  to  operate  in  old  track  horses,  whose  feet 
are  constantly  soaked  in  the  bathtub  for  the  purpose  of  relieving 
soreness.  Mudd}'  streets  and  roads,  especiall}^  where  mineral  sub- 
stances are  plentiful,  excite  this  abnormal  condition  of  the  frog. 
Contracted  heels,  scratches,  and  navicular  disease  predispose  to 
thrush,  while  by  some  a  constitutional  tendency  is  believed  to  exist 
among  certain  animals  which  otherwise  present  a  perfect  frog. 
.  Symptoms. — At  first  there  is  simply  an  increased  moisture  in  the 
cleft  of  the  frog,  accompanied  with  an  offensive  smell.  After  a  time 
a  considerable  discharge  takes  place — thin,  watery,  and  highly  offen- 
sive, changing  gradually  to  a  thicker  puriform  matter,  which  rap- 
idly destroys  the  horn  of  the  frog.  Only  in  old  and  severe  cases  is 
the  patient  lame  and  the  foot  feverish — cases  in  which  the  whole 
frog  is  involved  in  the  diseased  process. 

Treatment. — Thrushes  are  to  be  treated  by  cleanliness,  the  removal 
of  all  exciting  causes,  and  a  return  of  the  frog  to  its  normal  condi- 
tion. As  a  rule,  the  diseased  and  ragged  portions  of  horn  are  to  be 
pared  away  and  the  foot  poulticed  for  a  day  or  two  with  boiled  tur- 
nips, to  which  may  be  added  a  few  drops  of  carbolic  acid  or  a  handful 
of  powdered  charcoal  to  destroy  the  offensive  smell.  The  cleft  of 
the  frog  and  the  grooves  on  its  edges  are  then  to  be  cleaned  and  well 
filled  with  dry  calomel  and  the  foot  dressed  with  oakum  and  a  roller 
bandage.  If  the  discharge  is  profuse,  the  dressing  should  be  changed 
daily ;  otherwise  it  may  be  left  on  two  or  three  days.  Where  a  con- 
stitutional taint  is  supposed  to  exist,  with  swelling  of  the  legs,  grease, 
etc.,  a  purgative,  followed  by  dram  doses  of  sulphate  of  iron,  re- 
peated daily,  may  be  prescribed.  In  cases  where  the  growth  of  horn 
seems  too  slow  a  Spanish-fly  blistel-  applied  to  the  heels  is  often  fol- 
lowed by  good  results.  Feet  in  which  the  disease  is  readily  induced 
may  be  protected  in  the  stable  Avith  a  leather  boot.  If  the  thrush  is 
but  a  sequel  to  other  disease,  a  permanent  cure  may  not  be  possible. 

CANKER. 

Canker  of  the  foot  is  due  to  the  rapid  reproduction  of  a  vegetable 
parasite.  It  not  only  destroys  the  sole  and  frog,  but,  by  setting  up  a 
chronic  inflammation  in  the  deeper  tissues,  prevents  the  growth  of 


DISEASES   OF   THE    FETLOCK,  AXKLK,  AND    FOOT.  41i) 

a  healthy  horn  Iiy  wliich  the  injury  may  he  repaiivih  Heavy  cai't 
horses  are  more  often  atVectetl  than  tliose  of  any  other  rhi.ss. 

Cauneii. — The  essential  ek'nient  in  tlie  prodnetion  of  canker  is  tlie 
parasite;  consequently  the  disease  may  l)e  called  contagious.  As  in 
all  other  diseases  due  to  specific  causes,  howevei",  the  seeds  of  the  dis- 
order must  tind  a  suitable  soil  in  which  to  «;ro\v  before  they  are 
rejjroduced.  It  may  he  said,  then,  that  the  conditions  which  favor 
the  {^repartition  of  the  tissues  foi-  a  leception  (d*  the  seeds  of  this 
disease  are  simply  predisposing  causes. 

The  condition  most  favorable  to  the  development  (d'  canlcei-  is 
dampness — in  fact,  dami)ness  seems  indispensable  to  the  existence 
and  growth  of  the  parasite;  the  disea.se  is  rarely,  if  ever,  seen  in 
high,  diy  districts,  and  is  much  more  common  in  lainy  than  in  dry 
seasons.  Filthy  stables  and  muddy  roads  have  lieen  classed  among 
the  causes  of  canker;  but  it  is  very  doubtful  whether  these  conditions 
can  do  more  than  favor  a  preparation  of  the  foot  for  the  reception 
of  the  disease  germ. 

All  injurit's  to  the  feet,  by  exposing  the  soft  tissues,  may  render  the 
animal  su.sceptible  to  infection;  but  neither  the  injury  nor  the  irrita- 
tion and  inllannnation  of  the  tissiies  which  follow  are  sufficient  to 
induce  the  di.sease. 

For  some  unknown  reason  horses  with  lymphatic  temperaments — 
thick  .skins,  flat  feet,  fleshy  frogs,  lieavy  hair,  and  ])articularly  with 
white  feet  and  legs — are  especially  liable  to  canker. 

S)/mptonu<t. — Usually,  canker  is  confined  to  one  foot;  but  it  may 
attack  two,  three,  or  all  of  the  feet  at  once;  or,  as  is  more  connnonly 
seen,  the  disease  attacks  first  one  then  another,  until  all  may  have 
been  successively  affected.  When  the  disease  follows  an  injury  which 
has  expostvl  the  soft  tissues  of  the  foot,  the  wound  .shows  no  tendency 
to  heal,  but  instead  there  is  .secreted  fi"om  the  inflamed  parts  a  pro- 
fu.se,  thin,  fetid,  watery  discharge,  which  gradually  undermines  and 
destroys  the  surrounding  horn,  until  a  large  j)art  of  the  sole  and  frog 
is  di.sease<l.  The  living  tissues  are  swollen,  dark  colored,  and  covered 
at  certain  points  with  particles  of  new,  .soft,  yellowish,  thready  horn, 
which  are  con.stantly  undergoing  maceration  in  the  abundant  liquid 
secretion  by  which  they  aie  immer.scd.  As  this  secretion  escapes  to 
the  .surrounding  parts,  it  dries  and  forms  .snudl,  chee.sv  masses  com- 
posed of  partly  dried  horny  matter,  exceedingly  offensive  to  the  sense 
of  smell.  When  the  di.seasi'  originates  independently  of  an  injury, 
the  fii'st  evidences  of  the  trouble  are  the  offensive  oloi-  of  the  foot, 
the  liquid  secivtion  from  the  cleft  and  siiles  of  the  frog,  and  the 
rotting  away  of  the  horn  of  the  frog  and  sole. 

In  the  earlier  .stages  there  is  no  interference  with  1<»( omotioM,  but 
later  the  foot  becomes  sensitive,  particularly  if  thf  animal  is  usrd  on 


420  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

rouiili  loads,  and,  finally,  when  the  sole  and  frog  are  largely  destroyed 
the  lameness  is  severe. 

T reatment. — Since  canker  does  not  destroy-  the  power  of  the  tissues 
to  i)ro(lnce  horn,  but  rather  excites  them  to  an  excessive  production 
of  an  imperfect  horn,  the  indications  for  treatment  are  to  restore  the 
parts  to  a  normal  condition,  when  healthy  horn  may  again  be  secreted. 
In  my  experience,  limited  though  it  has  been,  the  old  practice  of 
stripping  off  the  entire  sole  and  deep  cauterization,  with  either  the 
hot  iron  or  strong  acids,  is  not  attended  with  uniformly  good  results. 

I  am  of  the  opinion  that  recovery  can  generalh'  be  effected  as  sureh' 
and  as  speedily  with  measures  which  are  less  heroic  and  much  less 
})ainful.  True,  the  treatment  of  canker  is  likely  to  exhaust  the 
patience,  and  sometimes  the  resources,  of  tb.e  attendant;  but  after 
all  success;  depends  more  on  the  persistent  application  of  sim})le 
remedies  and  great  cleanliness  than  on  the  special  virtues  of  any 
particular  drug. 

First,  then,  clean  the  foot  Avith  warm  baths  and  apply  a  poultice 
containing  ])owdered  charcoal  or  carbolic  acid.  A  handful  of  the 
charcoal  or  a  tablespoonful  of  the  acid  mixed  with  the  poultice  serves 
to  destroy  much  of  the  offensive  odor.  The  diseased  portions  of 
horn  are  to  be  carefully  removed  w^ith-sharp  instruments,  until  only 
healthy  horn  borders  the  affected  parts.  The  edges  of  the  sound 
horn  are  to  be  pared  thin,  so  that  the  swollen  soft  tissues  may  not 
overlaj:)  their  borders.  With  sharp  scissors  cut  oft'  all  the  prominent 
points  on  the  soft  tissues,  shorten  the  walls  of  the  foot,  and  nail  on  a 
broad,  plain  shoe.  The  foot  is  now  ready  for  the  dressings,  and  any 
of  the  many  stimulating  and  drj^ng  remedies  may  be  used;  ])ut  it 
will  be  necessary  to  change  frequently  from  one  to  another,  until 
finally  all  may  be  tried. 

The  list  from  which  a  selection  may  be  made  comprises  wood  tar, 
gas  tar,  peti'oleum.  creosote,  phenic  acid;  sulphates  of  iron,  copper, 
and  zinc;  chlorid  of  zinc,  bichlorid  of  mercury,  calomel,  caustic 
soda,  nitrate  of  silver,  chlorid  of  lime:  carbolic,  nitric,  and  sulphuric 
acids. 

In  practice  I  prefer  to  give  the  newly  shod  foot  a  bath  for  an  hour 
or  two  in  a  solution  of  the  sulphate  of  iron  made  by  adding  2  ounces 
of  the  powdered  sulphate  to  a  gallon  of  cold  water.  Wlien  the  foot 
is  removed  from  the  bath  it  is  dressed  with  oakum  balls  dipped  in  a 
mixture  made  of  Barbados  tar  1  part,  oil  of  turpentine  8  parts,  to 
which  is  slowly  added  2  parts  of  sulphuric  acid,  and  the  mixture  Avell 
stirred  and  cooled.  The  diseased  parts  being  well  covered  with  the 
bails,  a  pad  of  oalaim  sufficiently  thick  to  cause  considerable  pressure 
is  placed  over  them,  and  all  are  held  in  place  by  pieces  of  heavy  tin 
fitted  to  slip  under  the  shoe.  The  whole  foot  is  now  incased  in  a 
boot   or   folded   gunny   sack   and   the  patient  turned   into  a   loose, 


DI8KASKS  (»i"   rm:  ji  ii.ock.  ankle,  and  foot.  421 

div  l>o.\-.  Tho  iliessings  iwv  to  be  ohnnjretl  daily  or  even  twice  a 
day  at  Hrst.  A>'lu'n  they  are  removed,  all  pieces  of  new  horny  mat- 
ter which  are  now  lirndy  adherent  mu.^t  he  rnbbod  oM'  with  tlie  fin- 
jrer  or  a  tcnl  of  oakiuii.  A>  the  secretion  diminishes,  dry  powders, 
such  as  calomel,  sulphates  of  iion,  cojiper.  etc..  may  piove  of  most 
advanta<;e.  The  sulphates  should  not  he  used  pure,  hut  are  to  be 
mixed  witii  powdered  animal  charcoal  in  the  proportion  of  one  of 
the  foinier  to  eijrht  or  ten  of  the  latter.  A\'heu  the  soft  tis>ues  are 
all  horned  over,  the  dre.ssin«rs  should  i)e  continued  for  a  time,  weak 
solutions  heinjj  used  to  prevent  a  re<Mirrence  of  the  disease.  If  the 
patient  is  run  down  in  condition,  bitter  tonics,  such  as  <j;cutian. 
nujy  Ik?  jjiAcn  in  'i-dram  doses  twice  a  day  and  a  libeial  diet  of 
<;rain  allowed. 

CORNS. 

A  corn  is  an  injury  to  the  li\"in«x  hoin  of  the  foot.  iuvolviii<;  the 
soft  tissucf  beneath,  whereby  the  capillary  blood  vessels  are  ruptured 
and  a  siiKill  <|nantity  of  Mood  escajjcs  which,  by  permeating  the  hoi-n 
in  the  immediate  nci^hi»oiliood.  stains  it  a  dark  color.  Tf  the  injury 
is  continuously  ici)eated.  the  hoin  becomes  altered  in  chai'actei'  and 
the  soft  tissues  may  sujtpuratc  or  a  horny  tumor  de\elop.  Corns 
always  api>ear  in  tlie  sole  in  the  anjrle  l)etwcen  the  bar-  and  the 
outside  wall  of  the  hoof.  In  many  cases  the  lamina'  of  the  b:ir.  of 
the  wall,  or  of  both,  are  iuNohcd  at  the  same  time. 

Tliree  kiiuls  of  coins  are  connnonly  reco«rni/ed^the  dry,  the  mi)ist, 
and  the  suppurative — a  di\isiou  ba.si'd  solely  on  the  chiirMctcr  of  the 
conditions  which  follow   the  piim:iry  injury. 

The  fore  feet  are  almost  e.\clusi\i'ly  the  subjects  of  the  disease,  for 
two  reasons:  First,  becau.se  they  sup[)oi't  a  •greater  ])art  of  the  body: 
secondly,  becatise  the  heel  of  the  fore  foot  during  progression  is  fii*st 
placed  upon  the  giound.  whereby  it  receives  much  more  concussion 
than  the  heel  of  llie  liind  fool,  in  \\lii<-h  the  loe  lirst  striixcs  the 
ground. 

CaufU's. — It  may  be  said  thai  :ill  feet  are  exposeil  U)  corns,  :in<l  lh.it 
even  the  best  feet  may  sutler  from  them  when  conditions  necessary  to 
the  production  of  the  peculiar  injury  aie  j)resent.  The  heavier 
bleeds  of  horses  generally  used  for  heavy  work  on  rough  roads  and 

streets    seem    to    be    UJOst     ll;il)li-    to    tbiv    tioiibli'        A[iilc<     r;irel\"    IlM\"e 

corns. 

Among  the  cau.scb  and  c<»ndilions  which  piedisp<(se  to  corns  may 
be  named  high  heels,  which  change  the  natural  relative  position  of 
the  bones  of  the  foot  and  thereby  increas*>  the  concu.>^sion  to  which 
these  i)arts  art'  subject:  contiacted  heels,  which  in  ))ai't  destioy  the 
ela.sticity  of  the  foot,  increa.se  the  pressure  upon  the  soft  tissues  of 
the  heel,  and  render  lacerations  more  easy:  long  feet,  which  by 
removing  the  frog  and  heels  too  far  from  the  ground  tlejirivc  them 


422  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

of  necessary  moisture ;  this,  in  turn,  reduces  the  elastic  properties  of 
the  horn  and  diminishes  the  transverse  diameter  of  the  heels;  weak 
feet,  or  those  in  which  the  horn  of  the  wall  is  too  thin  to  resist  the 
tendency  to  spread,  wherebj^  the  soft  tissues  are  easily  lacerated. 
Wide  feet  with  low  heels  are  always  accompanied  with  a  flat  sole 
whose  posterior  wings  either  rest  upon  the  ground  or  the  shoe,  and 
as  a  consequence  are  easily  bruised ;  at  the  same  time  the  arch  of  the 
sole  is  so  broad  and  flat  that  it  can  not  support  the  weight  of  tlie 
body,  and  in  the  displacement  which  happens  when  the  foot  is  lested 
upon  the  ground  the  soft  tissues  are  liable  to  become  bruised  or  torn. 

It  is  universally  conceded  that  shoeing,  either  as  a  direct  or  predis- 
posing cause,  is  most  prolific  in  producing  corns.  One  of  the  most 
serious  as  well  as  the  most  common  of  the  errors  in  shoeing  is  to  be 
found  in  the  preparation  of  the  foot.  Instead  of  seeking  to  maintain 
the  integrity  of  the  arch,  the  first  thing  done  is  to  weaken  it  by  freely 
paring  away  the  sole;  nor  does  the  mutilation  end  here,  for  the  frog, 
which  is  nature's  main  support  to  the  branches  of  the  sole  and  the 
heels,  is  also  largely  cut  away.  This  not  only  permits  of  an  excessive 
downward  movement  of  the  contents  of  the  horny  box,  but  it  at  the 
same  time  removes  the  one  great  means  by  which  concussion  of  the 
foot  is  destroyed.  As  adjuncts  to  the  foregoing  errors  must  be  added 
the  faults  of  construction  in  the  shoe  and  in  the  way  it  is  adjusted 
to  the  foot.  An  excess  of  concavity  in  the  shoe,  extending  it  too  far 
back  on  the  heels,  high  calks,  thin  heels  which  permit  the  shoe  to 
spring,  short  heels  with  a  calk  set  under  the  foot,  and  a  shoo  too 
light  for  the  animal  w^earing  it  or  for  the  work  required  of  him,  are 
all  to  be  avoided  as  causes  of  corns.  A  shoe  so  set  so  as  to  press  upon 
the  sole  or  one  that  has  been  on  so  long  that  the  hoof  has  overgrown 
it  until  the  heels  rest  upon  the  sole  and  bars  becomes  a  direct  cause 
of  corns.  Indirectly  the  shoe  becomes  the  cause  of  corns  when  small 
stones,  hard,  dry  earth,  or  other  objects  collect  between  the  sole  and 
shoe.  Lastly,  a  rapid  gait  and  excessive  knee  action,  especially  on 
hard  roads,  predispose  to  this  disease  of  the  feet. 

Symptoms. — Ordinarily  a  corn  induces  sufficient  pain  to  cause 
lameness.  It  may  be  intense,  as  seen  in  suppurative  com,  or  it  may 
be  but  a  slight  soreness,  such  as  that  which  accompanies  dry  corn. 
It  is  by  no  means  unusual  in  chronic  corns  to  see  old  horses  appar- 
ently so  accustomed  to  the  slight  pain  which  they  suffer  as  not  to 
limp  at  all.  But  they  are  generally  very  restless.  They  j^aw  their 
bedding  behind  them  at  night  and  often  refuse  to  lie  down  for  a  long 
rest.  The  lameness  of  this  disease,  however,  can  hardly  be  said  to  be 
characteristic,  for  the  reason  that  it  varies  so  greatly  in  intensity ;  but 
the  j:)osition  of  the  leg  while  the  patient  is  at  rest  is  generally  the  same 
in  all  cases.  The  foot  is  so  advanced  that  it  is  relieved  of  all  weight, 
and  the  fetlock  is  flexed  until  all  pressure  by  the  contents  of  the  hoof 


DISEASES    OF    TMK    FKTI.OCK.   AN'KI.K,  AN'I)    FOOT.  423 

is  removed  fi-oiu  the  heels.  In  suppurative  corn  thr  huneness  sul>«i(le.s 
or  entii-ely  disappetirs  as  soon  as  the  abscess  opens.  When  the  injured 
tissues  are  nnu'h  inHanied,  as  may  hapi)en  in  severe  and  recent  case^, 
the  heel  of  the  affected  side,  or  even  the  whole  foot,  is  hot  and  tender 
to  pressure.  In  dry  corn  and  in  most  chronic  cases  all  evidences  of 
local  fever  are  often  wanting:.  It  is  in  these  cases  that  the  patient 
goes  well  when  newly  .shod,  for  the  smith  cuts  aw-ay  the  sole  over  the 
seat  of  injury  until  all  pressure  by  the  shoe  is  removed  and  lowers 
the  heels  so  that  concussion  is  reduced  to  a  mininnnn. 

If  a  corn  is  suspected,  the  foot  should  be  examined  for  increased 
sensibility  of  the  inside  heel.  Tappin<2:  the  heel  of  the  shoe  with  a 
hammer  and  ^jraspin^  the  wall  and  bar  between  the  jaws  of  pincers 
with  moderate  pressure  will  cause  more  or  less  flinching  if  the  dis- 
ease is  present.  For  fui-ther  evidence  the  shoe  is  removed  and  the 
heel  cut  away  with  the  drawing  knife.  As  the  horn  is  pared  out,  not 
only  the  sole  in  the  angle  is  found  discolored,  but  in  many  instances 
the  insensible  lamina'  of  the  bar  and  wall  adjacent  are  also  stained 
with  the  escaped  blood.  In  moist  and  suppui-ative  corns  this  discolor- 
ation is  less  marked  than  in  dry  corn  and  even  may  be  entirely  want- 
ing. In  the.se  cases  the  horn  is  soft,  often  white,  and  stringy  oi-  mealy, 
as  seen  in  pumiced  sole  resulting  from  founder.  When  the  whole 
thickness  of  the  sole  is  discolored  and  the  horn  dry  and  brittle  it  is 
generally  evidence  that  the  corn  is  an  old  one  and  that  the  exciting 
cause  has  existed  continuously.  A  moist  corn  differs  from  the  dry 
one  in  that  the  injury  is  more  severe.  The  parts  affected  are  more  or 
le>s  inflamed,  and  the  horn  of  the  sole  in  the  -angle  is  undermined  by  a 
citron-colored  fluid,  which  often  permeates  the  injured  sole  and 
lauiinae,  causing  the  horn  to  l>ecome  somewhat  spongy. 

A  suppurative  corn  differs  from  others  in  that  the  inflammation 
ends  in  suppuration.  The  pus  collects  at  the  point  of  injury  and 
finally  escapes  by  working  its  way  between  the  sensitive  and  insensi- 
ble lamiiue  to  the  top  of  the  hoof,  where  an  opening  is  made  between 
the  wall  and  conmary  band  at  or  neai-  the  heels.  This  is  the  most 
serious  form  of  corns,  for  the  reason  that  it  may  induce  gangrene  of 
the  ])lantar  cushion,  cartilaginous  (piittor,  or  caries  of  the  coflin  bone. 

Treafjmnt. — Since  a  diversity  of  opinion  exi.sts  as  to  what  measures 
nuist  be  adopted  for  the  radical  cure  of  corns,  the  author  will  advise 
the  use  of  those  which  have  proved  most  efficient  in  his  hands. 

As  in  all  other  troubles,  the  cause  must  be  discovered,  if  pos.sil)le, 
and  removed.  In  the  great  majority  of  cases  the  .shoeing  is  at  fault. 
While  .sudden  changes  in  the  method  of  shoeing  are  not  advisable, 
it  may  be  s;iid  that  all  errors,  either  in  the  pieparation  of  tin'  foot, 
in  the  con.struction  of  the  shoe,  or  in  its  ap|>lication  may  very 
pioi)erly  be  corrected  at  any  time.  Ciinnnstances  may  at  times  make 
it  imperative  that  .shoes  be  worn  whiih  are  not  fi'ee  from  (ibjectious: 


424  DISEASES  t^F    THE    HOKSE. 

as,  for  instance,  the  shoe  with  a  high  calk;  but  in  such  cases  it  is 
considered  that  the  injuries  liable  to  result  from  the  use  of  calks  are 
less  serious  than  those  which  are  sure  to  happen  for  the  want  of  them. 

For  a  sound  foot  perfectly  formed,  a  flat  shoe,  with  heels  less  thick 
than  the  toe,  and  which  rests  evenly  on  the  wall  proper,  is  the  best. 
In  fiat  feet  it  is  often  necessar}'  to  concave  the  shoe  as  much  as  possi- 
ble on  the  upjier  surface,  so  that  the  sole  may  not  be  pressed  upon. 
If  the  heels  are  very  low  the  heels  of  the  shoe  may  be  made  thicker. 
If  the  foot  is  very  broad  and  the  wall  light  toward  the  heels,  a  bar 
shoe  resting  upon  the  frog  will  aid  to  pi'ex  ent  excessive  tension  upon 
the  soft  tissues  when  the  foot  receives  the  weight  of  the  body.  A 
piece  of  leather  placed  between  the  foot  and  shoe  serves  largely  to 
destroy  concussion,  and  its  use  is  absolutely  necessary  on  some  ani- 
mals to  enable  them  to  work. 

Last  among  the  preventive  measiu'es  may  be  mentioned  those  which 
serve  to  maintain  the  suppleness  of  the  hoof.  The  dead  liorn  upon 
the  surface  of  the  sole  not  only  retains  moisture  for  a  long  time,  but 
protects  the  living  horn  beneath  from  the  efl'ects  of  evaporation ;  for 
this  reason  the  sole  should  be  pared  as  little  as  possible.  Stuffing  the 
feet  with  flaxseed  meal,  wet  clay,  or  other  like  substances,  or  damp 
dirt  floors  or  damp  bedding  of  tanbark,  gi'eas}'  hoof  ointments,  etc., 
are  all  means  Avhich  may  be  used  to  keep  the  feet  from  l)ecoming  too 
dry  and  hard. 

As  to  the  curative  measures  which  are  to  be  adopted  much  Avill 
depend  upf)n  the  extent  of  the  injury.  If  the  case  is  one  of  chronic 
dry  corn,  Avith  but  slight  lameness,  the  foot  should  be  poulticed  for  a 
day  or  two  and  the  discolored  horn  pared  out,  care  ])eing  taken  not  to 
injure  the  soft  tissues.  The  heel  on  the  affected  side  is  to  be  lowered 
until  all  pressure  is  removed  and,  if  the  patient's  labor  is  required, 
the  foot  must  be  shod  Avith  a  bar  shoe  or  with  one  having  stiff  heels. 
Care  niust  be  taken  to  reset  the  shoe  before  the  foot  has  grown  too 
long,  else  the  shoe  Avill  no  longer  rest  on  the  wall,  but  on  the  sole 
and  bar. 

I  believe  in  cutting  moist  corns  out.  If  there  is  inflammation, 
cold  baths  and  poultices  should  be  used:  when  the  horn  is  well 
softened  and  the  fever  allayed,  pare  out  the  diseased  horn,  lightly 
cauterize  the  soft  tissues  beneath,  and  poultice  the  ff)ot  foi"  two  or 
three  days.  ^'NHien  the  granulations  look  red,  dress  the  Avound  with 
oakum  balls  saturated  in  a  Aveak  solution  of  tincture  of  aloes  or  spirits 
of  camphor  and  apply  a  roller  bandage.  Change  the  dressing  every 
two  o)'  three  days  until  a  firm,  healthy  layer  of  ncAv  hoi-n  covers  the 
wound,  when  the  shoe  may  be  put  on,  as  in  dry  corn,  and  the  patient 
returned  to  Avork. 

In  suppuratiA'e  corns  the  loosened  hoi-n  must  be  removed,  so  that 
the  pus  may  freely  escape.    If  the  pus  has  Avorked  a  passage  to  the 


DISEASES    or    THE    FETFOCK.   ANKl.E,  AND    KOOT.  425 

i'<iioiiurv  i)iuul  Miul  escapes  from  nii  (ipt'ning  lirtwcfii  t\\v  Imiul  :m<l 
lu)of.  ;in  ()poniii<j:  must  lit*  minle  on  the  sole,  ami  cohl  hatlis  mjidc 
astringent  with  u  litth*  sulphate  of  ii-on  oi-  copper  are  to  he  used  i'oi  a 
day  or  two.  ^^'hen  tho  iliseharge  becojnes  healthy,  the  fistulous  tracts 
may  Im'  injecteil  daily  with  a  weak  solution  of  hichlorid  id  uumcmh  v, 
nitrate  of  silvei, t'tc,  and  the  f<iot  ihes>ed  as  after  operation  for  moist 
corns.  AAHien  complieations  arise,  tlie  tieatmeiit  inu>t  he  varied  to 
meet  the  indications:  if  «j;an<;rene  of  tiie  lateial  cartilage  takes  place 
it  must  he  ticateil  as  directed  undei-  the  head  of  caitilaginous  (|uittoi-; 
if  tlie  velvety  tissue  is  gangrenous,  it  must  be  cut  away;  if  the  collin 
bone  is  necrosed,  it  must  iie  scra|)ed.  and  tlu'  resulting  wounds  tieated 
on  general  principU's.  After  any  of  the  operations  fur  corns  have 
been  perf«)rmed.  in  which  the  soft  tissues  have  been  laid  bare,  it  is 
l>est  to  protect  the  foot  l>y  a  sole  of  soft  leather  set  beneatii  the  shoe 
when  the  animal  is  returned  to  work.  Only  in  rare  instances  are  the 
complications  of  corns  so  serious  as  to  destroy  the  life  oi*  usefulne.ss  of 
the  patient.  It  is  the  wi<le.  flat  foot  with  low  heels  and  thin  wall 
which  is  most  liable  to  resist  all  etVorts  toward  ed'ccting  a  ('(implete 
cure. 

BRUISE  OF  THK  FROG. 

When  the  frog  is  severely  brui.'^ed  the  injury  is  followed  by  sup))U- 
ration  beneath  the  horn,  ami  at  times  b\  partial  gangrene  of  the 
plantiir  cu.shion. 

('aus(.s. —  A  IjiMii.so  of  the  frog  generally  hapi)en.-N  from  stei)ping  on 
ft  rough  stone  or  other  hard  object.  It  is  more  liable  to  take  phu^e 
when  trotting,  running,  or  jumping  than  when  at  a  slower  pace.  A 
stone  wedged  in  the  shoe  and  piessing  on  the  frog  (U*  between  the 
sides  of  the  frog  and  the  shoe,  if  it  remains  for  a  time,  produces  the 
ssime  results.  A  cut  through  the  horny  frog  with  some  sharp  in.stiu- 
ment  or  a  punctured  wound  by  a  blunt-])ointed  instrument  may  also 
cause  suppuration  and  gangrene  of  the  plantar  cushion.  liroad.  flat 
feet  with  low  heels  and  a  fleshy  fiog  arc  most  liable  to  these  in- 
juries. 

SymptomJi. — Lsimene.ss,  severe  in  })roportion  to  the  extent  of  the 
bruise  and  the  conse<juent  suppuration,  is  always  an  early  .symptom. 
When  the  animal  mo\<*.s,  the  toe  only  is  |)laced  to  the  ground  or  the 
foot  is  carried  and  the  patient  hobbles  along  on  thre<'  legs.  When 
he  is  at  rest,  the  foot  is  set  forward  with  the  toe  on  the  ground  and 
the  leg  fle.xed  at  the  feth»ck  joint.  .Vs  .soon  as  the  pus  finds  its  way 
to  the  surface  the  hnneness  improves.  If  the  frog  is  examined  early 
the  injured  spot  may  usually  be  found;  later,  if  no  oi)ening  exi.sts, 
the  pus  may  be  di.^'overed  working  its  way  toward  the  heels.  The 
horn  is  l(X)sene<l  from  the  deeper  tissues,  and,  if  pared  through,  a 
thin,  yellow,  watery  and  offensive  i)us  escapes.     In   other  ca.^i's  a 


426  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

ragged  opening  is  found  in  the  frog,  leading  down  to  a  mass  of  dead, 
sloughing  tissues,  which  are  pale  green  in  color  if  gangrene  of  the 
plantar  cushion  has  set  in.  In  rare  cases  the  coffin  bone  may  be  in- 
volved in  the  injury  and  a  small  portion  of  it  may  become  carious. 

Treatinent. — If  the  injury  is  seen  at  once,  the  foot  should  be  placed 
in  a  bath  of  cold  water  to  prevent  suppuration.  If  suppuration  nas 
already  set  in,  the  horn  of  the  frog,  and  of  the  bars  and  branches  of 
the  sole,  if  necessary,  is  to  be  pared  thin  so  that  all  possible  pressure 
may  be  removed,  and  the  foot  poulticed.  When  the  pus  has  loosened 
the  horn,  all  the  detached  portions  are  to  be  cut  away.  If  the  pus  is 
discharging  from  an  opening  near  the  hair,  the  whole  frog,  or  one- 
half  of  it,  will  generally  be  found  separated  from  the  plantar  cush- 
ion, and  is  to  be  removed  with  the  knife.  After  a  few  days  the  gan- 
gr-enous  portion  of  the  cushion  will  slough  off  from  the  effects  of 
the  i^oultice ;  under  rare  circumstances  only  should  the  dead  parts  be 
removed  by  surgical  interference.  When  the  slough  is  all  detached, 
the  remaining  wound  is  to  be  treated  with  simple  stimulating  dress- 
mgs,  such  as  tincture  of  aloes  or  turpentine,  oakum  balls,  and  band- 
ages as  directed  in  punctured  wounds.  When  the  lameness  has  sub- 
sided, and  a  thin  layer  of  new  horn  has  covered  the  exposed  parts,  the 
foot  may  be  shod.  Cover  the  frog  with  a  thick  pad  of  oakum,  held 
in  place  by  pieces  of  tin  fitted  to  slide  under  the  shoe,  and  return  to 
slow  work.  Where  caries  of  the  coffin  bone,  etc.,  follow  the  injury 
the  treatment  recommended  for  these  complications  in  punctured 
wounds  of  the  foot  must  be  resorted  to. 

PUNCTURED   WOUNDS   OF  THE    FOOT. 

Of  all  the  injuries  to  which  the  foot  of  the  horse  is  liable,  none  are 
more  common  than  punctured  wounds,  and  none  are  more  serious 
thuji  these  may  be  when  involving  the  more  iuiportant  organs  within 
the  hoof.  A  nail  is  the  most  common  instrument  by  which  the  in- 
jury is  inflicted,  yet  wounds  may  happen  from  glass,  wire,  knives, 
sharp  pieces  of  rock,  etc. 

A  wound  of  the  foot  is  more  serious  Avlien  made  by  a  blunt-pointed 
instrument  than  when  the  point  is  sharp,  and  the  nearer  the  injury  is 
to  the  center  of  the  foot  the  more  liable  are  disastrous  results  to  fol- 
low. Wounds  in  the  heel  and  in  the  posterior  parts  of  the  frog  are 
attended  with  but  little  danger,  unless  they  are  so  deep  as  to  injure 
the  lateral  cartilages,  when  quittor  may  follow.  Punctured  wounds 
of  the  anterior  parts  of  the  sole  are  more  dangerous,  for  the  reason 
that  the  coffin  bone  may  be  injured,  and  the  suppuration,  even  when 
the  wound  is  not  deep,  tends  to  spread  and  alwavs  gives  rise  to  in- 
tense suffering.  The  most  serious  of  the  punctured  wounds  are  those 
which  happen  to  the  center  of  the  foot,  and  which,  in  proportion  to 


DISEASES    OF    THE    FETLOCK,  AXKI.K,  AND    FOOT.  427 

their  depth,  involvi>  the  i)lant!ii-  cll^hion,  the  plantar  aponeurosis, 
the  sesamoid  sheath,  the  navicular  hone,  or  the  eofHii  joint. 

Punctured  \v«>unds  are  more  liable  to  be  deep  in  Hat  or  convex  feet 
than  in  well-made  feet,  and  as  a  rule,  recovery  is  neither  so  rapid  nor 
so  certain.  These  wouiuls  are  less  serious  in  animals  u>ed  for  heavy 
draft  than  in  those  recpiired  to  do  faster  work;  for  the  former  may  be 
useful,  even  if  complete  recovery  is  not  etfecteil.  Lastly,  punctured 
Avounds  of  the  f<»re  feet  are  uioie  serious  than  of  the  hind  feet,  for  tin- 
reason  that  in  the  former  the  instrument  is  liable  to  enter  the  foot  in 
a  nearly  perpendicular  line,  and,  conse(|uently,  is  more  liable  to 
injure  the  deeper  stiMictures  of  the  foot  :  in  the  hind  foot,  the  injurv 
is  generally  near  the  heels  and  the  wound  oblique  and  less  deep. 

tSi/mpfo/n^. — A  nail  or  other  sharp  instrument  may  penetrate  the 
frog  and  remain  for  .several  days  without  causing  lameness;  in  fact, 
in  many  ca.ses  of  punctured  wound  of  the  frog  the  first  evidence  of 
the  injury  is  the  finding  of  the  nail  or  the  appearance  of  an  opening 
where  the  skin  and  frog  unite,  from  which  ujore  or  le.ss  pus  escapes. 
Even  when  the  sole  is  perforated,  if  the  injury  is  not  too  deep,  no 
lameness  develops  until  supi)uration  is  established.  In  all  cases  of 
foot  lameness,  especially  if  tlie  cause  is  obscure,  the  foot  should  be 
examined  for  evidence  of  injury. 

The  lameness  from  punctured  wounds,  accompanied  with  suppu- 
ration, is  irenerally  severe,  the  patient  often  refusing  to  use  the 
atfected  member  at  all.  The  pain  being  laiu'inating  in  character, 
he  stands  with  the  injured  foot  at  rest  or  con.stantly  moves  it  back 
aiul  forth.  In  other  cases  the  i)atient  lies  down  mo.st  of  the  time 
with  the  feet  outstretched;  the  breathing  is  rapid,  the  pulse  fast,  the 
temperature  elevated,  and  the  hotly  coveied  with  patches  of  sweat. 

When  the  plantar  aponeurosis  is  injured,  the  pus  escapes  with  diffi- 
culty and  the  wound  ^hows  no  signs  of  healing;  the  whole  foot  is 
hot  and  very  painful.  If  the  puncture  involves  the  sesamoid  .sheath, 
the  synovial  fluid  escapes.  At  first  this  fluid  is  pure,  like  joint  water, 
but  later  beconies  mixed  with  the  products  of  .suppuration  and 
loses  its  clear,  amber  color.  Suppurati<m  generally  exten<ls  up  the 
course  of  the  Hexor  tendon,  an  abscess  forms  in  the  hollow  of  tlu" 
heel,  and  finally  opens  somewhere  below  the  fetlock  joint.  The 
whole  coronet  is  more  or  less  swollen,  the  discharge  is  profuse  :ind 
often  mi.xed  with  blood,  yet  the  suffering  is  gieatly  relieved  from 
the  moment  the  abscess  opens. 

If  the  puncture  reaches  the  navicular  bone  the  lamenos  is  intense 
fiom  the  beginning;  but  the  only  certain  way  to  deteimine  the 
existence  of  this  complication  is  by  the  use  of  tin-  i)robe;  and  unless 
there  is  a  free  escape  of  .synovia  it  must  be  used  with  the  greatest 
of  care,  else  the  cofhn  joint  may  be  oj)ened. 


428  DISEASES    OF    THE   HOESE. 

If  the  cofiin  joint  has  been  penetrated,  either  by  the  offending 
instrument  or  l)y  the  process  of  suppuration,  acute  inflammation  of 
the  joint  follows,  accompanied  with  high  fever,  loss  of  appetite,  etc. 
The  ankle  and  coronet  are  now  greatly  swollen,  and  dropsy  of  the 
leg  to  the  knee  or  hock,  or  even  to  the  body,  often  follows.  If  the 
process  of  suppuration  continues,  small  abscesses  appear  at  intervals 
on  different  parts  of  the  coronet,  the  patient  rapidly  loses  flesh,  and 
may  die  from  intense  suffering  and  blood  poisoning.  In  other  cases 
the  suppuration  soon  disappears,  and  recover}^  is  effected  by  the 
joint  becoming  stiff'  (anchylosis). 

When  the  Avound  is  forward,  near  the  toe,  and  deep  enough  to 
injure  the  coffin  bone,  caries  always  results.  The  presence  of  the 
dead  pieces  of  bone  can  be  determined  by  the  use  of  the  probe;  the 
bone  feels  rough  and  gritty.  Furthermore,  there  is  no  disposition 
upon  the  part  of  the  wound  to  heal. 

Besides  the  complications  above  mentioned,  others  equally  as  seri- 
ous may  be  met  with.  The  tendons  may  soften  and  rupture,  the  hoof 
may  slough  off.  quittors  develop,  or  sidebones  and  ringbones  grow. 
Finally,  laminatis  of  the  opposite  foot  may  happen  if  the  patient 
persists  in  standing,  or  lockjaw  mux  cause  early  death. 

Treat'ment. — In  all  cases  the  horn  around  the  seat  of  injury  should 
be  thinned  down,  a  free  opening  made  for  the  escape  of  the  products 
of  suppuration,  and  the  foot  placed  in  a  poultice.  If  the  injury  is 
not  serious,  recovery  takes  place  in  a  few  days.  When  the  wound 
is  deeper  it  is  better  to  put  the  foot  into  a  cold  batli  or  under  a 
stream  of  cold  water,  as  advised  in  the  treatment  for  quittor. 

If  the  bone  is  injured,  cold  baths,  containing  about  2  ounces  each 
of  sulphate  of  copper  and  sulphate  of  iron,  may  be  used  imtil  the 
dead  bone  is  well  softened,  when  it  should  be  removed  by  an  opei-a- 
tion.  The  animal  must  be  cast  for  this  operation.  The  sole  is  pared 
away  until  the  diseased  bone  is  exposed,  when  all  the  dead  particles 
are  to  be  removed  with  a  drawing  knife,  and  the  wound  dressed  with 
3  per  cent  compound  cresol  solution  or  a  5  per  cent  solution  of  car- 
bolic acid,  oakum  balls,  and  a  roller  bandage. 

Wounds  of  the  bone  which  are  made  by  a  blunt-pointed  instrument, 
like  the  square-pointed  cut  nail,  in  which  a  portion  of  the  surface  is 
driven  into  the  deeper  parts  of  the  bone,  always  piogress  slowlJ^  and 
should  be  operated  upon  as  soon  as  the  conditions  are  favorable. 
Even  wounds  of  the  navicular  bone,  accompanied  with  caries,  may  be 
operated  on  and  the  life  of  the  patient  saved:  but  the  most  skillful 
surgery  is  requii-ed  and  only  the  experienced  operator  should  under- 
take their  treatment. 

If  there  is  an  escape  of  pure  synovial  fluid  from  a  wound  of  the 
sole,  without  injury  to  the  bone,  a  small  pencil  of  corrosive  sublimate 


DISKASKS    OF    TUF.    FFIIOt   K,   ANKl.K,  AND    FOOT.  421) 

should  be  introcliued  to  the  Koiidin  ul"  tlu'  wound  and  the  t'<i(it  <lrf-v,>(l 
as  directed  above. 

The  other  complications  air  lo  be  treatetl  as  directed  iindci  iIkh 
proper  headin*;s. 

Aftei-  healin«r  of  tiie  wounds  has  been  etfected,  lameness,  with  more 
or  less  sM'elliii«i  of  the  coronary  reirion.  may  remain.  In  such  cases 
the  coronet  should  be  blistered  or  even  (ired  with  the  actual  cautery, 
and  the  patient  turned  to  pasture.  If  the  lameness  still  persists,  and 
is  not  due  to  a  stitF  joint,  unnervin"^  may  be  resorted  to  in  many 
cases  with  very  jjjoinl  results.  If  the  joint  is  anchylosed,  no  treatment 
can  relieve  it,  and  the  patient  must  either  be  j)nt  to  Aery  slow  work  or 
kei)t  for  breedin*;  j)Uiposes  only. 

^^  Prt'ck  hi  sho<  iiKj^'  is  an  injury  which  shoidtl  l>c  considered  under 
the  head  of  j^unctured  wounds  of  the  foot.  The  nails  by  which  the 
shoe  is  fastened  to  the  hoof  may  produce  an  injury  followed  by 
inflammation  and  supj)uration  in  two  days,  by  penetiatiiiir  th«'  soft 
tissues  directly  or  by  being  driven  so  deep  that  the  inner  layers  of  the 
horn  of  the  wall  are  pressed  ajrain.'^t  the  soft  tissues  with  such  force 
as  to  crush  them.  In  either  case,  uidess  the  injury  is  at  the  toe.  \\\v 
animal  generally  goes  lame  soon  after  shoeing,  when  the  first  evi- 
dence of  the  trouble  may  be  the  dischai-ge  of  pus  at  the  coronet.  If 
lameness  follows  close  upon  the  setting  of  the  shoes,  without  otlier 
appreciable  cause,  each  nail  should  be  lightly  struck  with  a  hammer, 
when  the  one  at  fault  will  be  detected  by  the  flinching  of  the  animal. 

Treatment  consists  in  drawing  the  nail,  and  if  the  soft  tissues  ha\i' 
l»€en  |>enetrated  or  supi)uration  has  commenced,  the  horn  mu.st  be 
pared  away  imtil  the  diseased  parts  are  exposed.  The  foot  is  now  to 
ha  poulticed  for  a  day  oi-  two,  or  until  the  lameness  and  suppuration 
have  ceased.  If  the  discharge  of  \ms  from  the  coronet  is  the  first 
evidence  of  the  disea.se,  the  offending  nail  must  be  found  and  re- 
m<»ve(l,  the  horn  pared  out:  and  a  weak  solution  of  carbolic  acid  or 
compound  cresol  injected  at  the  coronet  until  the  fistulous  tract  lias 
healed. 

CONTR.\CTEn  IIEEL.S,  OR  HOOI  BOIND. 

Contracted  heels,  or  hoofboiind,  is  a  iomuuom  disease  among  horses 
kept  on  hard  floor  in  dry  stables,  and  in  such  as  are  subject  to  uiiuh 
Sitddle  W(»rk.  It  consists  in  an  atrophy,  or  shrinking,  of  the  tissues  of 
tlu'  foot,  whereby  the  lateral  diametei*  (jf  the  heels  is  diminished,  it 
affects  the  fore  feet  principally ;  but  it  is  seen  occasionally  in  the  hind 
feet,  where  it  is  of  less  importance,  for  the  rea.son  that  the  hind  foot 
first  strikes  the  grouml  with  the  toe,  and  conse<iuently  less  exjiansion 
of  the  heels  is  necessary  than  in  the  fore  feet,  where  the  weight  is 
first  received  on  the  heels.  Any  interference  with  the  expansibility 
of  this  part  of  the  foot  interfere.-  with   l<H<>motion  an<l   ultimately 


430  DISEASES   OF    TflE   HORSE. 

gives  rise  to  lameness.  Usually  but  one  foot  is  affected  at  a  time,  but 
when  both  are  diseased  the  change  is  greater  in  one  than  in  the  other. 
Occasionally  but  one  heel,  and  that  the  inner  one,  is  contracted ;  in 
these  cases  there  is  less  liable  to  be  lameness  and  permanent  impair- 
ment of  the  animal's  usefulness.  According  to  the  opinion  of  some 
of  the  French  veterinarians,  hoofbound  should  be  divided  into  two 
classes — total  contraction,  in  which  the  whole  foot  is  shrunken  in 
size,  and  contraction  of  the  heels,  when  the  trouble  extends  only  from 
the  quarters  backward.     (PL  XXXV,  figs.  4  and  7.) 

Causes. — Animals  raised  in  wet  or  marshy  districts,  when  taken  to 
towns  and  kept  on  dry  floors,  are  liable  to  have  contracted  heets,  not 
alone  because  the  horn  becomes  drj^,  l3ut  because  fever  of  the  feet  and 
wasting  away  of  the  soft  tissues  result  from  the  change.  Another 
common  cause  of  contracted  heels  is  to  be  found  in  faulty  shoeing, 
such  as  rasjjing  the  wall,  cutting  away  the  frog,  heels,  and  bars ;  high 
calks  and  the  use  of  nails  too  near  the  heels.  Contracted  heels  may 
happen  as  one  of  the  results  of  other  diseases  of  the  foot ;  for  instance, 
it  often  accompanies  thrush,  sidebones,  ringbones,  canker,  navicular 
disease,  corns,  sprains  of  the  flexor  tendons,  of  the  sesamoid  and  sus- 
pensory ligaments,  and  from  excessive  knuckling  of  the  fetlock  joint. 

Symptoms. — In  contraction  of  the  heels  the  foot  has  lost  its  circu- 
lar shape,  and  the  walls  from  the  quarters  backward  approach  to  a 
straight  line.  The  ground  surface  of  the  foot  is  now  smaller  than  the 
coronary  circumference;  the  frog  is  pinched  between  the  inclosing 
heels,  is  much  shrunken,  and  at  times  is  affected  with  thrush.  The 
sole  is  more  concave  than  natural,  the  heels  are  higher,  and  the  bars 
are  long  and  nearh'^  perpendicular.  The  whole  hoof  is  dry  and  so 
hard  that  it  can  scarcely  be  cut;  the  parts  toward  the  heels  are  scaly 
and  often  ridged  like  the  horns  of  a  ram,  while  fissures,  more  or  less 
deep,  may  be  seen  at  the  quarters  and  heels  following  the  direction 
of  the  horn  fibers.  (Plate  XXXVI,  fig.  10.)  "\^^ien  the  disease  is 
well  advanced  lameness  is  present,  while  in  the  earlier  stages  there  is 
only  an  uneasiness  evinced  b}'  frequent  shifting  of  the  affected  foot. 
Stumbling  is  common,  especially  on  hard  or  rough  roads.  In  most 
cases  the  animal  comes  out  of  the  stable  stiff  and  inclined  to  walk  on 
the  toe,  but  after  exercise  Ite  ma}'  go  free  again.  lie  wears  his  shoes 
off  at  the  toe  in  a  short  time,  no  matter  whether  he  works  or  remains 
in  the  stable.  If  the  shoe  is  removed  and  the  foot  pared  in  old  cases, 
a  dry,  mealy  horn  will  be  found  where  the  sole  and  wall  unite,  ex- 
tending upward  in  a  narrow  line  toward  the  quarters. 

Treattnent. — First  of  all,  the  preventive  measures  must  be  consid- 
ered. The  feet  are  to  be  kept  moist  and  the  horn  from  drying  out  by 
the  use  of  damp  sawdust  or  other  bedding;  by  occasional  poultices  of 
boiled  turnips,  linseed  meal,  etc.,  and  greasy  hoof  ointments  to  the 
sole  and  Avails  of  the  feet.     The  wall  of  the  foot  should  be  spared 


DISEASES   OF    THE    FETLOCK,  ANKLE,  AND    FOOT.  4.'U 

from  the  abuse  of  the  rasp:  the  Irog,  lu-els.  aiul  Imrs  aio  not  to  be 
imitilatt'd  witli  the  knife,  nor  shoukl  lalks  l>e  used  on  the  shoe  exeept 
when  absokitely  necessary.  Tlie  shoes  shoukl  be  reset  at  least  once  a 
month  to  i)revent  the  feet  from  becomings  too  long,  and  daily  exercise 
must  be  insisted  on. 

As  to  curative  measures,  a  ili\ersity  of  opinion  exists.  A  number 
of  kinds  of  special  shoes  have  been  invented,  having  for  an  object  the 
spi-eadin<x  of  the  heels,  and  perhaps  any  of  these,  if  proj^erly  used, 
would  eventually  etfect  the  desired  result.  But  a  .serious  objection 
to  most  of  these  shoes  is  that  they  are  expensive  and  often  difficult  to 
make  and  apply.  The  method  of  ticatment  which  T  have  adoi)ted  is 
not  only  attended  with  good  results,  but  is  inexpensive,  if  the  loss  of 
the  patient's  services  for  a  time  is  not  considered  a  part  of  the  ques- 
tion. Tt  consists,  first,  in  the  use  of  ]>oultices  or  baths  of  cokl  water 
until  the  horn  is  thoroughly  softened.  The  foot  is  now  prepared  for 
the  slioe  in  the  usual  way,  except  that  the  heels  are  lowered  a  little 
and  tlie  frog  remains  untouched.  A  shoe,  called  a  "tip,"  is  made  by 
cutting  otf  both  branches  at  the  center  of  the  foot  and  drawing  the 
ends  down  to  an  edge.  The  tapering  of  the  branches  should  begin  at 
the  toe,  and  the  shoe  should  be  of  tlu>  usual  width,  with  both  the  upper 
and  lower  sui-faces  flat.  This  tij)  is  to  be  fastened  on  with  six  or  eight 
,small  nails,  all  set  well  foi-ward,  two  being  in  the  toe.  With  a  com- 
mon foot  rasp  begin  at  the  heels,  close  to  the  coronet,  and  cut  away 
the  horn  of  the  wall  until  only  a  thin  layer  covers  the  soft  tissues 
beneath.  Cut  forward  until  the  new  surface  meets  the  old  2i  or  3 
inches  fiom  the  heel.  The  same  sloping  shai)e  is  to  be  observed  in 
cutting  downward  toward  the  i>ottom  of  the  foot,  at  which  point  the 
wall  is  to  retain  its  normal  thickne.ss.  The  foot  is  now  blistered  all 
round  the  coronet  with  Sj)anish-ny  ointment:  when  this  is  well  set, 
tlie  patient  is  to  be  turned  to  pa.sture  in  a  damp  field  or  me  idow.  The 
blister  should  be  repeated  in  three  oi*  four  week.s,  and,  as  a  rule,  the 
patient  can  be  returned  to  woik  in  two  or  three  months. 

The  ol)ject  of  the  tip  is  to  throw  the  weight  on  the  frog  and  heels, 
which  are  readdy  spread  after  the  horn  has  been  cut  away  on  the 
sides  of  the  wall.  The  internal  .stiuctiu'es  of  the  foot  at  the  heels, 
being  relieved  of  excessive  i)ressure,  regain  theii-  nomal  condition  if 
the  disea.se  is  not  of  too  long  standing.  The  blister  tends  to  relievo 
any  inflammation  which  may  l>e  piesent,  and  stimulatcvs  a  rapid 
growth  of  healthy  horn,  which,  in  most  ca.ses,  ultimately  fonns  a 
wide  and  normal  heel.  In  old,  chronic  ca.ses,  with  a  shrunken  frog 
and  increased  concavity  of  the  sole,  accompanietl  with  oxce.ssive 
wasting  of  all  the  internal  ti.ssues  of  the  foot,  satisfactory-  re^sults  can 
not  be  expected  and  are  rarely  obtained.  Still,  much  relief,  if  not 
an  entire  cure,  mav  be  effected  bv  these  measures. 


432  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

TV^ien  thrush  is  present  as  a  complication,  its  cure  must  be  sought 
b}^  measures  directed  under  that  heading.  If  sidebones,  ringbones, 
naAdcuhir  disease,  contracted  tendons,  or  other  diseases  have  been  the 
cause  of  contracted  heels,  treatment  will  be  useless  until  the  cause  is 
removed. 

SAND  CRACKS. 

A  sand  crank  is  a  fissure  in  the  horn  of  the  wall  of  the  foot.  These 
fissures  are  quite  narrow,  and,  as  a  general  rule,  they  follow  the  di- 
rection of  the  horny  fibers.  They  may  occur  on  any  part  of  the  wall, 
but  ordinaril}^  are  onl}^  seen  directly  in  front,  when  the}'^  are  called 
toe  cracks;  or  on  the  lateral  parts  of  the  Avails,  when  they  are  known 
as  quarter  cracks.     (Plate  XXXVI.) 

Toe  cracks  are  most  common  in  the  hind  feet,  while  quarter  cracks 
nearly  always  affect  the  fore  feet.  The  inside  quarter  is  more  liable 
to  the  injury  than  the  outside,  for  the  reason  that  this  quarter  is  not 
only  the  thinner,  but  during  locomotion  receives  a  gi'eater  part  of  the 
weight  of  the  body.  A  sand  crack  may  be  superficial,  involving  only 
the  outer  parts  of  the  wall,  or  it  may  be  deep,  involving  the  whole 
thickness  of  the  wall  and  the  soft  tissues  beneath. 

The  toe  crack  is  most  likely  to  be  complete — ^tliat  is,  extending  from 
the  coronary  band  to  the  sole — while  the  quarter  crack  is  nearly  al- 
ways incomplete,  at  least  Avhen  of  comparatively  recent  origin.  Sand 
cracks  are  most  serious  when  they  involve  the  coronarj'  band  in  the 
injury.  They  may  be  complicated  at  an}'^  time  by  hemorrhage,  in- 
flammation of  the  laminae,  suppuration,  gangrene  of  the  lateral  car- 
tilage and  of  the  extensor  tendon,  caries  of  the  coffin  bone,  or  the 
growth  of  a  horny  tumor  known  as  a  keraphyllocele. 

Causes. — Relative  dryness  of  the  horn  is  the  principal  predispos- 
ing cause  of  sand  cracks.  Excessive  dryness  is  perhaps  not  a  more 
prolific  cause  of  cracks  in  the  horn  than  alternate  changes  from 
damp  to  dry.  It  is  even  claimed  that  these  injuries  are  more  common 
in  animals  working  on  wet  roads  than  those  Avorking  on  roads  that 
are  rough  and  dry;  at  least  these  injuries  are  not  common  in  moun- 
tainous countries.  Animals  used  to  running  at  pasture  when  trans- 
ferred to  stables  with  hard,  dry  floors  are  more  liable  to  quarter 
cracks  than  those  accustomed  to  stables.  Small  feet,  Avith  thick,  hard 
hoofs,  and  feet  which  are  excessively  large,  are  more  susceptible  to 
sand  cracks  than  those  of  better  proportion.  A  predisposition  to 
quarter  cracks  exists  in  contracted  feet,  and  in  those  Avhere  the  toe 
turns  out  or  the  inside  quarter  turns  under. 

Heavy  shoes,  large  nails,  and  nails  set  too  far  back  toward  the 
heels,  together  with  such  diseases  as  canker,  quittor,  grease,  and  sup- 
purative corns,  must  be  included  as  occasional  predisposing  causes 
of  sand  cracks. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture.  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


if  A      Tnp  of  wall 


Quarter  crac^  wilfi  rn^\f-ru/: 


Th^  ilamn  and  nail  remedies applte<t. 


i 


I- 


To«  cracfi  fVall  rf/Tioyerl  to  shmv 
adsoriilion  of  cofYtn,  bone 


TrectUil  by  riam/.'injf  -with  riaii-S- 


..-^.-.v  w-7,V-  OnjT  effect  Of' Quarter  CrrrrA. 

QUARTER    CRACK  AND  REMEDIP^S. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


DISKASES    OF    THE    FETLOCK,  ANKLE,  AND    FOOT.  433 

Fast  work  on  hard  roads.  juiniMiip:.  and  blows  on  the  coronot. 
t<)«rether  witli  calk  wounds  of  the  feet,  are  accidental  caiist^'s  of  (juar- 
ter  cracks  in  particular.  Toe  cracks  are  more  likely  to  oe  caused  by 
heavy  pullincf  on  slippery  roads  and  pavements  or  on  sti'ep  hills. 

t'<l//npfonis. — The  fissure  in  the  horn  is  ofttimes  the  only  evidence 
of  the  disease;  even  this  may  be  accidentally  or  purposely  hidden 
from  casual  view  by  nuul.  ointments,  tar.  wax.  putty.  <ruttii-pci(ha, 
or  by  the  lon<j:  hairs  of  the  coronet. 

Sand  cracks  s<imetimes  connnence  on  the  internal  face  of  the  wall, 
involvinjr  its  whole  thickness  excejitino;  a  thin  layer  on  the  outer 
surface.  In  these  cases  the  existence  of  the  injury  may  be  suspect^'d 
from  a  slight  depression,Avhich  begins  near  the  coronary  band  and 
follows  the  direction  of  the  horny  fibers;  but  the  trouble  can  only  be 
positively  diagnosed  by  i)aring  away  the  outside  layers  of  horn  until 
the  fissure  is  exposed.  In  toe  cracks  the  walls  of  the  fissure  are  in 
close  apposition  when  the  foot  receives  the  weight  of  the  body,  but 
when  the  foot  is  raised  from  the  ground  the  fissure  opens.  In  quar- 
ter crack  the  opposition  is  true;  the  fissure  closes  when  the  weight  is 
renioved  from  the  foot.  As  a  rule,  sand  cracks  begin  at  the  coritnary 
band,  and  as  they  become  older  they  not  only  extend  downward.  Init 
they  also  grow  deeper.  In  old  cases,  particularly  in  toe  cracks,  the 
lun-n  on  the  borders  of  the  fissure  loses  its  vitality  and  scales  oil', 
sometimes  through  the  gi'eater  i)art  of  its  thickness,  leaving  behind 
a  rough  and  irregular  channel  extending  from  the  coronet  to  the 
end  of  the  toe. 

In  many  cases  of  (piarter  ciack.  and  in  some  cases  of  toe  crack  as 
well,  if  the  edges  remain  close  together,  with  but  little  motion,  the 
fi.ssure  is  diy  ;  but  in  other  cases  a  thin,  offensive  discharge  issues  from 
the  crack  and  the  ulcerated  soft  tissues,  or  a  fungusiil^e  growth 
protrudes  from  the  narrow  opening. 

When  the  cracks  aie  deep  and  the  motion  of  their  edges  consider- 
able, so  that  the  soft  tissues  are  Ijruised  and  i)in(hed  with  every 
movement,  a  constant  inflannnation  of  the  parts  is  maintained  and 
the  lauieness  is  severe. 

Oidinarily  the  lameness  of  .sand  ciMck  is  slight  when  the  i^atient 
walks,  but  it  is  greatly  aggravated  ^\  hen  he  is  made  to  trot,  and  the 
harder  the  road  the  worse  he  limps.  Furthernutre.  the  lauieness  is 
greatei-  going  downhill  than  up.  for  the  reason  that  these  conditions 
are  favorable  to  an  increased  motion  in  the  edges  of  the  fissure. 
I^astly,  more  oi-  less  hemorrhage  accomj)anies  the  iiueption  of  a  sand 
crack  when  the  whole  thickness  of  tiie  wall  is  involved.  Subsequent- 
hemorrhages  may  also  take  place  from  fast  work,  jumjjing.  or  a 
misstep. 

30444°— 16 2S 


434  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOKSE. 

Treatment. — So  far  as  preventive  measures  are  concerned,  but 
little  can  be  done.  The  suppleness  of  the  horn  is  to  be  maintained 
by  the  use  of  ointments,  damp  floor,  bedding,  etc.  The  shoe  is  to  be 
proportioned  to  the  weight  and  work  of  the  animal ;  the  nails  holding 
it  in  place  are  to  be  of  proper  size  and  not  driven  too  near  the  heels; 
sufficient  calks  and  toe  pieces  must  be  added  to  the  shoes  of  horses 
working  on  slippery  roads;  also,  the  evils  of  jumping,  fast  driving, 
etc.,  are  to  lie  avoided. 

When  a  fissure  has  made  its  appearance,  means  are  to  be  adopted 
which  will  prevent  it  from  growing  longer  or  deeper;  this  can  only 
be  done  by  arresting  all  motion  in  the  edges.  The  best  and  simplest 
artificial  appliance  for  holding  the  borders  of  a  toe  crack  together 
is  the  Vachette  clasp.  These  clasps  and  the  instruments  necessary 
for  their  application  can  be  had  of  any  prominent  maker  of  veteri- 
nary instruments.  (PI.  XXX YI.)  These  instruments  comprise  a 
cautery  iron,  with  which  two  notches  are  burned  in  the  wall,  one  on 
each  side  of  the  crack,  and  forceps  with  which  the  clasps  are  closed 
into  place  in  the  bottom  of  the  notches  and  the  edges  of  the  fissure 
brought  close  together.  The  clasps,  being  made  of  stiff  steel  wire, 
are  strong  enough  to  prevent  all  motion  in  the  borders  of  the  crack. 
Before  these  clasps  are  applied  the  fissure  should  be  thoroughly 
cleansed  and  dried,  and  if  the  injury  is  of  recent  origin  the  crack 
may  be  filled  with  a  putty  made  of  2  parts  of  gutta-percha  and  1  part 
of  gum  ammoniac.  The  number  of  clasps  to  be  used  is  to  be  deter- 
mined by  the  length  of  the  crack,  the  amount  of  motion  to  be  arrested, 
etc.  Generally  the  clasps  are  from  one-half  to  three-quarters  of  an 
inch  apart.  The  clasps  answer  equallj'  as  well  in  quarter  crack  if 
the  wall  is  sufficiently  thick  and  not  too  dry  and  brittle  to  withstand 
the  strain. 

In  the  absence  of  these  instruments  and  clasps  a  hole  may  be  drilled 
through  the  horn  across  the  fissure  and  the  crack  closed  with  a  thin 
nail  made  of  tough  iron,  neatly  clinched  at  both  ends.  A  plate  of 
steel  or  brass  is  sometimes  fitted  to  the  parts  and  fastened  on  with 
short  screws;  while  this  appliance  may  prevent  much  gaping  of  the 
fissure,  it  does  not  entirely  arrest  motion  of  the  edges,  for  the  reason 
that  the  plate  and  screw  can  not  be  rendered  immobile. 

If,  for  any  reason,  the  measures  above  fail  or  can  not  be  used, 
recourse  must  be  had  to  an  operation.  The  horn  is  softened  by  the 
use  of  warm  baths  and  poultices,  the  patient  cast,  and  the  walls  of  the 
fissure  entirely  removed  with  the  laiife.  The  horn  removed  is  in  the 
'shape  of  the  letter  V,  with  the  base  at  the  coronet.  Care  must  be 
taken  not  to  injure  the  coronary  band  and  the  laminae.  The  wound 
is  to  be  treated  with  mild  stimulant  dressings,  such  as  compound 
cresol  solution,  a  weak  solution  of  carbolic  acid,  tincture  of  aloes,  etc., 


DISEASES    OK    THE    FETLOCK,   ANKI.E.   AM>    FOOT.  435 

oakum  balls,  and  a  roller  baiula<2:i'.  After  a  few  days  the  wouml  will 
be  covered  with  a  new.  white  horn,  and  only  the  oakum  and  i)andafi;es 
will  be  needed.  As  the  new  (juaiter  jijiows  out,  the  lameness  dis- 
uppeai's,  and  the  patient  may  be  shod  with  a  l»ai"  shoe  and  returned  to 
work. 

In  all  cases  of  s;ind  crack  the  •growth  of  horn  should  l>e  stimulated 
by  cauterizinjj^  the  coronary  banil  or  by  the  use  of  blisters.  In  simple 
(juarter  crack  recovery  will  often  take  place  if  the  coronet  is  blistered, 
the  foot  shod  with  a  ''tip,''  and  the  patient  turned  to  pasture. 

The  shoe  in  t(x>  crack  should  have  a  clip  on  each  side  of  the  fissure 
and  should  be  thicker  at  the  toe  than  at  the  heels.  The  foot  should  be 
lowered  at  the  heels  by  paring,  and  spared  at  the  toe,  except  directly 
under  the  fissure,  where  it  is  to  l)e  ]iared  away  until  it  sets  free  from 
the  shoe. 

When  any  of  the  complications  referred  to  above  arise,  special 
measures  must  be  resorted  to.  For  the  proper  treatment  of  gangrene 
of  the  lateral  cartilage  and  extensor  tendon  and  caries  of  the  coHin 
bone  reference  nuiy  be  had  to  the  ai'ticles  on  quittors.  If  the  horny 
tumor,  known  as  keraphylhx^ele,  should  develop,  it  is  to  be  removed 
by  the  use  of  the  knife.  Since  this  tumor  develops  on  the  inside  of 
the  horny  box  and  may  involve  other  important  organs  of  the  foot  in 
disease,  its  removal  should  only  be  undertaken  by  a  skillful  surgeon. 

NAVICULAR  DLSEASE. 

Xavicular  disease  is  an  inflammation  of  the  sesamoid  sheath,  in- 
duced by  repeated  bruising  or  laceration,  and  complicated  in  many 
ca.ses  by  inflammation  and  caries  of  the  navicular  bone.  In  some 
instances  the  disease  undoubtedly  begins  in  the  bone,  and  the  ses- 
amoid sheath  becomes  involved  subse<iuently  by  an  extension  of  the 
inflamnuitory  process.  (Plate  XXXI\',  lig.  .").) 

The  Thoroughbred  horse  is  more  commonly  affected  than  any  other. 
yet  no  class  or  breed  of  horses  is  entirely  exempt.  The  mule,  how- 
ever, .seems  rarely,  if  ever,  to  sull'er  from  it.  For  reasons  which  will 
appear  when  considering  the  causes  of  the  disease,  the  hind  feet  are 
not  liable  to  be  affected.  Usually  but  one  fore  foot  suffers  from  the 
di.sea.se,  but  if  both  should  be  attacked  the  trouble  has  become  chronic 
in  the  first  In'fore  the  second  shows  signs  of  the  disease. 

CauMt'H. — To  compiehend  fully  how  navicular  disease  umy  be  cau.sed 
by  conditions  and  usjiges  common  to  nearly  all  animals,  it  is  neces- 
sary to  i-ecall  the  pecidiar  anatomy  of  the  parts  involved  in  the  process 
and  the  functions  which  they  perform  in  locomotion. 

It  nmst  be  rememU'rod  that  the  fore  legs  largely  support  the  weight 
of  the  body  when  the  animal  is  at  rest,  and  that  the  faster  he  moves 


436  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOBSE. 

the  greater  is  the  shock  ^Yhich  the  fore  feet  must  receive  as  the  body 
is  thrown  foi'ward  by  the  propelling-  force  of  the  hind  legs.  This 
shock  could  not  be  withstood  by  the  tissues  of  the  fore  feet  and  legs 
were  it  not  that  it  is  largely  dissipated  by  the  elastic  muscles  which 
bind  the  shoulder  to  the  body,  the  ease  with  which  the  arm  closes  on 
the  shoulder  blade,  and  the  spring  of  the  fetlock  joint.  Even  these 
means,  however,  are  not  sufficient  within  themselves  to  protect  the 
foot  from  injury ;  so  nature  has  further  supplemented  them  by  plac- 
ing the  coffin  joint  on  the  hind  part  of  the  coffin  bone  instead  of 
directly  on  top  of  it,  whereby  a  large  part  of  the  shock  of  locomotion 
is  dispersed  before  it  can  reach  the  vertical  column  represented  by 
the  cannon,  knee,  and  arm  bones.  A  still  further  provision  is  made  by 
placing  a  soft,  elastic  pad — the  frog  and  plantar  cushion — at  the 
heels  to  receive  the  sesamoid  expansion  of  the  flexor  tendon  as  it  is 
forced  downward  by  the  pressure  of  the  coronet  bone  against  the 
navicular.  Extraordinar}^  as  these  means  may  appear  for  the  destruc- 
tion of  shock,  and  ample  as  they  are  when  the  animal  is  at  a  slow  pace 
or  unweighted  by  rider  or  load,  they  fail  to  relieve  the  parts  com- 
pletely from  concussion  and  excessive  pressure  whenever  the  opposite 
conditions  are  present.  The  result,  then,  is  that  the  coronet  bone 
forces  the  navicular  hard  against  the  flexor  tendon,  which,  in  turn, 
]M-esses  firmly  against  the  navicular  as  the  force  of  the  contracting 
muscles  lifts  the  tendon  into  place.  It  is  self-evident,  then,  that  the 
more  rapid  the  pace  and  the  greater  the  load,  the  greater  must  these 
contending  forces  be,  and  the  greater  the  liability  to  injury.  For 
the  same  reason  horses  with  excessive  knee  action  are  more  liable  to 
suffer  from  this  disease  than  others,  concussion  of  the  foot  and  intense 
pressure  on  the  tendon  Ijeing  common  among  such  horses. 

Besides  the  above-mentioned  exciting  causes  must  be  considered 
those  which  predispose  to  the  disease.  ISIost  prominent  among  these 
is  heredity.  It  may  be  claimed,  however,  that  an  inherited  predis- 
position to  navicular  disease  consists  not  so  much  in  a  special  sus- 
ceptibility of  the  tissues  which  are  involved  in  the  process  as  in  a 
vice  of  conformation  Avhich,  as  is  well  known,  is  liable  to  be  trans- 
mitted from  parent  to  offspring.  The  faults  of  conformation  most 
likely  to  be  followed  by  the  development  of  navicular  disease  are 
an  insufficient  plantar  cushion,  a  small  frog,  high  heels,  excessive 
knee  action,  and  contracted  heels.  Finally,  the  environments  of 
domestication  and  use,  such  as  dry  stables,  heavy  pulling,  bad 
shoeing,  punctured  wounds,  etc.,  all  have  their  "influence  in  develop- 
ing this  disease. 

Symptoms. — In  the  early  stages  of  navicular  disease  the  symptoms 
are  generally  very  obscure.  When  the  disease  begins  in  inflamma- 
tion  of   the   navicular  bone,  the  animal   while   at   rest   points  the 


DISEASES   OF    THE    l"ETI,Ot'K.  ANKI.b'.   AXK    TOOT.  437 

aft'ected  foot  a  tinu-  bct«)ie  any  laincncsh  is  seen.  While  at  work  he 
apparently  travels  as  well  as  ever,  but  when  phiced  in  the  staiile  one 
foot  is  set  out  iji  front  of  the  other,  restin*;  on  the  toe,  with  fetlock 
and  knee  flexed.  After  a  time,  if  the  case  is  closely  watched,  the 
animal  takes  a  few  lame  stejjs  while  at  work,  but  the  lameness  dis- 
appeai-s  as  suddenly  as  it  came,  and  the  driver  doul)ts  whether  the 
animal  was  really  lame  at  all.  Later  the  patient  has  a  lame  spell 
which  may  last  durinji;  a  greater  part  of  the  day.  but  the  next  morn- 
ing it  is  gone:  he  leaves  the  stable  all  right,  but  goes  lame  again 
during  the  day.  In  times  lie  has  a  severe  attack  of  lameness,  which 
may  last  for  a  week  or  more,  when  a  remi.ssion  takes  place  and  it 
may  be  weeks  or  months  before  another  attack  suiXMvenes.  Finally, 
he  becomes  constantly  lame,  and  the  more  he  is  U:^ed  the  gieater 
the  lameness. 

In  the  lameness  from  na\icidar  disease  the  affectctl  leg  always 
takes  a  short  step,  and  the  toe  of  the  foot  first  strikes  the  ground; 
so  the  shoe  is  most  worn  at  this  point.  If  the  patient  is  made  to 
move  backward,  the  foot  is  set  down  with  exceeding  great  care,  and 
the  weight  rests  ujxju  the  affected  leg  but  a  moment.  "When  exer- 
cised he  often  stumbles,  and  if  the  road  is  rough  he  may  fall  f)n  his 
knees.  If  he  is  lame  in  both  feet  the  gait  is  stilty,  the  shoulders 
seem  stiff,  and,  if  made  to  work,  he  sweats  profusely  from  intense 
pain.  Early  in  the  development  of  the  disease  a  careful  examina- 
tion will  reveal  some  incieascd  heat  in  the  heels  and  frog,  particu- 
larly after  work;  as  the  disease  progresses  this  becomes  more 
marked,  until  the  whole  foot  is  hot  to  the  touch.  At  the  same  time 
there  is  an  increased  sensibility  of  the  foot,  for  the  patient  flinches 
from  the  percussion  of  a  hammer  lightly  aiii)lied  to  the  fiog  and 
heels  or  from  the  pressure  of  the  smith's  pincer.s.  The  frog  is  gen- 
erally shrunken,  often  of  a  pale-red  color,  and  at  times  is  affected 
with  thrush.  If  the  heels  are  pared  away  so  that  all  the  weight  is 
received  on  the  frog,  or  if  the  same  result  is  attained  by  the  applica- 
tion of  a  bar  shoe,  the  animal  is  excessively  lame.  The  muscles  of 
the  leg  and  shoulder  shrink  away  and  often  trendjle  as  the  aninuil 
stands  at  rest.  After  months  of  lameness  the  foot  is  found  to  be 
shrunken  in  its  diameter  and  apparently  lengthencil :  the  hoin  is 
dry  and  brittle  and  has  lost  its  natural  glo.ss.  while  circular  ridges, 
developed  most  toward  the  heels,  cover  the  upper  part  of  the  h<»of, 
AVhen  both  feet  are  affected  the  animal  points  first  one  foot  then 
the  other,  and  stands  with  the  hind  feet  well  forward  beneath  tlie 
body,  so  as  to  relieve  the  fore  feet  as  much  as  pos.sible  from  bearing 
weight.  In  old  cases  the  wasting  of  the  muscles  and  the  knuckling  at 
the  fetlock  become  so  great  that  the  leg  ran  not  be  straightened  and 
locomotion  can  scarcely  be  perf<umed.    The  disease  gi-nerally  jnakes 


438  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

a  steady  progress  without  inclining  to  recovery — ^the  remission  of 
symptoms  in  the  earlier  stages  should  not  be  interpreted  as  evidence 
that  the  process  has  terminated.  The  complications  usually  seen  are 
ringbones,  sidebones,  thrush,  contracted  heels,  quartercracks,  and 
fractures  of  the  navicular,  coronet,  and  pastern  bones. 

Treatment. — But  few  cases  of  navicular  disease  recover.  In  the 
early  stages  the  wall  of  the  heels  should  be  rasped  away,  as  directed 
in  the  treatment  for  contracted  heels,  until  the  horn  is  quite  thin; 
the  coronet  should  be  well  blistered  with  Spanish-fly  ointment,  and 
the  patient  turned  to  grass  in  a  damp  field  or  meadow.  After  three 
or  four  weeks  the  blister  should  be  repeated.  This  treatment  is  to 
be  continued  for  two  or  three  months.  Plane  shoes  are  to  be  put  on 
when  the  patient  is  returned  to  work.  In  chronic  cases  the  animal 
should  be  put  to  slow,  easy  work.  To  relieve  the  pain,  neurotomy 
may  be  performed — an  operation  in  which  the  sense  of  feeling  is 
destroyed  in  the  foot  by  cutting  out  pieces  of  the  nerve  at  the  fetlock. 
This  operation  in  nowise  cures  the  disease,  and,  since  it  may  be 
attended  with  serious  results,  can  be  advised  only  in  certain  favorable 
cases,  to  be  determined  by  the  veterinarian. 

SIDEBONES. 

A  sidebone  consists  in  a  transformation  of  the  lateral  cartilages 
found  on  the  wings  of  the  coffin  bone  into  bony  matter  by  the  depo- 
sition of  lime  salts.  The  disease  is  a  common  one,  especially  in 
heavy  horses  used  for  draft,  in  cavalry  horses,  cow  ponies,  and  other 
saddle  horses,  and  in  runners  and  trotters. 

Sidebones  are  peculiar  to  the  fore  feet,  yet  they  occasionally  de- 
velop in  the  hind  feet,  where  they  are  of  little  importance  since  they 
cause  no  lameness.  In  many  instances  sidebones  are  of  slow  growth 
and,  being  unaccompanied  with  acute  inflammation,  they  cause  no 
lameness  until  such  time  as,  by  reason  of  their  size,  they  interfere 
with  the  action  of  the  joint.     (Plate  XXXIV,  fig.  4.) 

Causes. — Sidebones  often  grow  in  heavy  horses  without  any  appar- 
ent injury,  and  their  development  has  been  attributed  to  the  over- 
expansion  of  the  cartilages  caused  by  the  great  weight  of  the  animal. 
Blows  and  other  injuries  to  the  cartilages  may  set  up  an  inflammatory 
process  which  ends  in  the  formation  of  these  bony  growths.  High- 
heeled  shoes,  high  calks,  and  long  feet  are  always  classed  among  the 
conditions  which  may  excite  the  growth  of  sidebones.  They  are  often 
seen  in  connection  with  contracted  heels,  ringbones,  navicular  dis- 
ease, punctured  wounds  of  the  foot,  quarter  cracks,  and  occasionally 
as  a  sequel  to  founder. 

Symptoms. — In  the  earlier  stages  of  the  disease,  if  inflammation  is 
present,  the  only  evidence  of  the  trouble  to  be  detected  is  a  little  fever 
over  the  seat  of  the  affected  cartilage  and  a  slight  lameness.     In  the 


DISEASES    OF    THE    FETLOCK.  ANKI.E,  AND    FOOT.  439 

lameness  of  sidebones  the  toe  of  the  foot  lii>t  strikes  the  ground  and 
the  step  is  shorter  than  natural.  The  subject  comes  out  of  the  stable 
stiff  and  sore,  but  the  gait  is  more  free  after  exercise. 

Since  tlie  deposit  of  bony  matter  often  begins  in  that  part  of  the 
cartilage  where  it  is  attached  to  the  coffin  bone,  the  diseased  process 
may  exist  for  some  time  l)efore  the  bony  growth  can  l>e  seen  or  felt. 
Later,  however,  the  cartihige  can  be  felt  to  have  lost  its  elastic 
character,  and  by  standing  in  front  of  the  animal  a  prominence  of  the 
coronary  region  at  the  quai-ters  can  be  seen.  Occasionally  these 
bones  become  so  large  as  to  bulge  the  hoof  outward,  and  by  pressing 
on  the  joint  they  so  interfere  with  locomotion  that  the  animal  becomes 
entirely  useless. 

Treatment. — So  soon  as  the  disease  can  be  diagnosed  active  treat- 
ment should  be  adopted.  Cold-water  bandages  are  to  be  used  for  a 
few  days  to  relieve  the  fever  and  soreness. 

The  improvement  conse(iuent  on  the  use  of  the.se  simple  measures 
often  leads  to  the  belief  that  the  disease  has  recovered;  but  with  a 
return  to  work  the  lameness,  fever,  etc.,  reappears.  For  this  reason 
the  use  of  blisters,  or,  better  still,  the  firing  iron,  should  follow  on  the 
discontinuance  of  the  cold  bandages. 

But  in  many  instances  no  treatment  will  arrest  the  growth  of  these 
bony  tumors,  and  as  a  palliative  measure  neurotomy  must  be  resorted 
to.  Generally  this  operation  will  so  relieve  the  pain  of  locomotion 
that  the  patient  may  be  used  for  slow  work;  but  in  animals  used  for 
fast  driving  or  for  saddle  purposes,  the  operation  is  practically  use- 
less. Some  years  ago  at  Fort  Leavenworth  I  unnerved  a  numbei'  of 
cavalry  horses  that  were  suffering  from  sidebones,  and  the  records 
show  that  in  less  than  seven  months  all  were  more  lame  than  ever. 
Since  a  i)redisp()sition  to  develop  sidebones  may  be  inherited,  ani- 
mals suffering  from  this  disease  should  not  be  used  for  breeding 
purposes  unless  the  trouble  is  known  to  have  originated  from  an 
accident. 

RINGBONE. 

A  ringbone  is  the  growth  of  a  bony  tumor  on  the  ankle.  This 
tumor  is,  in  fact,  not  the  disea.se,  but  .simply  the  result  of  an  in- 
flammatory action  set  up  in  the  perio.steum  and  bone  ti.ssue  proper  of 
the  pastern  bones.     (Plate  XXXIV,  fig.  1.)     (See  also  p.  313.) 

Causes. — Injuries,  such  as  Idows,  sprain.s,  overwork  in  young,  unde- 
veloped animals,  fast  work  on  hard  roads,  jumping,  etc.,  are  among 
the  principal  exciting  causes  of  ringbone.  Horses  most  disposed  to 
this  disease  are  those  with  short,  upright  pa.sterns,  for  the  reason  that 
the  shock  of  locomotion  is  but  imperfectly  di.ssipated  in  the  fore  legs 
of  these  animals.  Improper  shoeing,  such  as  the  use  of  high  calk.s, 
a  too  great  shortening  of  the  toe  and  correspondingly  high  heels, 
predispose  to  this  disease  by  increasing  the  concussion  to  the  feet. 


440  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

S)/fnptomji. — The  first  synii^toni  of  an  actively  developed  ringbone 
is  the  appearance  of  a  lameness  more  or  less  acute.  If  the  bony 
tumor  forms  on  the  side  or  upper  parts  of  the  large  pastern,  its 
growth  is  generally  unattended  with  acute  inflammatory  action,  and 
consequently  produces  no  lameness  or  evident  fever.  These  are  called 
"  false '"  ringbones.  But  when  the  tumors  f(U-m  on  the  whole  circum- 
terence  of  the  ankle,  or  simply  in  front  under  the  extensor  tendcm,  or 
behind  under  the  flexor  tendons,  or  if  they  involve  the  joints  between 
the  two  pastern  bones,  or  between  the  small  pastern  and  the  coffin 
b<me,  the  lameness  is  always  severe.  These  constitute  the  true  ring- 
bone. Besides  lameness,  the  ankle  of  the  a  fleeted  limb  presents  more 
or  less  heat,  and  in  many  instances  a  rather  firm,  though  limited, 
swelling  of  the  deeper  tissues  over  the  seat  of  the  inflanmiatory  proc- 
ess. The  lameness  of  ringbone  is  characteristic  in  that  the  heel  is 
first  placed  on  the  ground  when  the  disease  is  in  a  foi'e  leg,  and  the 
ankle  is  kept  as  rigid  as  possible.  In  the  hind  leg,  however,  the  toe 
strikes  the  ground  first,  when  the  ringbone  is  high  on  the  ankle,  just 
as  in  health,  but  the  ankle  is  maintained  in  a  rigid  position.  If  the 
bony  growth  is  under  the  front  tendon  of  the  hind  leg,  or  if  it 
involves  the  coffin  joint,  the  heel  is  brought  to  the  ground  first.  In 
the  early  stages  of  the  disease  it  is  not  always  easy  to  diagnose  ring- 
bone, but  when  the  deposits  have  reached  some  size  they  can  be  felt 
and  seen  as  well. 

The  importance  of  a  ringbone  depends  on  its  seat  and  often  on  its 
size.  If  it  interferes  with  the  joints  or  with  the  tend(ms  it  may  cause 
an  incurable  lameness,  even  though  small.  If  it  is  on  the  sides  of  the 
large  pastern,  the  lameness  generally  disajipears  as  soon  as  the  tumor 
has  reached  its  growth  and  the  inflammation  subsides.  Even  when 
the  pastern  joint  is  involved,  if  complete  anchylosis  results,  the 
patient  may  recover  from  the  lameness  with  sinij^ly  an  imperfect 
action  of  the  foot  remaining,  due  to  the  stifl'  joint. 

Trcatnwnt. — Before  the  bony  growth  has  commenced  the  inflam- 
matory process  may  be  cut  short  by  the  use  of  cold  baths  and  wet 
bandages,  folio -ved  by  one  or  more  blisters.  If  the  bony  deposits 
have  begun,  the  firing  iron  should  always  l)e  used.  Even  when  the 
tumors  are  large  and  the  pastern  joint  in\olved,  firing  often  hastens 
the  process  of  anchylosis  and  should  always  be  tried. 

When  the  lower  joint  is  involved,  or  if  the  tumor  interferes  Avith 
the  action  of  the  tendons,  recovery  is  not  to  be  expected.  In  many 
of  these  latter  cases,  however,  the  animal  may  be  made  serviceable 
by  proper  shoeing.  If  the  patient  walks  Avith  the  toe  on  the  ground, 
the  foot  should  be  shod  with  a  high-heeled  shoe  and  a  short  toe. 
On  the  other  hand,  if  he  Avalks  on  the  heel,  a  thick-toed  and  thin- 
heeled  shoe  must  be  worn. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    FETLOCK.  ANKLE.  AND    FOOT.  141 

Since  linglxnie  is  loiisideii'tl  to  U'  t)iu'  »»f  the  luTt'tliiaiv  disease.^,  no 
animal  ^sutfe^ing  from  this  troiilile  slioiiM  ever  l»e  used  for  breeding 
purposes. 

LAMIMTIS,  OK  1  Ol  NDER. 

Laminitis  is  a  simple  intlammation  of  tlio  sensitive  laminie  of  the 
feet,  characterized  hy  the  general  i)lienomena  attending  inflauima- 
lion  of  the  skin  and  mucous  njembianes,  prochicing  no  constitutional 
disturbances  except  those  dependent  upon  the  local  disease,  and  hav- 
ing a  strong  tendency,  in  severe  cases,  to  destructive  disorganization 
of  the  tissues  affected. 

('im.s(s. — The  causes  of  laminitis  are  as  Avide  and  variable  as  in  any 
of  the  local  intlannuations,  and  may  ]>e  divided  into  two  classes — the 
j)redisposing  and  the  exciting. 

Pn  (h',s/)Of<i/i(/  c(iii,se>i. — From  personal  observation  I  do  not  know 
that  any  particular  construction  of  foot  or  any  special  breed  of  horses 
is  predispo>ed  to  this  disease,  neither  can  I  find  anything  to  warrant 
the  assumption  that  it  is  in  any  way  hereditary;  so  that  while  we 
may  easily  cultivate  a  predisposition  to  the  disea.se,  it  does  not  origi- 
nate without  an  exciting  cause.  Like  most  other  tissues,  a  predispo- 
sition to  inflannnation  may  be  induced  in  the  sensitive  laminie  by  any 
cause  which  lessens  their  power  of  withstanding  the  work  imposed 
on  theuL  It  exists  to  an  extent  in  those  animals  unaccustomed  to 
work,  particularly  if  they  are  plethoric,  and  in  all  that  have  been 
previous  subjects  of  the  disease,  for  the  same  rule  holds  good  here 
that  we  find  in  so  many  disea.ses — i.  e.,  that  one  attack  impairs  the 
functional  activity  of  the  affected  tissues  and  renders  them  more  easy 
of  a  subse(iuent  inflannnation.  Unusual  excitement  by  determining 
an  excessive  blood  supply,  bad  shoeing,  careless  paring  of  the  feet  by 
removing  the  sole  suj^port.  and  high  calkings  without  coi'responding 
toe  pieces  must  be  included  under  this  head. 

Ercitimj  <aiiH€H. — The  exciting  cau.ses  of  laminitis  are  many  and 
varied.  The  most  comm<^)n  are  concussion,  overexertion,  exhaustion, 
rapid  changes  (»f  temj)erature.  ingestion  of  certain  feeds,  purgatives, 
an<l  the  oft-mentioned  metastasis. 

(1)  Concu.ssion  i>roduces  this  disea.se  by  local  ovei-stimulation. 
The  excessive  excitement  is  followed  by  an  almost  complete  exhaus- 
tion of  the  functional  activity  «)f  the  laminated  tissues,  the  exhaustion 
by  congestion,  and  eventually  by  infhunmation.  But  congestion  here, 
as  in  all  other  tissues,  is  not  necessarily  followed  by  inllanunation ; 
for,  althoiigh  the  principal  symptoms  belonging  t<>  true  laminitis  are 
present,  the  congestion  may  bo  i-e1ieve<l  In'fore  the  jirocesses  of  inflam- 
mation are  fully  establishe<l.  This  is  the  condition  in  the  many  so- 
called  cases  of  laminitis  which  recover  in  from  24  to  4S  hours.  They 
should  be  called  congestion  of  the  laminir. 


442  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

Laminitis  from  concussion  is  common  in  trotting  horses  that  are 
raced  when  not  in  condition,  especially  if  they  carry  the  obnoxious 
toe  weights,  and  in  green  horses  put  to  work  on  city  pavements  to 
which  they  are  unaccustomed.  Concussion  from  long  drives  on  dirt 
roads  is  at  times  productive  of  the  same  results,  notably  when  the 
weather  is  extremely  warm,  or  at  least  when  the  relative  change  of 
temperature  is  great.  But  the  exhaustion  of  these  circumstances 
must  prove  an  exciting  cause  as  well  as  the  long-continued  concus- 
sion. This  combination  of  causes  must  also  determine  the  disease  at 
times  in  hunters,  for  the  weight  of  the  rider  increases  the  demands 
made  upon  the  function  of  these  tissues,  and  their  powers  are  the 
sooner  exhausted. 

(2)  Overexertion,  as  heavy  pulling  or  rapid  work,  even  when  there 
is  no  immoderate  concussion,  occasionally  results  in  this  disease. 
Here  also  exhaustion  is  a  conjunctive  cause,  for  overexertion  can  not 
be  long  continued  without  exhaustion. 

(3)  Exhaustion  is  nearly  as  prolific  a  source  of  laminitis  as  is 
concussion,  for  when  the  physical  strength  is  impaired,  even  though 
temporarily,  some  part  of  the  economy  is  rendered  more  vulnerable 
to  disease  than  others.  To  this  cause  we  must  ascribe  those  cases 
which  follow  a  hard  day's  work,  in  which  at  no  time  has  there  been 
overexertion  or  immoderate  concussion. 

The  tendency  to  laminitis  in  horses  on  sea  voyages  results  from  the 
continual  constrained  position  the  animal  maintains  on  account  of 
the  rocking  motion  of  the  vessel. 

If  one  foot  has  been  blistered,  or  if  one  limb  is  incapacitated  from 
any  cause,  the  opposite  member,  doing  double  duty,  soon  becomes 
exhausted,  and  congestion,  followed  by  inflammation,  results.  When 
one  foot  only  becomes  laminitic,  it  is  customary  to  find  the  corre- 
sponding member  participating  at  a  later  date;  not  always  because 
of  sympathy,  but  because  one  foot  had  to  do  the  work  of  two. 

(4)  Rapid  changes  of  temperature  act  as  an  exciting  cause  of 
laminitis  by  impairing  the  normal  blood  supply. 

This  change  of  temperature  may  be  induced  by  drinking  large 
quantities  of  cold  water  while  in  an  overheated  condition.  Here  the 
internal  heat  is  rapidly  reduced,  the  neighboring  tissues  and  blood 
vessels  constrained,  and  the  blood  supply  to  these  organs  greatly 
diminished,  while  the  quantity  sent  to  the  surface  is  correspondingly 
increased.  True,  in  many  cases  there  has  not  been  sufficient  labor  per- 
formed to  impair  the  powers  of  the  laminae,  and  laminitis  is  more 
readily  induced  than  congestion  or  inflammation  of  the  skin  or  other 
surface  organs,  because  the  lamin?e  can  not  relieve  themselves  of 
threatened  congestion  by  the  general  safety  valve  of  perspiration. 
A  cold  wind  or  relatively  cold  air  allowed  to  play  upon  the  body 
when  heated  and  wet  with  sweat  has  virtually  the  same  result,  for  it 


DISEASES    OF    THE    FETLOCK,  ANKLE,  AND    FOOT.  448 

iiri'psts  evaporation  ami  rapidly  cools  the  external  surface,  thereby 
deterniinin*;  an  excess  of  blocnl  to  such  oi^^ans  ami  tissues  as  are  pro- 
tected from  this  outside  influence.  In  many  instances  this  happens 
to  be  some  of  the  internal  or«;nns.  as  the  lun«;s.  if  the  previous  work 
has  been  rapid  and  their  functioiuil  activity  imi)aired;  but  in  numer- 
ous other  instances  tiie  ileterminaticm  is  toward  the  feet,  and  that  it  is 
so  depends  upon  two  very  palpable  facts:  First,  that  these  tissues  have 
been  jj^reatly  exciteil  and  are  already  receivin*?  as  nuich  blood  as  they 
can  accommodate  consistently  with  health;  second,  even  though  these 
tissues  are  classed  with  those  of  the  surface,  their  protecti(m  from 
atmospheric  inlhiences  by  means  of  tlu'  thick  box  of  horn  incasinj^ 
them  renders  them  in  this  respect  equivalent  to  internal  organs. 

A  more  limited  local  action  of  cold  may  excite  this  disease,  by  driv- 
ing through  water  or  washing  the  feet  and  legs  while  the  animal  is 
warm  or  just  in  from  work.  Here  a  very  marked  reaction  takes  place 
in  the  surface  tissues  of  the  limbs,  and  passive  congestion  of  the  foot 
results  from  an  interference  with  the  return  flow  of  blood  which  is 
being  sent  to  these  organs  in  excess.  These  are  more  lial)le  to  be 
simple  cases  of  congestion,  soon  to  recover,  yet  they  may  become  tiuo 
cases  of  laminitis. 

(5)  Why  it  is  that  certain  kinds  of  grain  w  ill  cause  laminitis  does 
not  seem  to  be  clearly  understood.  Certainly  they  possess  no  specific 
action  upon  the  lamime,  for  all  animals  are  not  alike  alTected;  neither 
do  they  always  produce  these  results  in  the  same  animal.  Some  of 
Uiese  feeds  cause  a  strong  tendency  to  indigestion,  and  the  consequent 
irritation  of  the  alimentary  canal  may  be  so  great  as  to  warrant  the 
l^lief  that  the  laminae  are  affected  through  sympathy.  In  other 
instances  there  is  no  apparent  interference  with  digestion  nor  evi- 
dence of  any  irritation  of  the  mucous  membranes,  yet  the  disease  is  in 
some  manner  dependent  upon  the  feed  for  its  inception.  Barley, 
wheat,  and  sometimes  corn  are  the  grains  most  liable  to  cause  this  dis- 
ease. With  some  horses  there  appears  to  be  a  jiarticular  suscepti- 
bility to  this  influence  of  corn,  and  the  use  of  this  grain  is  followed  by 
inflammation  of  the  feet,  lasting  from  a  few  days  to  two  weeks. 
In  these  animals,  to  all  api)earanf('s  healthy,  the  corn  neither  induces 
colic,  indigestion,  nor  purging.  an<l  apparently  no  irritation  whatever 
of  the  alimentary  canal. 

(fi)  Fortunately  puigative  medicines  rarely  cau.se  inflammation  of 
the  laminir.  That  it  is,  thou,  the  result  of  sympathetic  action  is  no 
doubt  more  than  hy|»otheti(al,  foi-  whi'U  there  is  no  derangement  of 
the  alimentary  canal  a  dose  of  cathartic  me<licine  will  at  times  bring 
on  severe  laminitis. 

(7)  Almf>st  all  the  older  authorities  were  agreed  that  metastatic 
laminitis  is  a  reality.  In  my  opinion  meta.static  laminitis  is  nothing 
more  nor  less  than  concurrent  laminitis,  and  presents  little  in  any 


444  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

w  ay  peculiar  outside  the  imperfectly  understood  exciting  cause.  The 
practitioner  aaIio  allows  the  acute  symptoms  of  the  laminitis  to  mis- 
lead him,  simply  because  their  severity  has  overshadowed  those  of  the 
primary  disease,  may  lose  his  case  through  unguarded  subsequent 
treatment.  This  form  of  laminitis  is  by  no  means  commonly  met 
Avith.  It  may  be  found  in  conjunction  with  pneumonia,  accordirig  to 
Youatt  with  inflammation  of  the  bowels  and  eyes,  and  according  to 
Law  and  AVilliams  sometimes  with  bronchitis. 

Symptoms. — Laminitis  is  characterized  by  a  congregation  of  symp- 
toms so  well  marked  as  scarcely  to  be  misinterpreted  by  the  most 
casual  observer.  They  are  nearly  constant  in  their  manifestations, 
modified  by  the  number  of  feet  affected,  the  cause  which  has  induced 
the  disease,  the  previous  condition  of  the  patient,  and  the  various 
other  influences  which  to  some  extent  operate  in  all  diseases.  They 
may  be  divided  into  general  symptoms,  which  are  concomitants  of  all 
cases  of  the  disease,  subject  to  variations  in  degree  onlv,  and  special 
symptoms,  or  those  which  serve  to  determine  the  feet  affected  and  the 
complications  which  may  arise. 

General  srjmptams. — L'sually,  the  first  symptom  is  the  interfer- 
ence with  lomomotion.  Occasionally  the  other  symptoms  are  pre- 
sented first.  As  the  lameness  develops  the  pulse  becomes  accelerated, 
full,  hard,  and  strikes  the  finger  strongly ;  the  temperature  soon  rises 
several  degrees  above  the  normal,  reaching  sometimes  106°  F. ;  it 
generally  ranges  between  102.5°  and  105°  F.  The  respirations  are 
rapid  and  panting  in  character,  the  nostrils  widely  dilated,  and  the 
mucous  membranes  highly  injected.  The  facial  expression  is  anxious 
and  indicative  of  the  most  acute  suffering,  while  the  body  is  more  or 
less  bedewed  Avitli  sweat.  At  fii'st  there  may  be  a  tendency  to  diar- 
rhea, or  it  may  appear  later  as  the  result  of  the  medicines  used.  The 
urine  is  high  colored,  scant  in  (juantity,  and  of  increased  specific 
gravity,  owing  to  the  water  being  eliminated  by  the  skin  instead  of 
the  kidneys.  The  appetite  is  impaired,  sometimes  entirely  lost,  but 
thirst  is  greatly  increased.  The  affected  feet  are  hot  and  dry.  and 
as  much  as  possible  are  relieved  from  bearing  weight.  Rapping  them 
with  a  hammer,  or  compelling  the  animal  to  stand  upon  one  affected 
member,  causes  intense  pain.  The  artery  at  the  fetlock  throbs 
beneath  the  finger. 

Special  syTnptoms. — Liability  to  affection  varies  in  the  different 
feet  according  to  the  exciting  cause.  Any  one  or  more  of  the  feet 
may  become  the  subject  of  this  disease,  although  it  appears  more 
often  in  the  fore  feet  than  in  the  hind  ones.  This  is  due  to  the 
difference  of  the  function,  i.  e.,  that  the  fore  feet  are  the  bases  of 
the  cohunns  of  support,  receiving  nearly  all  the  body  weight  during 
progression  and  consequently  most  of  the  concussion,  while  the  hind 


DISEASES    OF    THE    FETLOCK ,  ANKLE,  ANl>    FOOT.  445 

feel  l)ecoine  simply  tlie  fulcra  of  ihe  levers  of  piofri'ossioH.  and  arc 
almost  exempt  from  eoiiciissioii. 

One  foot. — Injiiries  and  excessive  functional  j)erformance  are  the 
causes  of  the  disease  in  only  one  foot.  The  jreneral  symptoms,  as  a 
rule,  are  not  severe,  tlie.*e  beinj;  often  no  loss  of  appetite  and  no  un- 
usual thirst,  while  the  pulse,  temperature,  and  respiration  remain 
ahout  normal.  The  Mei<rht  of  the  body  is  early  thiown  upon  the  op- 
posite foot,  and  {\w  aH'ected  one  is  extended,  I'epeatedly  raised  from 
the  fiooi*,  and  then  carefully  replaced.  AA'hen  made  to  move  forward 
the  lame  foot  is  either  carried  in  the  air  while  i)roj;ression  is  accom- 
l)lished  by  hopi)in«r  with  the  healthy  one,  or  else  the  heel  of  the  Hr.st 
is  ])laced  upon  the  <ri(nnui  and  receives  little  weijrht  while  the  sound 
limb  is  (piickly  advanced.  Projrression  in  a  straight  line  is  moi-e 
easy  than  turnin«r  towaid  the  lame  side. 

liofJi  fare  feet. — AN'hen  both  fore  feet  are  affected  the  symptoms 
are  well  mai'ked.  The  lameness  is  excessixe  and  the  animal  almost 
immovable,  ^^'hen  standing:  the  head  han«;s  low  down,  or  rests  ujxm 
the  manger  as  a  means  of  su|)port  and  to  relieve  the  feet;  the  fore 
feet  are  well  extended  so  that  the  weijjht  is  thrown  upon  the  heels, 
where  the  tissues  are  least  sensitive,  least  inflamed,  and  most  capa- 
ble of  relief  by  free  effusion.  The  hind  fv-et  ai*e  brou<jht  forward 
beneath  the  body  to  receive  as  much  weij;rht  as  possible,  thereby  re- 
lie\  in<j:  the  diseased  ones.  If  projjression  is  attempted,  which  rarely 
haj)pens  voluntarily  duiing  the  first  three  or  four  days,  it  is  accom- 
])lished  with  very  great  j^ain  and  lameness  at  the  starting,  which 
usually  s\ibsides  to  an  extent  aftei-  a  few  minutes"  exercise.  During 
this  exercise,  if  the  animal  happens  to  .step  upon  a  small  stone  or 
.other  hard  substance,  he  stumbles  painfully  and  is  excessively  lame 
in  the  <)fl'ended  nu-mber  for  a  number  of  steps,  ov\ing  to  the  acute 
pain  which  piessure  upon  the  sole  causes  in  the  tissues  beneath.  The 
manner  of  the  progression  is  pathognomonic  of  the  comi)laint. 
Soui','times  the  affected  feet  are  simultaneously  raised  fioui  the 
gi'ound  (the  hind  ones  sustaining  the  weight),  then  advanced  a  short 
distance  and  carefidly  replaced:  at  almost  the  same  moment  the  hind 
oiu's  are  «|uickly  shutllcd  foiwaid  near  to  the  center  of  gi  ax  itation. 

Tn  other  inst'inces  one  foot  at  a  time  is  advanced  and  placeil  with 
the  heel  u|)on  th«'  ground  in  the  sjime  carefid  manner,  all  cau.ses  of 
<oncussion  being  cart'fully  axoided.  In  attempting  to  back  the  ani- 
mal he  is  found  to  be  almost  stationary,  simply  swaying  the  body 
Itnckward  on  the  haunches  and  elevating  the  toes  of  the  disea.sed  feet 
as  they  rest  upon  their  heels.  In  attempting  to  turn  either  to  the 
right  or  left  he  allows  his  head  to  be  drawn  to  the  one  side  to  its  full 
extent  U'fore  mo\ing.  then  makes  his  hind  feet  the  axis  aiound 
which  the  forward  ones  describe  a  shuffling  circle 


446  DISEASES  OF   THE   HORSE. 

In  most  of  cases  of  laminitis  in  the  fore  feet  the  animal  persists 
in  standing  until  he  is  nearly  recovered.  In  other  cases  he  as  per- 
sistently lies,  standing  only  when  necessity  seems  to  compel  it,  and 
then  for  as  short  a  time  as  j)ossible.  If  the  recumbent  position  ia 
once  assumed,  the  relief  experienced  tempts  the  patient  to  seek  it 
again;  so  we  often  find  him  down  a  greater  part  of  the  time.  But 
this  is  not  true  of  all  cases ;  sometimes  he  will  make  the  experiment, 
then  cautiously  guard  against  a  repetition.  Even  in  cases  of  enforced 
recumbency,  he  ofttimes  takes  advantage  of  the  first  opportunity 
and  gets  upon  his  feet,  doggedly  remaining  there  until  again  laid 
upon  his  side.  How  to  explain  this  diversity  of  action  I  do  not 
know;  theoretically  the  recumbent  position  is  the  only  appropriate 
one,  except  when  complications  exist,  and  the  one  which  should  give 
the  most  comfort,  yet  it  is  rejected  by  very  many  patients  and,  no 
doubt,  for  some  good  reason.  It  has  been  suggested  as  an  explana- 
tion that  when  the  animal  gets  upon  his  feet  after  lying  for  a  time 
the  suffering  is  so  greatly  augmented  that  the  memory  of  this  ex- 
perience deters  him  from  an  attempted  repetition.  If  this  were 
true,  the  horse  with  the  first  attack  must  necessarily  make  the  ex- 
periment before  knowing  the  after  effects  of  lying  down,  yet  many 
remain  standing  without  even  an  attempt  at  gaining  this  experi- 
mental knowledge. 

The  most-favored  position  of  the  animal  when  down  is-  on  the 
broadside,  with  the  feet  and  legs  extended.  While  in  this  position 
the  general  symptoms  greatly  subside;  the  respirations  and  pulse 
become  almost  normal;  the  temperature  falls  and  the  perspiration 
dries.  It  is  with  difficulty  that  he  is  made  to  rise.  "V^Hien  he  at- 
tempts it  he  gets  up  rapidly  and  "  all  of  a  heap,"  as  it  were,  shifting, 
quickly  from  one  to  the  other  foot  until  they  become  accustomed  to 
the  weight  thrown  upon  them.  Occasionally  a  patient  will  get  up 
like  a  cow,  rising  upon  the  hind  feet  first.  Although  enforced  ex- 
ercise relieves  the  soreness  to  some  extent,  it  is  but  temporary,  for 
after  a  few  minutes'  rest  it  returns  Avith  all  its  former  severity. 

Both  hind  feet. — When  only  both  hind  feet  are  affected,  they  are, 
while  standing,  maintained  in  the  same  position  as  when  only  the  fore 
ones  are  the  subjects  of  the  disease,  but  with  an  entirely  different 
object  in  view.  Instead  of  being  there  to  receive  weight,  they  are  so 
advanced  that  the  heels  only  may  receive  what  little  weight  is  neces- 
sarily imposed  on  them ;  the  fore  feet  at  the  same  time  are  placed 
well  back  beneath  the  body,  where  they  become  the  main  supports; 
the  animal  standing,  as  Williams  describes  it,  "  all  of  a  heap." 

Progression  is  even  more  difficult  now  than  when  the  disease  is 
confined  to  the  anterior  extremities.  The  fore  feet  are  dubiously 
advanced  a  short  distance  and  the  hind  ones  brought  forward  with  a 
sort  of  kangaroo  hop  that  results  in  an  apparent  loss  of  equilibrium 


DISEASES   OF   THE    FETLOCK,  ANKLE,  ANT>   FOOT.  447 

Avliich  the  animal  is  a  few  moments  in  re«fainin<]:.  The  p;eneral  symp- 
toms, or,  in  other  words,  tiie  degree  of  suffering,  seem  more  severe 
than  when  the  disease  affeots  the  fore  feet  ahine.  Tlie  standing  posi- 
tion is  not  often  maintained,  the  patient  seeking  relief  in  recumbency. 
This  fact  is  easily  understood  when  we  consider  how  cramped  and 
unnatural  is  the  position  he  assumes  while  standing  and,  if  it  were 
maintained  for  any  considerable  length  of  time,  would,  no  doubt, 
excite  the  diseast^  in  the  fore  ftvt,  as  explained  by  D'Arboval. 

.1/^  four  feet. — Laminitis  of  all  four  feet  is  but  uncommonly  met 
with.  The  author  has  seen  but  three  such  cases.  In  all  these  the  posi- 
tion assumed  was  nearly  normal.  All  the  feet  were  slightly  advanced, 
and  first  one,  then  another,  momentarily  raised  from  the  ground  and 
carefully  replaced,  this  action  being  kept  up  almost  continually  dur- 
ing the  time  the  animal  remained  standing.  The  suffering  is  most 
acute,  the  appetite  lost,  and,  although  the  patient  lies  most  of  the 
time,  the  temperature  remains  too  high.  The  pulse  and  respirations 
are  greatly  accelerated,  the  body  covered  with  sweat,  and  bed  sores 
are  unpleasant  accompaniments. 

Course. — The  course  which  laminitis  takes  varies  greatly  in  differ- 
ent cases,  being  influenced  more  or  less  by  the  exciting  cause,  the 
animal's  previous  condition,  the  acuteness  of  the  attack,  and  the  sub- 
sequent treatment.  The  first  symptoms  rarely  exhibit  themselves 
while  the  animal  is  at  his  work,  although  we  occasionally  see  the  gait 
impaired  by  stumbling,  the  body  covered  with  a  profuse  sweat,  and 
the  respirations  become  blowing  in  chai'acter  as  premonitions  of  the 
oncoming  disease;  but,  as  a  rule,  nothing  amiss  with  the  animal  is 
noted  until  he  has  stood  for  some  time  after  coming  in  from  work, 
when,  in  attempting  to  move  him,  he  is  fomid  very  stiff.  Like  all 
congestions,  the  early  symptoms  usually  develoj)  i-apidly;  yet  this  is 
not  always  the  case,  for  often  there  appears  to  be  no  well-defined 
periml  of  congestion,  the  disease  seemingly  commencing  at  a  point 
and  gnidually  spreading  until  a  large  territory  is  involved  in  the 
morbid  process. 

Simple  ron^esf/'on. — Those  cases  of  simple  congestion  of  the  1am- 
ina%  which  we  erroneously  call  laminitis,  are  rapidly  developed,  the 
symptoms  are  but  moderately  severe,  and  but  one  to  three  days  are 
required  for  recovery.  There  are  no  structural  changes  and  but  a 
moderate  exudate.  This  is  rapidly  reabsorbed,  leaving  the  parts  in 
the  same  condition  as  they  were  previous  to  the  attack.  If  the 
congestion  has  been  excessive,  a  rupture  of  some  of  the  capillaries 
will  be  found,  a  condition  more  liable  to  exist  if  the  animal  is 
made  to  continue  work  after  a  development  of  symptoms  has  begim. 

True,  the  majority  of  these  last-described  cases  ])rove  to  be  the 
laminitis  in  fact,  yet  the  congestion  may  pass  away  and  the  extrava- 
sated  blood  be  absorbed  without  inflammation  vSufficient  to  warrant 


448  DISEASES    OF    THE   HORSE. 

calling  it  laminitis.  The  seat  of  greatest  congestion  will  always 
be  foimd  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  toe.  because  of  the  increased 
vascularity  of  that  part.  and.  although  at  times  it  is  limited  to  the 
podophylloiis  tissue  alone,  am^  or  all  parts  of  the  keratogenous 
membrane  may  be  affected  by  the  congestion  and  followed  finally 
by  inflammation. 

Acute. — In  the  acute  form  of  laminitis  the  symptoms  may  all  de- 
velop rapidly,  or  it  may  commence  by  the  appearance  of  a  little 
soreness  of  the  feet  which  in  24  or  48  hours  develops  into  a  well- 
marked  case.  This  peculiarity  of  development  is  due  to  one  of  two 
causes.  Either  the  congestion  is  general,  but  takes  place  slowly, 
or  it  begins  in  one  or  more  points  and  gradually  spreads  through- 
out the  laminjv.  These  acute  cases  generally  run  their  course  in 
from  one  to  two  weeks.  Usually  a  culmination  of  the  symptoms 
is  reached,  if  the  patient  is  properly  treated,  in  from  three  to  five 
days;  then  evidences  of  recovery  are  discernible  in  favorable  cases. 
The  lameness  improA'es,  the  other  symptoms  gradually  subside,  and 
eventually  health  is  regained.  It  is  in  these  cases  that  a  strong 
tendencv  to  disorganization  of  a  destructive  character  exists:  hence  it 
is  we  see  so  many  recover  imperfectly,  with  maiKed  structural 
changes  permanently  i-emaining. 

Suhacute. — Subacute  laminitis  is  most  often  seen  as  a  termination 
of  the  acute  form,  although  it  may  exist  independent  of  or  precede 
an  acute  attack.  It  is  characterized  by  the  mildness  of  its  symptoms, 
slow  course,  and  moderate  tissue  changes.  It  may  be  present  a  long 
time  before  any  pathological  lesions  result  other  than  those  found  in 
the  acute  form,  and  when  these  changes  do  take  place  they  should 
be  viewed  rather  as  complications. 

Chronic. — Chronic  laminitis  is  a  term  used  by  many  to  designate 
any  of  the  sequelae  of  the  acute  and  subacute  forms  of  this  disease. 
Pure,  chronic  inflammation  of  the  laminae  is  not  very  commonly  met 
uith,  but  is  most  frequent  in  horses  that  have  long  done  fast  track 
\Aork.  Thev  have  "  fever  in  the  feet  "  at  all  times  and  are  continually 
sore,  both  conditions  being  aggravated  by  work.  Like  chronic  in- 
flammation of  other  parts,  there  is  a  strong  tendency  to  the  develop- 
ment of  new  connective  tissue  which,  by  its  pi-essure  upon  the  blood 
vessels,  interferes  with  nutrition.  Wasting  of  the  coffin  bone  and 
inflammation  of  its  covering  with  caries  is  not  unusual.  The  con- 
tinued fever  and  impaired  function  of  secretion  result  in  the  produc- 
tion of  a  horn  deficient  in  elasticity,  somewhat  spongy  in  character, 
and  inclined  to  crumble.  In  some  cases  of  "  soreness  "  in  horses  used 
to  hard  or  fast  work  there  is  evident  weakness  of  the  coats  of  the 
vessels,  brought  on  bv  repeated  functional  exhaustion.  Here  slight 
work  brings  on  congestion,  Avhich  results  in  serous  effusion  and 
temi^orary  symptoms  similar  to  those  of  chronic  laminitis. 


DISEASES   OF   THE    FETLOCK,  ANKLE.  AND    FOOT.  449 

C'oirhplkatiotis. — Coinplicutions  coucuiieiit  with  or  .supeivcninjjf 
upon  lainiiiitis  aiv  fie(iuciit  aiul  varied,  and  are  often  dei>endent 
upon  causes  not  fully  understood. 

Ku'cenfrirc  punjufio/i  is  one  t)f  the  sinij)lest  of  these,  and  not  usually 
nttonded  with  dangerous  conse(juences.  It  rarely  occurs  unless  in- 
duced by  a  pui  «j::itive,  and  the  excessive  action  of  the  medicine  is 
probably  to  be  explained  upon  the  theory  that  the  nnicous  membrane 
sympathizes  with  the  disea.sed  laminie,  is  irritable,  and  readily  be- 
comes overexcited.  The  dischar*;es  are  thin  and  watery,  sometimes 
offensively  odorous,  and  occasionally  persist  in  spite  of  treatment. 
It  may  prove  disastrous  to  the  welfare  of  the  patient  by  the  raj)id 
exhaustion  which  it  causes,  prevent injr  resolution  of  the  lammitis, 
;:nd  may  even  cauhc  death. 

ScptiveiMa  and  pi/einia. — Septicemia  and  pyemia  are  iniusual  com- 
plications and  are  seen  only  in  the  most  severe  cases  in  which  bed 
sores  are  present  or  suppuration  of  the  lamiiue  results.  They  die,  jis 
a  rule,  within  three  days  after  showin<j^  sipis  of  the  complication. 

Pnciuii/mia — the  so-called  metastatic — nei  ds  no  sj)ecial  considera- 
tion, for  in  its  lesions  and  symptoms  it  does  not  differ  from  ordinary 
pneumonia,  although  it  may  be  overlooked  entirely  by  the  practi- 
tioner. Examinations  of  the  chest  should  be  made  every  day,  so  as 
to  detect  the  di.sease  at  its  onset  and  render  proper  aid. 

Sideh&iies. — A  rapid  development  of  sidebones  is  one  of  the  com- 
pliciitions,  or,  i^eihajjs  better,  a  secpiel  of  laminitis  not  often  met  witli 
in  practice.  Here  the  inflammatory  process  extends  to  the  hiteral 
caililages,  Avith  a  strong  tendency  to  calcification.  The  deposition 
of  the  lime  salts  is  sometimes  most  rapid,  so  that  the  "bones"  are 
developed  in  a  few  weeks;  in  other  instances  they  are  deposited 
slowly  and  their  growth  is  not  noted  imtil  long  after  the  subsidence 
<  f  the  laminitis,  so  that  the  exciting  cause  is  not  suspected.  This 
change  in  the  cartilages  may  commence  as  early  jus  the  first  of  the 
laminitis:  and  although  the  trouble  in  the  lamina'  is  removed  in  the 
course  of  a  fortnight  the  symptoms  do  not  entirely  subside,  tlie 
animal  retains  the  shuflling  gait,  the  sidebones  continue  to  grow,  and 
the  patient  usually  irmains  <|uite  lame.  This  alteration  of  tin* 
cartilages  generally  pievents  the  patient  from  recovering  his  naturnl 
gait,  and  the  |)ractiti(»ner  receives  unjust  censure  for  a  condition  of 
affairs  he  could  neither  foresee  nor  prevent. 

The  laminitic  process  occasionally  extends  to  the  covering  of  the 
coronet  bone,  or  at  loa.st  concurrent  with  antl  subse<|uent  to  laminitis 
the  development  of  "  low  ringbone "  is  seen,  and  it  is  apparently 
dependent  upon  the  disease  of  the  lamina*  for  its  exciting  c.uise.  The 
impairment  (»f  function  and  consequent  symptoms  nre  much  less 
marked  heiv  than  in  sidebones.  The  coronet  i-emains  hot  and  .sensi- 
.^6444°— 10 29 


450  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOKSE. 

ti^'e  and  somewhat  thickened  after  the  laminitis  subsides,  and  a  little 
lameness  is  present.  This  lameness  persists,  and  the  deposits  of  new 
bone  may  readily  be  detected. 

Suppuration  of  the  sensitive  membrane  is  a  somewhat  common 
complication,  and  even  when  present  in  its  most  limited  form  is 
always  a  serious  matter;  but  when  it  becomes  extensive,  and  especially 
when  the  suppurative  process  extends  to  the  periosteum,  the  results 
are  liable  to  be  fatal.  AVlien  suppuration  occurs  the  exudation  does 
not  appear  to  be  excessive.  It  is  rich  in  leucocytes  and  seems  to  have 
caused  detachment  of  the  sensitive  tissues  from  the  horn  prior  to  the 
formation  of  pus  in  some  instances;  in  others  the  tissues  are  still 
attached  to  the  horn,  and  the  suppuration  tnkes  place  in  the  deeper 
tissues. 

Limited  suppuration  ma}'^  take  place  in  any  part  of  the  sensitive 
tissues  of  the  foot  during  laminitis,  and  may  ultimately  be  reabsorbed 
instead  of  being  discharged  upon  the  surface,  but  generally  the 
process  begins  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  toe  and  spreads  backward 
and  upward  toward  the  coronet,  finally  separating  the  horn  from  the 
coronary  band  at  the  quarters.  At  the  same  time  it  spreads  over  the 
sole  and  eventually  the  entire  hoof  is  loosened  and  sloughs  away, 
leaA^ng  the  tissues  beneath  entirely  unprotected.  In  other  instances — 
and  these  are  generally  the  cases  not  considered  unusually  severe — the 
suppuration  begins  at  the  coronary  band.  It  extends  but  a  short  dis- 
tance into  the  tissues,  yet  destroys  the  patient  by  separating  the  hoof 
from  the  coronary  band,  upon  which  it  depends  for  support  and 
growth.  This  form  of  the  suppurative  process  usually  begins  in 
front.  It  is  this  part  of  the  coronary  band  that  is  always  most 
actively  affected  with  inflammation,  and  consequently  it  is  here  that 
impairments  first  occur. 

Suppuration  of  the  sensitive  sole  is  more  common  than  of  the  sensi- 
tive lamina?  and  coronary  band.  It  is  present  in  the  majority  of  cases 
in  which  there  is  a  dropping  of  the  coffin  bone,  and  in  other  instances 
when  the  effusion  at  this  point  is  so  great  as  to  arrest  the  production 
of  horn  and  uncover  the  sensitive  tissues.  Except  when  the  result  of 
injury  it  begins  at  the  toe  and  spreads  backward,  and,  if  not  relieved 
by  opening  the  sole,  escapes  at  the  heel.  Suppuration  of  the  sole  is 
much  less  serious  than  in  other  parts  of  the  foot. 

If  the  acute  constitutional  symptoms  developed  from  sloughing  of 
the  foot  do  not  result  in  death,  a  new  hoof  of  very  imperfect  horn 
may  be  developed  after  a  time;  but  unless  the  animal  is  to  be  kept  for 
breeding  purposes  alone  the  foot  will  ever  be  useless  for  work  and 
death  should  relieve  the  suffering.  When  only  the  sole  sloughs, 
recovery  takes  place  with  proper  treatment. 

Peditis. — This  is  the  term  that  Williams  applies  to  that  serious 
complication  of  laminitis  in  which  not  only  the  lamina?,  but  the  peri- 


DISEASES    OF    THE    FKILOCK,  AXKLK,  AND    FOOT.  451 

O810111U  iiK'inbrane  covt'iing  the  bone  ami  coiiiu  bone  al>50  are  subjects 
t)f  the  inflanuniitory  process.  Neither  is  this  ail;  in  some  of  these 
cases  of  peditis  acute  infhimmatiun  of  the  coHin  joint  is  present,  ami 
occasionally  suppuration  •)!'  the  joint.  A  mihl  form  of  periostitis, 
in  which  tlie  e.xuchitiou  is  in  the  outer  hiyer  of  the  i)eriosteum  only, 
is  a  more  common  condition  than  is  reco^ni/ed  <i;enerally  by  practi- 
tioners. Intimate  ct>nti^uity  of  structures  is  the  piedisi)osing  cause, 
for  the  disease  either  spreads  fiom  the  original  seat  or  the  complica- 
tion occurs  as  one  of  the  primary  results  of  the  exciting  cause.  In 
the  severer  cases  in  which  the  exmlate  .sei)arates  the  [)eriosteinn  from 
tlie  bone,  suppuration,  gangrene,  and  superficial  caries  are  common 
results.  If  iidiltration  of  the  bone  tissues  is  rapid  the  blood  supjiiy 
is  cut  otf  by  jiressure  upon  the  ves.sels  and  death  of  the  collin  bone 
follows.  Grave  constitutional  symptoms  maik  these  changes,  which 
soon  prove  fatal. 

In  the  mild  ca.ses  of  periostitis  it  is  by  no  means  easy  positively  to 
determine  its  presence,  for  there  are  no  special  symptoms  by  which  it 
may  be  distinguished  from  i)ure  laminiti.s.  In  a  majority  of  acute 
ca.ses,  though,  which  show  no  signs  of  improvement  by  the  fifth  to 
seventh  day.  it  is  safe  to  suspect  periastitis,  particularly  if  the  coro- 
nets are  very  hot,  the  pulse  full  and  hard,  and  the  lameness  acute. 
In  the  foitunately  rare  cases  in  which  the  bone  is  affected  with  in- 
flMiiimation  and  suj)puration  the  agony  of  the  patient  is  intense;  he 
(X-cupies  the  recumbent  position  almost  continually,  never  standing 
for  more  than  a  few  minutes  at  a  time;  suffers  fiom  the  mo.st  care- 
ful handling  of  the  affected  feet;  maintains  a  rapid  pulse  and  respi- 
ration, high  temperature,  loss  of  ap[)etite.  and  great  thirst.  It  is  in 
these  cases  that  the  patient  continually  grows  worse,  and  the  appear- 
ance of  siippuration  at  the  top  of  the  hoof  in  about  two  weeks  after 
the  inception  of  the  disea.se  proves  the  inefficiency  of  any  treatment 
which  may  have  Ix'en  used  and  the  hopelessness  of  the  case.  These 
patients  die  usually  between  the  tenth  and  twentieth  days  either  from 
exhaustion  or  pyemic  infection. 

Gangrene  <K'curs  in  the  peiiosteuni  as  the  roult  of  excessive  de- 
tachment from  the  bone  and  compression  due  to  excessive  exuda- 
tion. Other  parts  of  the  .sensitive  tissues  are  subject  occasionally  to 
the  same  fate,  and  at  times  large  areas  will  be  found  death 

Pumiced  aoJc  is  that  condition  in  which  the  horny  sole  in  the  neigh- 
Inirhood  of  the  toe  readily  crumbles  away  and  leaves  the  sensitive 
tissues  more  or  le.ss  exposed.  It  is  not  a  complication  of  laminitis 
only,  for  it  is  seen  under  other  conditions.  A\'illiams  has  described 
the  horny  ti.ssue  of  pumiced  sole  as  "weak,  cheesy,  or  spongy,  like 
macerated  horn,  or  even  grumous  (thick,  clotU'd)."  Crumbling  horn, 
when  critically  examined,  shows  almost  an  entire  absence  of  the 
cohesive  matter  which  unites  the  healthv  fibers,  while  the  fibers  them- 


452  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

selves  are  irregular  and  gi-anular  in  appearance.  Pumiced  sole  de- 
pends upon  an  impairment  of  the  hom-secreting  powers  of  the  sensi- 
tive sole  or  upon  a  separation  of  the  homy  from  the  soft  tissues 
which  maintain  its  vitality. 

Punctui'ed  wounds  of  the  foot,  accompanied  with  any  considerable 
destruction  of  the  soft  tissues,  present  the  same  peculiarities  of  horn 
in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  the  injury.  Bruises  of  the  sole  are 
followed  by  this  change  when  the  exudation  has  been  excessive  and 
has  separated  the  horn  from  the  living  tissues.  True,  in  these  cases 
we  rarel}'  see  the  soft  tissues  laid  bare,  for  the  reason  that  new  horn 
is  constantly  secreted  and  replaces  that  undergoing  disintegration. 

Laminitis  presents  three  conditions  under  which  pumiced  sole  may 
appear:  First,  when  free  exudation  separates  the  horn  from  the 
other  tissues,  or  when  the  process  of  infiammntion  arrests  the  pro- 
duction of  horn  by  impairing  or  destroying  the  horn-secreting  mem- 
brane; second,  when  depression  of  the  coffin  bone  causes  pressure 
upon  and  arrests  the  formation  of  horn ;  and,  tliird,  when  the  eleva- 
tion of  the  sole  compresses  the  soft  tissues  against  the  pedal  bone 
and  induces  the  same  condition. 

Pumiced  sole,  from  simple  exudation  and  separation  of  tissues,  is 
of  little  importance  for  the  reason  given  above  in  connection  with 
bruises;  but  when  suppuration  occurs  in  restricted  portions  of  the 
foot  in  conjunction  with  laminitis,  it  always  lays  bare  the  tissues 
beneath  and  temporaril})"  impairs  the  animal's  value.  Recovery  takes 
place  after  a  few  weeks  by  the  tissues  "  homing  over,"  as  in  injuries 
attended  by  the  same  process.  Depression  of  the  coffin  bone  is  not 
sufficient  within  itself  to  cause  pmniced  sole;  for,  if  the  relative 
change  in  the  bone  takes  place  slowly,  or  if  the  horn  is  thin,  the  sole 
becomes  convex  from  gradual  pressure  and  the  soft  tissues  adapt 
themselves  to  the  change  without  having  their  fimction  materially 
impaired.  But  when  the  dropping  is  sudden  and  the  soft  tissues  are 
destroyed,  the  horn  rapidly  crumbles  away  and  the  toe  of  the  bone 
comes  through.  In  many  of  these  cases  the  soft  tissues  remain 
uncovered  for  months.  When  they  are  eventually  covered  it  is  with 
a  thin,  slightly  adherent  horn  that  stands  but  little  or  no  wear.  The 
sole  being  now  convex,  the  diseased  tissues  bear  unusual  weight  by 
coming  in  contact  with  the  ground,  and  hence  it  is  that  these  animals 
are  generally  incurable  cripples. 

In  most  cases  in  which  the  sole  is  raised  to  meet  the  pedal  bone  and 
pumiced  sole  occurs  it  is  due  not  to  pressure  of  the  bone  from 
within  (for  the  tissues  ai"e  capable  of  adapting  themselves  to  the 
gradual  change)  but  to  impaired  vitality  of  the  sensitive  tissues  from 
the  inflammation  and  to  the  constant  concussion  and  pressure  applied 
from  without  during  progression.    To  this  is  to  be  added  the  paring 


DISEASES   OF   TlIE    FETLOCK,  ANKLE,  AND   FOOT.  453 

away  of  tlio  horn  ■\vlioii  applying  the  shoe,  thereby  keeping  the  solo 
at  tliis  point  too  thin. 

Turniru/  up  of  the  toe. — In  many  cases  of  himinitis  wliich  have 
become  chronic  it  is  found  that  the  toe  of  the  fo(tt  turns  up;  that  the 
heels  are  longer  than  natural;  while  the  hoof  near  the  coronary  band 
is  circled  with  ridges  like  the  h<^rn  of  a  ram.  Even  in  cases  in  which 
recovery  has  taken  place,  and  in  other  diseases  than  laminitis,  these 
ridges  may  be  found  in  the  wall  of  the  foot.  In  such  cases,  however, 
the  ridges  are  etiually  distant  from  one  another  all  around  the  foot, 
while  in  turning  up  of  the  toe  the  ridges  are  wide  apart  at  the  heels 
and  close  together  in  front,  as  seen  in  the  figure.  (Plate  XXXVII, 
fig.  4.)  These  ridges  are  produced  by  periods  of  interference  with 
the  growth  of  lK>rn  alternating  with  j)eriods  during  which  a  normal 
( r  nearly  normal  growth  takes  i)lace.  When  the  toe  turns  up  it  is 
because  the  coronary  band  in  front  produces  horn  very  slowly,  while 
at  the  heels  it  p-ows  much  faster,  causing  marked  deformity. 

Animals  so  affected  always  place  the  abnormally  long  heel  first 
upon  the  ground,  not  alone  because  the  heel  is  too  long,  nor  as  in 
acute  or  subacute  laminitis  to  relieve  the  pain,  but  for  the  reason  that 
the  toe  is  too  short  and  lifted  away  from  its  natural  jKJsition.  To 
bring  the  toe  to  the  gi'ound  the  leg  knuckles  at  the  fetlock  joint. 

The  pain  and  impairment  of  function  in  these  cases  always  result 
in  marked  atrophy  of  the  muscles  of  the  forearm  and  shoulder,  and  to 
some  extent  of  the  pectorals,  while  the  position  of  the  fore  legs 
advances  the  shoulder  joints  so  far  forward  as  to  cause  a  simken 
ai)pearance  of  the  breast,  which  the  laity  recognize  as  "chest 
founder." 

The  lesions  of  turning"  uj)  of  the  toe  are  permane.it,  and  are  the 
most  interesting  pathologicall}-  of  all  the  complications  of  laminitis. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  laminitis  is  probably  more  varied 
than  of  any  other  diseiise,  and  yet  a  large  number  of  oases  recover  for 
even  the  poorest  jjractitioner. 

Prevention. — To  guard  againsl  jind  prevent  dis-ease,  or  to  render 
an  unpreventable  attack  less  serious  than  it  otherwise  would  be,  is  the 
highest  practice  of  the  healing  art.  In  a  disease  so  pione  to  result 
from  the  simplest  causes,  especialh'  when  the  soundest  judgment  may 
not  be  able  to  determine  the  extent  of  the  disease-resisting  powers  of 
the  tissues  which  are  liable  to  be  afl'ected.  or  of  what  shall  in  every 
instance  constitute  nn  orercxcitement,  it  is  not  strange  that  horse 
owners  find  themselves  in  trouble  from  untintentional  transgression. 
If  the  disease  were  dependent  upon  specific  causes,  oi-  if  the  stability 
of  the  tissues  were  of  a  fixed  or  more  nearly  determinate  quality,  some 
measures  might  be  instituted  that  would  ]>rove  generally  preventive; 
but  the  j)redisposing  cause^i  are  common  conditions  and  often  <an  not 


454  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

be  remedied.  That  which  is  gentle  work  in  one  instance  may  incite 
disease  in  another.  That  which  is  feed  to-day  may  to-morrow  prove 
disastrous  to  health.  Finally,  necessary  medical  interference,  no 
matter  how  judicious,  may  cause  a  more  serious  complaint  than  that 
Avhich  was  being  treated.  Xotwithstanding  these  difficulties  there  are 
some  general  rules  to  be  observed  that  will  in  pait  serve  to  prevent 
the  development  of  an  unusual  number  of  cases.  First  of  all  the 
predisposing  causes  must  be  removed  when  possible;  when  im- 
possible, unusual  care  must  be  taken  not  to  bring  an  exciting  cause 
into  operation.  Under  no  circumstances  should  fat  animals  have 
hard  work.  If  the  weather  is  warm  or  the  variation  of  temperature 
great,  all  horses  should  have  but  slow,  gentle  labor  until  they  become 
inured  to  it,  the  tissues  hardened,  and  their  excitability  reduced  to 
a  minimum.  Green  horses  should  have  moderate  work,  particularly 
when  taken  from  the  farm  and  dirt  roads  to  city  pavements;  for 
under  these  circumstances  increased  concussion,  changed  hygienic 
conditions,  and  artificial  living  readily  become  active  causes  of  the 
disease.  Army  horses  just  out  of  winter  quarters,  track  horses  with 
insufficient  preparation,  and  farmers'  horses  put  to  work  in  the  spring 
are  among  the  most  susceptible  classes,  and  must  be  protected  by  work 
that  is  easy  and  gradual.  If  long  marches  or  drives  are  imperative, 
the  incumbrances  must  be  as  light  as  possible  and  the  journey  inter- 
spersed with  frequent  rests,  for  this  allows  the  laminse  to  regain  their 
impaired  functional  activity  and  to  withstand  much  more  work  witli- 
out  danger.  Furthermore,  it  permits  early  detection  of  an  attack, 
and  prevents  working  after  the  disease  begins,  which  renders  subse- 
([uent  medication  more  effective  by  cutting  the  process  short  at  the 
stage  of  congestion. 

All  animals  when  resting  immediately  after  work  should  be  pro- 
tected from  cold  air  or  drafts.  If  placed  in  a  stable  that  is  warm 
and  without  draft,  no  covering  is  necessary;  under  opposite  condi- 
tions blankets  should  be  used  until  the  excitement  and  exhaustion  of 
labor  have  entirely  passed  away.  It  is  still  better  that  all  animals 
coming  in  warm  from  work  be  "  cooled  out "'  bv  slow  walking  until 
the  perspiration  has  dried  and  the  circulation  and  respiration  are 
again  normal.  Animals  stopped  on  the  road  even  for  a  few  moments 
should  always  be  protected  from  rapid  change  of  temperature  by 
appropriate  clothing.  If  it  can  be  avoided,  horses  that  are  working 
should  never  be  driven  or  ridden  through  water.  If  unavoidable, 
they  should  be  cooled  off  before  passing  through,  and  then  kept  mov- 
ing until  completely  dried.  The  same  care  is  to  be  practiced  with 
washing  the  legs  in  cold  water  when  just  in  from  work,  for  occa- 
sionally it  proves  to  be  the  cause  of  a  most  acute  attack  of  this 
disease. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    FETLiHlv,  ANKl.K.   AND    FOOT.  455 

rnusual  changes  in  the  inunner  of  applying  the  shoes  should  not  be 
hastily  made.  If  a  plane  shoe  has  been  worn,  high'  heels  or  toes  must 
not  Ih'  substituted  at  once;  but  the  chauije,  if  necessary,  should 
gradually  be  made,  so  that  the  ditlerent  tissues  may  adapt  themselves 
to  the  altered  conditions.  If  radical  changes  are  imperative,  as  is 
sometimes  the  case,  the  woi-k  must  be  so  reduced  in  (piantitv  and 
quality  that  it  can  not  excite  the  dise<ise. 

Laminitis  from  the  effects  of  purgatives  can  scarcely  be  guarded 
■against.  I  can  not  determine  from  the  cases  in  which  I  have  .seen  this 
result  that  there  are  any  conditions  present  that  would  warn  us  of 
danger.  The  trouble  does  not  seem  to  depend  upon  the  size  of  the 
purgative,  the  length  of  time  ])efore  ]iurgiition  begins,  or  the  activity 
anil  severity  with  which  the  remedy  acts.  Medicines  known  to  have 
unusually  irritating  effects  on  the  alimentary  canal  shoidd  be  used 
only  when  necessity  ilcniands  it,  antl  then  in  moderate  doses. 

Experience  ah)ne  will  determine  what  animals  are  liable  to  suffer 
from  this  diesase  through  the  use  of  feeds.  \Mien  an  attack  can  be 
ascribed  to  any  particular  feed  it  should  be  withheld,  unless  in  sniall 
quantities.  Horses  that  have  never  been  fed  upon  Indian  corn  should 
receive  but  a  little  of  it  at  a  time,  mixed  with  bran,  oats,  or  other 
feed,  until  it  has  been  determined  that  no  danger  exists.  Corn  is  less 
safe  in  warm  than  in  cold  weathei",  and  for  this  reason  it  should 
always  be  fed  with  caution  during  spring  and  summer  months. 

When  an  animal  is  excessively  hune  in  one  foot  tiie  .shoe  of  tlie 
opposite  member  should  bo  removed,  and  cold  water  frequently  ap- 
plied to  the  well  foot.  At  the  same  time,  if  the  subject  remains 
standing,  the  slings  .should  be  used.  Ilor.ses  shoidd  under  no  circum- 
stances be  overworked;  to  guard  again.sl  this,  previous  work,  nature 
of  roads,  state  of  weather,  and  various  other  influences  must  be  care- 
fully con.sidered.  Watering  while  warm  is  a  pernicious  habit,  and, 
unless  the  animal  is  accustomed  to  it,  is  liable  to  result  in  some  dis- 
order, ofttimes  in  laminitis. 

(urativf  nwa.sun.s. — In  casi's  of  simi)le  congestion  of  IJie  lauiinai 
the  l)ody  .should  be  warndy  clothed  and  warm  drinks  admini.stered. 
The  feet  sliould  be  placed  in  a  warm  bath  to  increa.se  the  return  How 
of  blood.  In  course  of  an  hour  the  feet  may  be  changed  to  cold 
water  and  kept  there  until  recovery,  is  completed.  If  the  con.stitu- 
tional  symptoms  denuind  it,  diuretics  should  be  given.  Half-ounce 
do.se^  of  saltpeter  three  times  a  day  in  tlu?  water  answer  the  puri)o.se. 
In  cases  of  active  congestion  the  warm  footbaths  should  l>e  omitted 
and  cold  ones  used  from  the  commencement.  Subacute  laminitis 
demands  the  .same  treatment,  with  laxatives  if  there  is  con.stipation, 
and  the  addition  of  low-heeled  shoes.  The  diuretics  may  need  to  be 
continued  for  some  time  and  their  frequency  increa.sed.  Uegaidiug 
acute  laminitis,  what  has  been  called  the  "American  trciitment "  is 


466  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE, 

simple  and  efficient.  It  consists  solely  in  the  administration  of  large 
doses  of  nitrate  of  potash  and  the  continued  application  to  the  feet 
and  ankles  of  cold  water. 

Three  to  four  ounces  of  saltpeter  in  a  pint  of  water,  repeated  everj- 
six  houi  s,  is  a  proper  dose.  The  laminitis  frequently  subsides  within 
a  week.  These  large  doses  may  be  continued  for  a  week  without 
danger.  Under  no  circumstances  have  I  seen  the  kidneys  irritated 
to  excess  or  other  unfavorable  effects  produced. 

The  feet  should  be  kept  in  a  tub  of  water  at  a  temperature  of 
45°  to  50°  F.,  unless  the  animal  is  lying  down,  when  swabs  are  to 
be  used  and  wet  every  half  hour  with  the  cold  water.  The  water 
keeps  the  horn  soft  and  moist  and  acts  directly  upon  the  inflamed 
tissues  by  reducing  the  temperature.  Cold  maintains  the  vitality"  and 
disease-resisting  qualities  of  the  soft  tissues,  tones  up  the  coats  of 
the  biood  vessels,  diminishes  the  supply  of  blood,  tmd  limits  the 
exudation.  Furthermore,  it  has  an  anesthetic  effect  upon  the  dis- 
eased tissues  and  relieves  the  pain. 

Aconite  may  be  given  in  conjunction  with  the  niter  when  the  heart 
is  greatly  excited  and  beats  strongly.  Ten-drop  doses,  repeated 
every  2  hours  for  24  hours,  are  sufficient.  The  use  of  cathartics  is 
dangerous,  for  they  may  excite  superpurgation.  Usually  the  niter 
will  relieve  the  constipation;  yet  if  it  should  prove  obstinate,  laxa- 
tives may  be  carefully  given.  Bleeding,  both  general  and  local, 
should  be  guarded  against.  The  shoes  must  be  early  removed  and 
the  soles  left  unpared. 

Paring  of  the  soles  presents  two  objections:  First,  while  it  may 
temporarily  relieve  the  pain  by  relieving  pressure,  it  favors  gi-eater 
exudation,  which  may  more  than  counterbalance  the  good  effects. 
Secondly,  it  makes  the  feet  tender  and  subject  to  bruises  when  the 
animal  again  goes  to  Avork,  The  shoes  should  be  replaced  when  con- 
valescence sets  in  and  the  animal  is  ready  to  take  exercise.  Exercise 
should  never  be  enforced  until  the  inflammation  has  subsided;  for 
although  it  temporarily  relieves  the  pain  and  soreness  it  maintains 
the  irritation,  increases  the  exudation,  and  postpones  recovery. 

If  at  the  end  of  the  fifth  or  sixth  day  prominent  symptoms  of 
recovery  are  not  apparent,  apply  a  stiff  blister  of  cantharides  ai'ound 
the  coronet  and  omit  the  niter  for  about  48  hours.  When  the  blister 
is  well  set,  the  feet  may  again  receive  wet  swabs.  If  one  blister 
does  not  remove  the  soreness  it  may  be  repeated,  or  the  actual  cautery 
applied.  The  same  treatment  should  be  adopted  where  sidebones 
form  or  inflammation  of  the  coronet  bone  follows.  A^Hien  the  sole 
breaks  throagli,  exposing  the  soft  tissues,  the  feet  must  be  carefully 
shod  with  thin  heels  and  thick  toes  if  there  is  a  tendency  to  walk 
on  the  heels,  and  the  sole  must  be  well  protected  with  appropriate 
dressings  and  pressure  over  the  exposed  parts.     AVlien  there  is  turn- 


DISEASES    (»K    tin;    KETUXK,  ANKLE,  AND    FOOT.  457 

iiig  up  of  the  lex.',  blissteiing  of  the  i.oiunet,  in  front  oiUij^  soiuetinies 
(stimulates  the  growth  of  horn,  biit  as  a  rule  judicious  shoeing  is  the 
only  treatment  that  will  enable  the  animal  to  do  light,  slow  work. 

When  su])i)uration  of  the  laiaiiiie  is  profuse,  it  is  bettei"  to  destroy 
yotir  patient  at  once  and  relieve  his  suffering;  but  if  the  suppuration 
is  limited  to  a  small  extent  of  tissue,  especially  of  tlie  sole,  treatment, 
as  in  acute  cases,  may  induce  recovery  and  should  always  be  tried. 
If  from  bed  sores  or  other  causes  septicemia  or  pyemia  is  feared,  the 
bisulphite  of  soda,  in  half-ounce  doses,  may  be  given  in  conjunction 
with  tonics  and  such  other  ti'eatment  as  is  indicated  in  these  diseases. 

As  to  enforced  recumbency  I  doubt  the  propriety  of  insisting  on  it 
in  the  majority  of  cases,  for  I  think  the  patient  usually  assumes  what- 
ever position  gives  most  comfort.  Xo  doubt  recumbency  diminishes 
the  amoimt  of  blood  sent  to  the  feet,  and  may  gi-eatly  relievo  the  pain, 
so  that  forcing  the  patient  to  lie  down  may  be  tried,  yet  should  not  l^e 
renewed  if  he  thereafter  persists  in  standing. 

A\lien  the  animal  j)ei'sistently  stands,  or  constant  lying  indicates 
it  (to  prevent  extensive  sores),  the  patient  should  be  placed  in 
slings.  When  all  four  feet  are  affected  it  may  be  impossible  to  use 
slings,  for  the  reason  that  the  patient  refuses  to  support  any  of  his 
weight  and  simply  hangs  in  them.  Lastly,  convalescent  cases  must 
not  bo  returned  to  work  too  early,  else  permanent  recovery  may  never 
be  effected. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN. 

By  James  Law,  F.  II.  C.  V.  S.. 
Formerly  Professor  of  Veteriuarij  Science,  etc.,  Cor)icU   University. 

As  we  find  them  described  in  systematic  worlcs,  the  diseases  of  the 
skin  are  very  numerous  and  complex,  which  may  be  hirgely  accounted 
for  by  the  fact  that  the  cutaneous  covering  is  exposed  to  view  at  all 
points,  so  that  shades  of  difference  in  inflammatory  and  other  diseased 
processes  are  easily  seen  and  distinguished  from  one  another.  In  the 
horse  the  hairy  covering  serves  to  some  extent  to  mask  the  symptoms, 
and  hence  the  nonprofessional  man  is  tempted  to  apply  the  term 
'•  mange ''  to  all  alike,  and  it  is  only  a  step  further  to  apply  the  same 
treatment  to  all  these  widely  different  disorders.  Yet  even  in  the 
liairy  quadruped  the  distinction  can  be  made  in  a  way  which  can  not 
be  done  in  disorders  of  that  counterpart  and  prolongation  of  the 
slrin — the  mucous  membrane,  which  lines  the  air  passages,  the  diges- 
tive organs,  the  urinary  and  generative  apparatus.  Diseased  proc- 
esses, therefore,  which  in  these  organs  it  might  be  difficult  or  impos- 
sible to  distinguish  from  one  another,  can  usually  be  separated  and 
lecognized  when  appearing  in  the  skin. 

Nor  is  this  differentiation  unimportant.  The  cutaneous  covering 
]n-esents  such  an  extensive  surface  for  the  secretion  of  cuticular  scales, 
hairs,  horn,  sebaceous  matter,  sweat,  and  other  excretory  matters,  that 
luiy  extensive  disorder  in  its  functions  may  lead  to  serious  internal 
disease  and  death.  Again,  the  intimate  nervous  sympathy  of  differ- 
ent points  of  the  skin  with  particular  internal  organs  renders  certain 
skin  disorders  causative  of  internal  disease  and  certain  internal  dis- 
eases causative  of  affections  of  the  skin.  The  mere  painting  of  the 
skin  with  an  impermeable  coating  of  glue  is  speedily  fatal;  a  cold 
draft  striking  on  the  chest  causes  inflammation  of  the  lungs  or  pleura ; 
a  skin  eruption  speedily  follows  certain  disorders  of  the  stomach,  the 
liver,  the  kidneys,  or  even  the  lungs;  simple  burns  of  the  skin  cause 
inflammations  of  internal  organs,  and  inflammation  of  such  organs 
cause  in  their  turn  eruptions  on  the  skin.  The  relations — nervous, 
secretory,  and  absorptive — ^between  the  skin  and  internal  organs 
are  most  extensive  and  varied,  and  therefore  a  visible  disorder  in 
the  sldn  may  point  at  once  and  specifically  to  a  particular  fault  in 
diet,  to  an  injudicious  use  of  cold  water  when  the  system  is  heated,  to 
a  fault  in  drainage,  ventilation,  or  lighting  of  the  stables,  to  indiges- 
tion, to  liver  disease,  to  urinary  disorder,  etc. 

458 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


i'r..v'i'K    XX  X  \  III, 


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0 


^ritufit  ,vtr7(/)/<    f/ir/><////i    s/ein.. 

uiii-,  ri„„,v,.,,,.' 

t  £/iit/if/tai»  I).  Ueima   1  Hortr\  lu^rmf  lliti'pitlcrmix 
2.S/ni/uiii muivsuiti  3  hipillan hnennf/heiifrma 

4  trcfrtiin  ituclo/asudi)iit><in'USr/lvtn1. 

b  Ilh>iii4-i itli-i'j n  siulw ifiumui  ijloiui .  G  HmrfhlUrh: 

l.-'^ibu.-vou}  <jUind  W.  luU'rmilslifuth  I'/zhr'An/rfo/lu'lc. 


ij 


Hull-  dii'tiafiefi  by 
TrUfiophyton  Tonsitrt/n.v 


-!^. 


f\nxt.vilic  Pityiiasis  in  t/le  hurse 


//«//;•  tilteilsrtl    hy 

„fi...  M. '■:,.,,. 


'11    I    1 


KIN    AN  1  >    \'V 


1  )Ir<i:  \^^KS. 


DISEASES    OF    THK    SKIN.  459 

STRUCTIKE  or  THE  SKIN. 

The  skin  consists  prinmriiy  ot"  two  parts:  (^1)  The  siiperlieiul  non- 
vascular (without  bh)od  vessels)  layer,  tiie  cuticle,  or  epidermis;  and 
(•J)  the  deep  vasc-ular  (with  hhxxl  vessels)  layer,  the  coriuin,  dernns, 
or  true  skin.     (See  PI.  XXXVIII,  %  1.) 

The  cuticle  is  maile  up  of  cells  placed  side  by  side  and  more  or  less 
modihed  in  shai)e  by  their  mutual  compression  and  by  surface  evapo- 
ration and  drvin<^.  The  superficial  stratum  consists  of  the  cells  diied 
in  the  form  of  scales,  which  fall  off  continually  and  form  dandruff. 
The  ileep  stratum  (the  mucous  layer)  is  formed  of  somewhat  rounded 
cells  with  large  central  nuclei,  and  in  colored  skin  containinpj  numer- 
ous pigment  granules.  These  cells  have  prolongations,  or  branches, 
by  which  they  communicate  with  one  another  and  with  the  superficial 
hiyer  of  cells  in  the  true  skin  l>eneath.  Through  these  prolongations 
they  receive  nutrient  licjuids  for  their  growth  and  increase,  and  pass 
on  li(iui<ls  absorbed  by  the  skin  into  the  vessels  of  the  true  skin 
beneath.  The  living  matter  in  the  cells  exercises  an  equally  selective 
power  on  what  they  shall  take  up  for  their  own  nourishment  and  on 
what  they  shall  admit  into  the  circulation  from  without.  Thus,  cer- 
tain agents,  like  iodin  and  belladonna,  are  readily  admitted,  whereas 
others,  like  arsenic,  are  excluded  by  the  sound,  unbroken  epidermis, 
lietween  the  deep  and  superficial  layers  of  the  epidermis  there  is  a 
thin,  translucent  layer  (septum  lucidum)  consisting  of  a  double 
stratum  of  cells,  and  forming  a  medium  of  transition  from  the  deep 
spheroidal  to  the  superficial  scaly  cuticle. 

The  true  skin,  or  dermis,  has  a  framework  of  interlacing  i)undles 
of  white  and  yellow  fibers,  large  and  coarse  in  the  deeper  layers,  and 
tine  in  the  superficial,  where  they  approach  the  cuticle.  Between  the 
fibrous  bundles  are  left  interspaces  which,  like  the  bundles,  become 
liner  as  they  approach  the  surface,  and  inclose  cells,  vessels,  nerves, 
glands,  gland  ducts,  hairs,  and  in  the  deeper  layers  fat. 

The  .superficial  layer  of  the  dermis  is  foruied  into  a  .series  of 
minute,  conical  elevations,  or  papilhe,  projecting  into  the  deep  por- 
tion of  the  cuticle,  from  which  they  are  separated  by  a  very  fine 
tiansparent  membrane.  This  papillary  layer  is  very  richly  supplied 
with  capillary  bhvxl  vessels  and  nerves,  and  is  at  once  the  seat  of 
acute  sensation  and  the  point  fn»m  which  the  nutrient  li(|uid  is 
supplietl  to  the  cells  of  the  cuticle  al)Ovtn  It  is  also  at  this  ])oint  that 
the  active  changes  of  inllammation  are  especially  concentrated;  it  is 
the  immediately  superposed  cell  layers  (mucous)  that  become  mor- 
bitlly  increased  in  the  earlier  stages  of  inHammati<m:  it  is  on  the 
.surface  of  the  papillary  layer  that  the  liquid  is  thrown  out  which 
raises  the  cuticle  in  the  form  of  a  bli.ster,  and  it  is  at  this  point 
mainly  that  pus  forms  in  the  ordinary  pu.stule. 


460  DISEASES    OF    THE   HORSE. 

The  fibrous  bundles  of  the  true  skin  contain  plain,  muscuJar  fibers, 
which  are  not  controlled  by  the  will,  but  contract  under  the  influence 
of  cold  and  under  certain  nervous  influences,  as  in  some  skin  dis- 
eases and  in  the  chill  of  a  fever,  and  lead  to  contraction,  tightening, 
or  corrugation  of  the  skin,  contributing  to  produce  the  "  hidebound  " 
of  the  horseman.  Other  minute,  muscular  filaments  are  extended 
from  the  surface  of  the  dermis  to  the  hair  follicle  on  the  side  to  which 
the  hair  is  inclined,  and  under  the  same  stimulating  influences  pro- 
duce that  erection  of  the  hair  Avhich  is  familiarly  known  as  "  staring 
coat."  Besides  these,  the  horse's  skin  is  furnished  with  an  expansion 
of  red,  voluntary  muscle,  firmly  attached  to  the  fibrous  bundles,  and 
by  which  the  animal  can  not  only  dislodge  insects  and  other  irritants, 
but  even  shake  off  the  harness.  This  fleshy  envelope  covers  the  sides 
of  the  trunk  and  the  lower  portions  of  the  neck  and  head,  the  parts 
unprotected  by  the  mane  and  tail,  and  serves  to  throw  the  skin  of 
these  parts  into  puckers,  or  ridges,  in  certain  irritating  skin  diseases. 

The  hairs  are  cuticular  products  growing  from  an  enlarged  papilla 
lodged  in  the  depth  of  ii  follicle  or  sac,  hollowed  out  in  the  f^ldn  and 
extending  to  its  deepest  laj'ers.  The  hair  follicle  is  lined  by  cells  of 
epidermis,  which  at  the  bottom  are  reflected  on  the  papilla  and  be- 
come the  root  of  the  hair.  The  hair  itself  is  formed  of  the  same  kind 
of  cells  firmly  adherent  to  one  another  by  a  tough,  intercellular  sub- 
stance, and  overlapping  each  other,  like  slates  on  a  roof,  in  a  direc- 
tion toward  the  free  end. 

The  sebaceous  glands  are  branching  tubes  ending  in  follicles  or 
sacs  and  opening  into  the  hair  follicles,  lined  b^^  a  very  vascular 
fibrous  network  representing  the  dermis,  and  an  internal  la^^er  of 
cells  representing  the  mucous  layer  of  the  cuticle.  The  oily  secretion 
gives  gloss  to  the  hair  and  prevents  its  becoming  dry  and  brittle,  and 
keei>s  the  skin  soft  and  supple,  protecting  it  at  once  against  undue 
exhalation  of  water  and  imdue  absorption  when  immereed  in  that 
medium.  Besides  those  connected  Mith  the  hair  follicles  there  are 
numerous,  isolated,  sebaceous  glands,  opening  directly  on  the  sur- 
face of  the  skin,  producing  a  somewhat  tliicker  and  more  odorous 
secretion.  They  are  found  in  large  numbers  in  the  folds  of  the  skin, 
where  chafing  would  be  liable  if  the  surface  were  dry.  as  on  the 
sheath,  scrotum,  mammary  glands,  and  inner  side  of  the  thigh,  around 
the  anus  and  vulva,  in  the  hollow  of  the  heel,  beneath  the  fine  horn 
of  the  frog,  on  the  inner  side  of  the  elbow,  on  the  lips,  nostrils,  and 
eyelids.  When  closed  by  dried  secretion  or  otherwise  these  glands 
may  become  distended  so  as  to  form  various-sized  swellings  on  the 
slcin,  and  when  inflamed  they  may  throw  out  offensive,  liquid  dis- 
charges, as  in  "  grease."  or  produce  red,  tender,  fungous  gi-owths 
("grapes.") 


I 


DISEASED    OF    THE    SKIN.  461 

The  sweat  j2:laiicls  of  the  horse,  like  those  of  man,  Jire  composed  of 
biiuple  tubes,  wliich  extend  {h>\vn  throii^li  the  cuticle  and  dermis  in  a 
spiral  manner,  and  are  coiled  into  balls  in  the  deepei*  layer  of  the 
true  skin.  In  addition  to  their  importance  in  throwing  olTensive 
waste  products  out  of  the  system,  these  grlands  tend  to  cool  the  skin 
and  the  entire  eccmomy  of  the  aninud  throu<;h  the  evaporation  of 
their  AvateiT  secretion.  Their  activity  is  theiefore  a  matter  of  no 
small  moment,  as  besides  re^dating  the  animal  heat  and  excreting^ 
impurities,  they  influence  larjrely  the  internal  orji^ans  throuji;ii  the 
intimate  sympathy  maintained  between  them  and  the  skin. 

Diseases  of  the  skin  may  be  conveniently  <livided,  accordin<r  to 
their  most  marked  features,  into — 

(1)  Those  in  which  conc^estion  and  inflammation  arc  the  most 
marked  features  varyinjr  according:  to  the  gra<l(i  or  form  into  (a) 
con«restion  with  simple  redness,  dryness,  and  heat,  but  no  eruption 
(erythema)  ;  (h)  infiammation  with  red-pointed  elevations,  but  no 
blisters  (pai)ules)  ;  (r)  inflammation  with  fine,  conical  elevations, 
each  surmounted  by  a  minute  blister  (vesicle);  (d)  inflammation 
w  ith  a  similar  eruption  but  with  lai<rer  blisters,  like  half  a  pea  and 
upwards  (bulla')  ;  (e)  inflammation  with  a  similar  erupti(m,  but 
with  a  small  s;ic  of  white,  creamy  pus  on  the  summit  of  each  eleva- 
tion (pustules)  ;  (/)  the  formation  of  pustules  implicatin«r  the  super- 
ficial layer  of  the  true  skin,  a  small  portion  of  which  dies  an<l  is 
thrown  off  as  a  slojigh.  or  "core"  (boils);  ('«7)  the  formation  of 
round,  nodular,  transient  swellings  in  the  true  skin  (tubercles)  ;  and 
(A)  the  excessive  production  of  scaler,  or  dandruff  (scaly  or  s<jua- 
mous  affections). 

(2)  Dis<»ases  in  which  there  are  only  deranged  si'usiitions  of  itch- 
ing, heat,  tenderness,  etc.  (neurosis). 

(3)  Diseased  gro\\ths.  such  as  waits,  callosities,  horny  growths, 
cancer,  etc. 

(4)  Diseases  from  parasites,  animal  and  vegetable. 

(5)  Diseases  connected  with  a  specific  poison,  such  as  horsepox, 
erysipelas,  anthrax,  farcy,  or  cutaneous  glanders,  et^'. 

(('))    Physical  injuries,  like  wounds,  burns,  scalds,  etc; 

CONGESTION   (RED  EFFLORESCENCE,  OR  ERYTHEMA). 

This  is  a  congested  or  slightly  in(lame<l  condition  of  the  skin,  unat- 
ten<le(l  with  any  eruption.  The  pait  is  slightly  swollen,  hot,  tender, 
or  itchy,  and  dry,  and  if  the  skin  is  white  there  is  ledness  The  red- 
ness is  effaced  by  pre.s.sure,  but  reappears  instantly  when  it  is  re- 
moved. Kxcejit  in  transient  cases  the  hairs  mv  liable  to  hv  shed. 
It  may  he  looked  on  as  the  first  stage  of  inflammation,  and  therefore 
when  it  becomes  aggravated  it  may  merge  in  j)art  or  in  whole  into  a 
papular,  vesicular,  or  i)ustular  eruption. 


462  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

Erythema  may  arise  from  a  varietj"  of  causes,  and  is  often  named 
in  accordance  witli  its  most  prominent  cause.  Thus  the  chilling,  or 
])artial  freezing,  of  a  part  will  give  rise  to  a  severe  reaction  and  con- 
gestion. ^Hien  snowy  or  icy  streets  have  been  salted  this  may  extend 
to  severe  inflammation,  with  vesicles,  i)ustules,  or  even  sloughs  of 
circumscribed  portions  of  the  skin  of  the  pastern  (chilblain,  frost- 
bite). Heat  and  burning  have  a  similar  effect,  and  this  often  comes 
from  exposure  to  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun.  The  skin  that  does  not 
perspire  is  the  most  subject,  and  hence  the  white  face  or  white  limb 
of  a  horse  becoming  dried  by  the  intensity  of  the  sun's  rays  often 
suffers  to  the  exclusion  of  the  rest  of  the  body  (white  face  and  foot 
disease).  The  febrile  state  of  the  general  system  is  also  a  potent 
cause;  hence  the  white-skinned  horse  is  rendered  the  more  liable  if 
kept  on  a  heating  ration  of  buckwheat,  or  even  of  wheat  or  maize. 
Contact  of  the  skin  with  oil  of  turpentine  or  other  essential  oils,  with 
irritant  liquids,  vegetable  or  mineral,  with  rancid  fats,  with  the  acrid 
secretions  of  certain  animals,  like  the  irritating  toad,  with  pus,  sweat, 
tears,  urine,  or  liquid  feces,  will  produce  congestion  or  even  inflam- 
mation. Chafing  is  a  common  cause,  and  is  especially  liable  to  affect 
the  fat  horse  between  the  thighs,  by  the  side  of  the  sheath  or  scrotum, 
on  the  inner  side  of  the  elbow,  or  where  the  harness  chafes  on  the 
poll,  shoulder,  back,  breastbone,  and  under  the  tail.  The  accmnula- 
tion  of  sweat  and  dust  between  the  folds  of  the  sldn  and  on  the  sur- 
face of  the  harness,  and  the  specially  acrid  character  of  the  sweat  in 
certain  horses,  contribute  to  chafing  or  "  intertrigo.'^  The  heels  often 
become  congested  owing  to  the  irritation  caused  by  the  short,  bristly 
hairs  in  clipped  heels.  Again,  congestion  may  occur  from  fi'iction  by 
halter,  harness,  or  other  foreign  body  under  the  pastern,  or  inside  the 
thigh  or  arm,  or  by  reason  of  blows  from  another  foot  (cutting,  inter- 
fering, overreach).  Finally,  erythema  is  especially  liable  to  occur  in 
spring,  when  the  coat  is  being  shed,  and  the  hair  follicles  and  general 
surface  are  exposed  and  irritable  in  connection  Avith  the  dropping  of 
the  hairs. 

If  due  only  io  a  local  irritant,  congestion  will  usually  disappear 
when  the  cause  has  been  removed,  but  when  the  feeding  or  system 
is  at  fault  these  conditions  must  be  first  corrected.  While  the  coat  is 
being  shed  the  susceptibility  will  continue,  and  the  aim  should  be  to 
prevent  the  disease  from  developing  and  advancing  so  as  to  weaken 
the  skin,  render  the  susceptibility  permanent,  and  lay  the  foundation 
of  persistent  or  frequently  recurring  skin  disease.  Therefore  at  such 
times  the  diet  should  be  nonstimulating,  any  excess  of  grain,  and 
above  all  of  buckwheat,  Indian  corn,  or  wheat,  being  avoided.  A 
large  grain  ration  should  not  be  given  at  once  on  return  fi'om  hard 
Avork.  when  the  general  system  and  stomach  are  unable  to  cope  with 


disp:ases  of   tiik  skin,  463 

it;  the  animal  should  not  be  gi\en  more  than  a  swallow  or  two  of  cold 
water  when  perspiring  and  fatigued,  nor  shouKl  he  be  allowed  a  full 
supply  of  water  just  after  his  grain  ration;  he  should  not  be  over- 
heateil  or  exhausted  by  work,  nor  should  dried  sweat  and  dust  be 
allowed  to  accumulate  on  the  skin  or  on  the  harness  pressing  on  it. 
The  exposure  of  the  atfected  heels  to  damp,  nuid,  and  snow,  and, 
above  all,  to  melting  snow,  should  be  guanled  against;  light,  smooth, 
well-fitting  harness  must  be  obtained,  and  where  the  saddle  or  collar 
irritates  an  incision  should  be  made  in  them  above  and  below  the 
part  that  chafes,  and,  the  padding  between  having  been  removed,  the 
lining  should  be  beaten  so  as  to  make  a  hollow.  A  zinc  shield  in  the 
ui>per  angle  of  the  collar  will  often  prevent  chafing  in  front  of  the 
withers. 

Treatment. — Wash  the  chafed  skin  and  a|)ply  salt  water  (one-half 
ounce  to  the  quart),  extiact  of  witch-hazel,  a  weak  solution  of  oak 
bark,  or  camphorated  spirit.  If  the  surface  is  raw  use  bland  powders, 
such  as  oxid  of  zinc,  lycopodium,  starch,  or  smear  the  surface  with 
vaseline,  or  with  1  omice  of  vaseline  intimately  mixed  with  one-half 
dram  each  of  oi)ium  and  sugar  of  lead.  In  cases  of  chafing  rest  must 
l)e  strictly  enjoined.  If  there  is  constitutional  disorder  or  acrid 
sweat,  1  ounce  cream  of  taitar  or  a  teaspoonful  of  bicarbonate  of  soda 
may  be  given  twice  daily. 

CONGESTION,  WITH  SMALL  PIMPLES,  OR  PAPULES. 

In  this  afl'ection  there  is  the  general  blush,  heat,  etc.,  of  erythema, 
together  with  a  crop  of  elevations  from  the  size  of  a  pop]>y  seed  to  a 
coffee  bean,  risible  when  the  hair  is  reversed  or  to  be  felt  with  the 
finger  where  the  hair  is  scanty.  In  white  skins  they  vary  from  the 
palest  to  the  darkest  red.  All  do  not  retain  the  pa])ular  type,  but 
some  go  on  to  form  blisters  (eczema,  bulhe)  or  pusttdes,  or  dry  up 
into  scales,  or  break  out  into  open  sores,  or  extend  into  larger  swell- 
ings (tubercles).  The  majority,  however,  remaining  as  pimples, 
characterize  the  disease.  When  very  itchy  the  rubbing  breaks  them 
open,  and  the  resulting  sores  and  scales  hide  the  true  nature  of  the 
eruption. 

The  general  and  local  causes  may  be  the  same  as  foi-  erythema,  and 
in  the  same  subject  one  portion  of  the  skin  may  have  simple  conges- 
tion and  anothei-  adjacent  i)apules.  As  the  inflammatory  action  is 
more  pronounced,  so  the  irritation  and  itching  are  usually  greater, 
the  animal  rubbing  and  biting  himself  .severely.  This  itching  is  espe- 
cially severe  in  the  forms  which  attack  the  roots  of  the  mane  and  tail, 
and  there  the  disease  is  often  so  j)ersist»'iit  and  ti'oublesome  that  the 
hoi*se  is  rendered  virtually  useless. 


464  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

The  bites  of  insects  often  produce  a  papul.ir  eruption,  Ijut  in  many 
such  cases  the  swelling  extends  wider  into  a  buttonlike  elevation, 
one-half  to  an  inch  in  diameter.  The  same  remarks  apply  to  the 
effects  of  the  poison  ivy  and  poison  sumac. 

Treatment. — In  papular  eruption  first  remove  the  cause,  then  apply 
the  same  general  remedies  as  for  simple  congestion.  In  the  more 
inveterate  cases  use  ti  lotion  of  one-hjilf  ounce  sulphid  of  potassiima 
in  2  quarts  of  water,  to  which  a  little  Castile  soap  has  been  added,  or 
use  a  wash  with  one-half  ounce  oil  of  tar,  2  ounces  Castile  soap,  and 
20  ounces  water, 

INFLAMMATION  WITH  BLISTERS,  OR  ECZEMA. 

In  this  the  skin  is  congestetl,  thickened,  warm  (white  skins  are  red- 
dened), and  shows  a  thick  crop  of  little  blisters  formed  by  effusions 
of  a  straw-colored  fluid  between  the  true  sldn  and  the  cuticle.  The 
blisters  may  be  of  any  size  from  a  millet  seed  to  a  pea,  and  often 
crack  open  and  allov/  the  escape  of  the  fluid,  which  concretes  as  a 
slightly  yellowish  scab  or  crust  around  the  roots  of  the  hairs.  This 
exudation  and  the  incrustation  are  especially  common  where  the  hairs 
are  long,  thick,  and  numerous,  as  in  the  region  of  the  pastern  of 
heavy  draft  horses.  The  term  eczema  is  now  applied  veiy  generally 
to  eruptions  of  all  kinds  that  depend  on  internal  disorders  or  consti- 
tutional conditions  and  that  tend  to  recurrences  and  inveteracy. 
Eczema  may  appear  on  any  part  of  the  body,  but  in  horses  it  is  espe- 
cially common  on  the  heels  and  the  lower  parts  of  the  limbs,  and 
less  frequently  on  the  neck,  shoulder,  and  abdomen.  The  limbs  ap- 
pear to  be  especially  liable  because  of  their  dependent  position,  all 
blood  having  to  return  from  them  against  the  action  of  gravity  and 
congestions  and  swellings  being  common,  because  of  the  abundance 
of  blood  vessels  in  this  part  of  the  skin  and  because  of  the  frequent 
contact  with  the  irritant  dimg  and  urine  and  their  ammoniacal  emana- 
tions. The  legs  further  suffer  from  contact  with  wet  and  mud  when 
at  Work,  from  snow  and  ice,  from  drafts  of  cold  air  on  the  wet  limbs, 
from  washing  with  caustic  soaps,  or  from  the  relaxing  effects  of  a 
too  deep  and  abundant  litter.  Among  other  causes  may  be  named 
indigestion  and  the  presence  of  irritant  matters  in  the  blood  and 
sweat,  the  result  of  patent  medicated  feeds  and  condition  powders 
(aromatics,  stimulants),  green  food,  new  hay,  new  oats,  buckwheat, 
wheat,  maize,  diseased  potatoes,  smut,  or  ergot  in  grains,  decompos- 
ing green  feed,  brewers'  grains,  or  kitchen  garbage.  The  excite- 
ment in  the  skin,  caused  b}^  shedding  the  coat,  lack  of  grooming,  hot 
weather,  hot,  boiled,  or  steamed  feed  amduces  to  the  eruption. 
Lastly,  any  sudden  change  of  feed  may  induce  it. 

The  blisters  may  in  part  go  on  to  suppuration  so  that  vesicles  and 
pustules  often  appear  on  the  same  patch,  and,  wdien  raw  from  rub- 


DISEASES   OF    TJIK   SKIX.  405 

bing,  the  true  nature  of  the  eruption  may  be  completely  masked.  In 
well-fed  horses,  kept  in  close  stables  with  little  work,  eczema  of  the 
limbs  may  last  for  months  and  years.  It  is  a  very  troublesome  affec- 
tion in  draft  stallions. 

Treatment. — This  disease  is  so  often  the  result  of  indigestion  that  a 
laxative  of  1  pound  (ilauber's  salt  in  3  or  4  quarts  water  or  U  pints 
olive  oil  is  often  demanded  to  clear  away  irritants  from  the  alimen- 
tary canal.  Following  this,  in  recent  and  acute  cases,  give  2  drams 
of  acetate  or  bicarbonate  of  potash  twice  a  day  in  the  drinking  water. 
If  the  bowels  still  become  costive,  give  daily  i  ounce  sulphate  of  soda 
and  20  grains  of  powdereil  nux  vomica.  In  debilitated  horses  com- 
bine the  nux  vomica  with  one-half  ounce  powdered  gentian  root.  As 
a  wash  for  the  skin  use  1  dram  bicarl>onate  of  soda  and  1  dram  car- 
bolic acid  in  a  quart  of  water,  after  having  cleansed  the  surface  with 
tepid  water.  Employ  the  same  precautions  as  regards  feeding, 
stabling,  and  care  of  harness  as  in  simple  congestion  of  the  skin. 

In  the  more  inveterate  forms  of  eczema  more  active  treatment  is 
required.  Soak  the  scabs  in  fresh  sweet  oil,  and  in  a  few  hours 
remove  these  with  tepid  water  and  Castile  soap;  then  apply  an  oint- 
ment of  sidphur  or  iodid  of  sulphur  day  by  day.  If  this  seems  to 
be  losing  its  elfect  after  a  week,  change  for  mercurial  ointment  or  a 
solution  of  sulphid  of  potassium,  or  of  hyposuljjhite  of  soda,  3  drams 
to  the  quart  of  water.  In  the.se  cases  the  animal  may  take  a  course 
of  sulphur  (1  ounce  daily),  bisulphite  of  soda  (one-half  ounce  daily). 
or  of  arsenic  (.">  grains  daily)  mixed  with  1  dr;uii  luc:irb<mate  of 
soda. 

INFLAMMATION  WITH  PUSTULES. 

In  this  affection  the  individual  elevations  on  the  inflamed  skin 
show  in  tlie  center  a  small  sac  of  white,  creamy  pus,  in  place  of  the 
clear  liquid  of  a  blister.  They  vary  in  size  from  a  millet  seed  to  a 
hazelnut.  The  pustules  of  glanders  (farcy  buds)  are  to  be  distin- 
guished by  the  watery  contents  and  the  cordlike  swelling,  extending 
from  the  pustules  along  the  line  of  the  veins,  and  those  of  boils  by  the 
inflammation  and  sloughing  out  of  a  core  of  the  true  skin.  The  hair 
on  the  pusttde  stands  erect,  and  is  often  shed  with  the  scab  which 
results.  A\'hen  itching  is  severe  the  parts  become  excoriated  by 
rubbing,  and,  as  in  the  other  forms  of  skin  disease,  the  character  of 
the  eruption  may  become  indistinct.  Old  hoi-si's  suffer  mainly  at  the 
root  of  the  mane  and  tail  and  about  the  heels,  and  suckling  foals 
around  the  mouth,  on  the  face,  inside  the  thighs,  and  under  the  tail. 

Pustules,  like  eczema,  are  especially  liablo  to  result  from  unwhole- 
some feed  and  indigestion,  from  a  sudden  change  of  feed — above  all. 
from  diy  to  green.  In  foals  it  may  result  from  overheating  of  the 
;W444''— 16 30 


466  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOBSE. 

mare  and  allowing  the  first  milk  after  she  returns,  or  by  niilk  ren- 
dered unwholesome  by  faulty  feeding  of  the  dam.  If  a  foal  is 
brought  up  by  hand  the  souring  and  other  decompositions  in  the  milk 
derange  the  digestion  and  cause  such  eruption.  Vetches  and  other 
plants  affected  with  honeydew  and  buckwheat  have  been  the  cause  of 
these  eruptions  on  white  portions  of  the  skin.  Disorders  of  the 
kidneys  or  liver  are  common  causes  of  this  affection. 

TreatTRcnt. — Apply  soothing  ointments,  such  as  benzonated  oxid 
of  zinc,  or  vaseline  with  1  dram  oxid  of  zinc  in  each  omice.  Or  a 
wash  of  1  dram  sugar  of  lead  or  2  drams  hyposulphite  of  soda  in  a 
quart  of  Avater  may  be  freely  applied.  If  the  skin  is  already  abraded 
and  scabby,  smear  thickly  with  vaseline  for  some  hom's,  then  wash 
with  soapsuds  and  apply  the  above  dressings.  When  the  excoriations 
are  indolent  they  may  be  painted  with  a  solution  of  lunar  caustic  2 
grains  to  1  ounce  of  distilled  water.  Internally  counteract  costive- 
ness  and  remove  intestinal  irritants  by  the  same  means  as  in  eczema, 
and  follow^  this  with  one-half  ounce  doses  daily  of  hyposulphite  of 
soda,  and  one-half  ounce  doses  of  gentian.  Inveterate  cases  may 
often  be  benefited  by  a  course  of  sulphur,  bisulphite  of  soda,  or 
arsenic.  In  all,  the  greatest  care  must  be  taken  with  regard  to  feed, 
feeding,  watering,  cleanliness,  and  work.  In  wet  and  cold  seasons 
predisposed  animals  should,  so  far  as  possible,  be  protected  from 
wet,  mud,  snow,  and  melted  snow — above  all,  from  that  which  has 
been  melted  by  salt. 

BOILS,  OR  FURUNCLES. 

These  may  appear  on  any  part  of  the  skin,  but  are  especially  com- 
mon on  the  lower  parts  of  the  limbs,  and  on  the  shoulders  and  back 
where  the  skin  is  irritated  by  accumulated  secretion  and  chafing  with 
the  harness.  In  other  cases  the  cause  is  constitutional,  or  attended 
with  unwholesome  diet  and  overwork  with  loss  of  general  health  and 
condition.  They  also  follow  on  weakening  diseases,  notably  strangles, 
in  which  irritants  are  retained  in  the  sj'stem  from  overproduction  of 
poisons  and  effete  matter  during  fever,  and  imperfect  elimination. 
There  is  also  ihe  presence  of  a  pyogenic  bacterium,  by  which  the 
disease  may  be  maintained  and  propagated. 

While  boils  are  pus  producing,  they  differ  from  simple  pustule  in 
affecting  the  deepest  layers  of  the  true  skin,  and  even  the  superficial 
layers  of  the  connective  tissues  beneath,  and  in  the  death  and  slough- 
ing out  of  the  central  part  of  the  inflamed  mass  (core).  The  depth 
of  the  hard,  indurated,  painful  swelling,  and  the  formation  of  this 
central  mass  or  core,  which  is  bathed  in  pus  and  slowly  separated 
from  surrounding  parts,  serve  to  distinguish  the  boil  alike  from  the 
pustule,  from  the  farcy  bud,  and  from  a  superficial  abscess. 

Treatment. — To  treat  very  painful  boils  a  free  incision  with  a 
lancet  in  two  directions,  followed  by  a  dressing  with  one-half  an 


DISEASES   OF    THE    SKIN.  467 

ounce  carbolic  acid  in  u  pint  of  water,  bound  on  with  cotton  wool  or 
lint,  may  cut  them  short.  The  more  common  course  is  to  apply  a 
warm  i)oultice  of  linseed  meal  or  wheat  bran,  and  renew  daily  until 
the  center  of  the  boil  softens,  when  it  should  l)e  lanced  and  the  core 
pressed  out. 

If  the  boil  is  smeared  with  a  i)listering  ointment  of  Spanish  Hies 
and  a  poultice  put  over  it,  the  foiination  of  matter  and  separation  of 
the  core  is  often  hastened.  A  mixture  of  su«;ai'  and  soap  laid  on  the 
boil  is  ecjually  good.  Cleanliness  of  the  skin  and  the  avoidance  of 
all  causes  of  irritation  are  important  items,  and  a  teaspoonful  of 
bicarbonate  of  soda  once  or  twice  a  day  will  sometimes  assist  in 
warding  off  a  new  crop. 

NETTLERA.SH  (SURFEIT,  OR  URTICARIA). 

This  is  an  eruption  in  the  form  of  cutaneous  nodules,  in  size  from 
a  hazelnut  to  a  hickory  nut,  transient,  with  little  disposition  to  the 
fonnation  of  either  blister  or  pustule,  and  usually  connected  with 
shedding  of  the  coat,  sudden  changes  of  weather,  and  unwholesome- 
ness  or  sudden  change  in  the  feed.  It  is  mo.st  frequent  in  the  spring 
and  in  young  and  vigorous  animals  (good  feedere).  The  swelling 
(embraces  the  entire  thickness  of  the  skin  and  terminates  by  an  abrupt 
margin  in  place  of  shading  off  into  surrounding  parts.  ^Mien  the 
individual  swellings  run  together  there  are  formed  extensive  patches 
of  thickened  integument.  These  may  appear  on  any  part  of  the 
body,  and  may  1x>  general;  the  eyelids  may  be  closed,  the  lips  ren- 
dered immovable,  or  the  nostrils  so  thickened  that  breathing  becomes 
difficult  and  snuffling.  It  may  be  attended  with  constipation  or 
diarrhea  oi-  by  colicky  pains.  The  eruj^tion  is  sudden,  the  whole 
skin  being  sometimes  covered  in  a  few  hours,  and  it  may  disapi)ear 
with  equal  rapidity  or  persist  for  six  or  eight  days. 

Treatment. — This  consists  in  clearing  out  the  bowels  by  5  drams 
Barbados  aloes,  or  1  pound  Glauber's  salt,  and  follow  the  operation 
of  these  by  daily  doses  of  one-half  ounce  powdered  gentian  and 
1  ounce  (Haulier's  salt.  A  weak  solution  of  alinn  may  be  applied  to 
the  swellings. 

PITYRIASIS,  OR  SCALY  SKIN   DISEASE. 

This  affection  is  characterized  by  an  excessive  production  and 
detachment  of  dry  scales  fnmi  the  surface  of  the  skin  (dandruff). 
It  is  usually  dependent  on  some  fault  in  digestion  and  an  imperfect 
secretion  from  tiie  sei>aceous  glands  and  is  most  common  in  old  horses 
with  spare  habit  of  body.  "Williams  attributes  it  to  feed  rich  in  sac- 
charine matter  (carrots,  turnips)  and  to  the  excretion  of  oxalic  acid 
by  the  skin.     He  has  found  it  in  horses  irregularly  worked  and  well 


468  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

fed  and  advises  the  administration  of  pitch  for  a  length  of  time 
and  the  avoidance  of  saccharine  feed.  Otherwise  the  horse  may  take 
a  laxative  followed  by  dram  doses  of  carbonate  of  potash,  and  the 
aifected  parts  may  be  bathed  with  soft,  tepid  water  and  smeared  with 
an  ointment  made  with  vaseline  and  sulphur.  In  obstinate  cases 
sulphur  may  be  given  daily  in  the  feed. 

PRURITUS,  OR  NERVOUS  IRRITATION  OF  THE  SKIN. 

This  is  seen  in  horses  fed  to  excess  on  grain  and  hay,  kept  in  close 
stables,  and  worked  irregularh^  Though  most  common  in  summer, 
it  is  often  severe  in  hot,  close  stables  in  winter.  Pimples,  vesicles, 
and  abrasions  may  result,  but  as  the  itching  is  quite  as  severe  en  other 
parts  of  the  skin,  these  may  be  the  result  of  scratching  merely.  It 
is  especially  common  and  inveterate  about  the  roots  of  the  mane  and 
tail. 

Treatmetit  consists  in  a  purgative  (Glauber's  salt,  1  pound),  re- 
stricted, laxative  diet,  and  a  wasli  of  water  slightly  soured  with  cil 
of  vitriol  and  rendered  sweet  by  carbolic  acid.  If  obstinate,  give 
daily  1  ounce  of  sulphur  and  20  grains  nux  vomica.  If  the  acid 
lotion  fails,  2  drams  carbonate  of  potash  and  2  grains  of  cyanid  of 
potassium  in  a  quart  of  water  will  sometimes  benefit.  If  from  pin- 
worms  in  the  rectiun,  the  itching  of  the  tail  may  be  remedied  by  an 
occasional  injection  of  a  quart  of  water  in  Avhich  chips  of  quassia 
wood  have  been  steeped  for  12  hours. 

HERPES. 

This  name  has  been  applied  to  a  disease  in  which  there  is  an  erup- 
tion of  minute  vesicles  in  circular  groups  or  clusters,  with  little 
tendency  to  burst, but  rather  to  diy  up  into  fine  scabs.  If  the  vesicles 
break,  they  exude  a  slight,  gummy  discharge  which  concretes  into  a 
small,  hard  scab.  It  is  apparently  noncontagious  and  not  appreci- 
ably connected  with  an}^  disorder  of  internal  organs.  It  sometimes 
accompanies  or  follows  specific  fevers,  and  is,  on  the  whole,  most  fre- 
quent at  the  seasons  of  changing  the  coat — spring  and  autumn.  It 
is  seen  on  the  lips  and  pastern,  but  may  appear  on  any  part  of  the 
body.  The  duration  of  the  eruption  is  two  weeks  or  even  more,  the 
tendency  being  to  spontaneous  recovery.  The  affected  part  is  very 
irritable,  causing  a  sensitiveness  and  a  disposition  to  rub  out  of 
proportion  to  the  extent  of  the  eruption. 

Treatment. — It  may  be  treated  by  oxid  of  zinc  ointment,  and  to 
relieve  the  irritation  a  solution  of  opium  or  belladonna  in  water,  or 
of  sugar  of  lead  or  oil  of  peppermint.  A  course  of  bitters  (one-half 
an  ounce  of  Peruvian  bark  daily  for  a  week)  may  be  serviceable  in 
bracing  the  system  and  producing  an  indisposition  to  the  eruption. 


DISEASKS    OF    THE    SKIN.  469 

BLEEDING  SKIN  ERUPTIONS,  OR  DERMATORRHAGIA  PARASITICA. 

In  China,  Himgaiy,  Spain,  and  otlicr  countries  horses  frequently 
sutler  from  the  presence  of  a  tlireachvorni  {Fllaria  lukmorrluKjlca 
Ivailliet.  F.  niulti papilloma  Condainine  and  Drouilly)  in  the  sub- 
cutaneous connective  tissue,  causing  effusions  of  blood  under 
the  scurf  skin  and  incrustations  of  dried  blood  on  the  surface. 
The  eruptions,  which  appear  mainly  on  the  sides  of  the  trunk,  but 
may  cover  any  part  of  the  body,  are  rounded  elevations  about  the 
size  of  a  small  i)ea.  containing  blood  Avhich  bursts  through  the  scurf 
skin  and  concretes  like  a  reddish  scab  around  the  erect,  rigid  hairs. 
These  swellings  appear  in  groups,  which  remain  out  for  several  days, 
gradually  diminishing  in  size;  new^  groups  appear  after  an  interval 
of  three  or  four  weeks,  the  manifestation  being  confined  to  three  or 
four  months  of  spring  and  disappearing  in  winter.  A  horse  will 
suffer  for  several  yeai-s  in  succession  and  then  permanently  recover. 
A  fatal  issue  is  not  miknown.  To  find  the  worm  the  hair  is  shaved 
from  the  part  where  the  elevations  are  felt,  and  as  soon  as  a  bleeding 
point  is  shown  the  superiicial  layer  is  laid  open  with  the  knife,  when 
the  parasite  will  be  seen  drawing  itself  back  into  the  parts  beneath. 
The  worm  is  about  2  inches  long  and  like  a  stout  thread,  thicker 
toward  the  head  than  toward  the  tail,  and  Avith  nuuierous  little 
conical  elevations  (papilhe)  around  the  head.  The  young  worms 
are  numerous  in  the  body  of  the  adult  female  worm.  The  worm  has 
become  cojimion  in  given  localities,  and  probably  enters  the  system 
with  feed  or  water. 

Treatment  is  not  satisfactory,  but  the  affected  surface  should  be 
kept  clean  by  sponging,  and  the  pressure  of  harness  on  any  affected 
part  must  be  avoided.  Thus  rest  nuiy  become  essential.  The  part 
may  be  fi-equently  washed  with  a  strong  solution  <if  potassiuni  sul- 
phid. 

SUMMER  SORES  FROM  FILARIA  IRRITANS. 

Tlie  summer  sores  of  horses  (dermatitis  granulosa,  boils)  have 
been  tiacetl  to  the  presence  in  the  skin  of  another  ]>arasite,  '^  milli- 
meters in  length  and  extremely  attenuated  (I'/Iarid  irrifans  Kailliet). 
The  sores  may  be  seen  as  small  as  a  millet  seed,  but  more  frequently 
the  size  of  a  pea,  and  may  become  an  inch  in  diameter.  They  may 
ai)pear  on  any  point,  but  are  es]>ecially  objioxious  where  the  har- 
ness presses  or  on  the  lower  parts  of  the  limbs.  They  cause  intense 
and  insupportable  itching,  and  the  victiuj  rubs  aiul  i)ites  the  part 
until  extensive  raw  surfaces  are  produced.  Aside  from  such  friction 
the  sore  is  covered  by  a  brownish-red,  soft,"  pulpy  material  with 
cracks  or  furrows  filled  with  serous  pus.  In  the  midst  of  the  softened 
mass  are  small,  hrm.  rounded  graiudations.  fibrinous.  an<l  even 
caseated.  and  when  the  soft,  pultaceous  material  has  been  scraped 


470  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

off,  the  surface  bears  a  resemblance  to  the  fine,  yellow  points  of 
miliary  tuberculosis  in  the  lung.  The  worm  or  its  debris  is  found  in 
the  center  of  such  masses.  These  sores  are  very  obstinate,  resisting 
treatment  for  months  in  summer,  and  even  after  apparent  recovery 
during  the  cold  season  they  may  appear  anew  the  following  summer. 
In  bad  cases  the  rubbing  and  biting  may  cause  exposure  of  synovial 
sacs  and  tendons,  and  cause  irremediable  injury.  Even  in  winter, 
however,  when  the  diseased  process  seems  arrested,  there  remain  the 
hard,  firm,  resistant  patches  of  the  skin  with  points  in  which  the 
diseased  product  has  become  softened  like  cheese. 

The  apparent  subsidence  of  the  disease  in  winter  is  attributed  to 
the  coldness  and  comparative  bloodlessness  of  the  skin,  whereas  in 
summer,  with  high  temperature,  active  circulation,  and  rapid  cell 
growth,  inflammation  is  increased,  itching  follows,  and  from  the 
animal  rubbing  the  part  the  irritation  is  persistently  increased.  The 
hotter  the  climate  the  more  troublesome  the  disease.^ 

Treatment  consists,  first,  in  placing  the  animal  in  a  cool  place  and 
shoAvering  the  surface  with  cold  water.  The  parasite  may  be  de- 
stroyed by  rubbing  the  surface  of  the  wound  with  iodoform  and 
covering  it  with  a  layer  of  collodion,  and  repeating  the  applications 
every  24  hours  for  15  days,  or  until  the  sores  heal  up.  Ether  or 
chloroform,  poured  on  cotton  wool  and  applied  to  the  sore  for  two 
minutes  before  painting  it  with  collodion,  may  be  used  in  place  of 
iodoform.^ 

CRACKED  HEELS  (SCRATCHES,  OR  CHAPS  ON  KNEE  AND  HOCK). 

This  usually  sets  in  with  swelling,  heat,  and  tenderness  of  the  hol- 
low of  the  heel,  with  erections  of  the  hairs  and  redness  (in  white 
skins),  with  stiffness  and  lameness,  w^hich  may  be  extreme  in  irritable 
horses.  Soon  slight  cracks  appear  transversely,  and  may  gain  in 
depth  and  width,  and  ma}'^  even  suppurate.     More  frequently  they 

1  Descazeaux  hf\s  shown  that  the  worms  found  in  these  summer  sores  are  probably  larval 
forms  of  the  stomach  worms  of  tlie  horse,  Ilabronrma  weffastonta,  H.  microstoma,  and 
H.  muscw.  Ransom  has  shown  that  the  larval  stage  of  H.  muscw  develops  in  the  common 
housefly,  the  fly  beeominpr  infested  as  a  mafcprot  in  horse  manure.  Infestation  with  the 
adult  worms  in  the  stomach  of  the  horse  (PI.  V,  fig.  4)  may  take  place  through  the  inges- 
tion of  such  infested  flies,  or  by  the  escape  of  the  larva  from  the  proboscis  of  the  fly  as 
it  feeds  on  the  moist  lips  of  the  horse.  In  view  of  this  it  may  be  surmised  that  summer 
sores  may  arise  as  the  result  of  flies  so  infested  feeding  on  the  moisture  on  the  skin  of  the 
horse.  In  some  forms  of  summer  sores  along  the  abdomen  there  are  found  immature 
stages  of  Habronema  which  apparently  have  just  escaped  from  the  egg  and  which  are 
younger  than  some  of  the  stages  found  in  the  fly.  In  this  case  it  is  surmised  that  these 
embryos  from  the  manure  enter  the  soiled  skin  of  the  horse,  as  it  lies  down  on  dirty  bed- 
ding and  manure,  and  develop  in  the  skin  as  they  would  ordinarily  in  the  fly.  Descazeaux 
calls  these  summer  sores  cutaneous  habronemiasis. 

Preventive  measures  consist  in  the  removal  of  the  adult  worms  from  the  stomach  of 
the  horse  by  the  use  of  anthelmintics,  the  destmiction  of  the  embryos  in  the  manure,  fly- 
conti-ol  measures,  and  the  use  of  clean  bedding. — M.  C.  Hall. 

-Descazeaux  recommends  the  application  and  injection  of  2  to  3  per  cent  trypaublue, 
though  he  states  that  the  only  truly  eflUcacious  treatment  is  the  early  and  complete  abla- 
tion of  the  invaded  tissue. — M.  C.  II. 


DISEASKS    OK    THK    SKIN.  471 

l)econie  covered  at  the  edges  or  throughout  hj'^  firm  incrustations  r«}- 
snltiug  from  the  (h'ving  of  the  liiiuids  thiown  out,  and  the  skin  l)e- 
coujos  increasingly  thick  and  rigid.  A  siniihir  condition  occurs 
hehind  the  knee  and  in  front  of  the  hock  (mahinders  and  salanders), 
jind  nuiy  extend  from  those  jjoints  to  the  hoof,  virtually  incasing  that 
sitle  of  the  limb  in  a  permanent  incrusting  sheath. 

Causes. — Besides  a  heavy  lymphatic  constitution,  which  predisposes 
to  this  affection,  the  causes  are  overfeeding  on  gruin,  unwholesome 
iodder,  close,  hot,  dirty  stahles,  constant  contact  with  dung  and  urine 
and  their  emanations,  working  in  deep,  irritant  mud;  above  all,  in 
limestone  districts,  irritation  by  dry  limestones  or  sandy  dust  in  dry 
weather  on  dirt  roads;  also  cold  drafts,  snow,  and  freezing  mud, 
washing  the  legs  with  caustic  soap,  wrapping  the  wet  legs  in  thick 
woolen  bandages  which  soak  the  skin  and  render  it  sensitive  when 
exposed  next  day,  clipping  the  heels,  weak  heart  and  circulation, 
natural  or  supervening  on  overwork,  imperfect  nourishment,  impure 
air,  lack  of  sunshine,  chronic  exhausting,  or  debilitating  diseases, 
or  functional  or  structural  diseases  of  the  heart,  liver,  or  kidneys. 
These  last  induce  dropsical  swelling  of  the  limbs  (stocking),  weaken 
the  parts,  and  induce  cracking.  Finally  the  cicatrix  of  a  preexist- 
ing crack,  weak,  rigid,  and  unyielding,  is  liable  to  reopen  under  any 
severe  exertion;  hence  rapid  paces  and  heavy  draft  are  active  causes. 

Treatment. — In  treatment  the  first  step  is  to  ascertain  and  remove 
the  cause  whenever  possible.  If  there  is  much  local  heat  and  inflam- 
mation, a  laxative  (.)  drams  aloes  or  1  pound  (Uauber's  salt)  may  be 
given,  and  for  the  pam|)ered  animal  the  grain  should  be  reduced  oi- 
replaced  altogether  by  bran  mashes,  flaxseed,  and  other  laxative,  non- 
stimulating  feed.  In  the  debilitated,  on  the  other  hand,  nutritious 
food  and  bitter  tonics  may  be  given,  and  even  a  course  of  arsenic 
(5  grains  ai*senic  with  1  dram  bicarbonate  of  soda  daily).  "Wlien  the 
legs  swell,  exercise  on  dry  roads,  hand  rul)bing,  and  evenly  applied 
bandages  are  good,  and  mild  a.stringents,  like  extract  of  witch-hazel, 
may  be  applied  and  the  part  subsequently  rubbed  dry  and  bandaged. 
If  there  is  much  heat  but  unbroken  .skin,  a  lotion  of  2  drams  sugar 
of  lead  to  1  quart  of  water  may  be  applied  on  a  thin  bandage,  cov- 
ered in  cold  weather  with  a  dry  one.  The  same  may  be  used  after 
the  cracks  appear,  or  a  solution  of  sulphurous  acid  1  part,  glycerin 
1  part,  and  water  1  ])art,  applied  on  cotton  ami  well  covered  by  a 
bandage.  In  ca.se  these  should  prove  unsuitable  to  the  particular 
ca.se,  the  j)art  may  In?  smeaied  with  vaseline  1  ounce,  sugar  of  lead  1 
dram,  and  carbolic  acid  10  drops. 


472  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  HEELS  WITH  SEBACEOUS  SECRETION 
(GREASE,  OR  CANKER). 

Tliis  is  a  specific  affection  of  the  heels  of  horses  usually  associated 
with  the  growth  of  a  parasitic  fungus,  an  olfensive  discharge  from 
the  numerous  sebaceous  glands,  and,  in  bad  cases,  the  formation  of 
red,  raw  excrescences  (grapes)  from  the  surface.  It  is  to  be  distin- 
guished (1)  from  simple  inflanunation  in  which  the  special  fetid 
discharge  and  the  tendency  to  the  formation  of  "  grapes"  are  absent; 
(2)  from  hoisepox,  in  which  the  abundant  exudate  forms  a  firm, 
yellow  incrustation  around  the  roots  of  the  hair,  and  is  embedded 
at  intervals  in  the  pits  formed  by  the  individual  pocks,  and  in  which 
there  is  no  vascular  excrescence;  (3)  from  foot  scabies  (mange), 
in  which  the  presence  of  an  acarus  is  distinctive;  (4)  from  lymphan- 
gitis, in  which  the  swelling  appears  suddenly,  extending  around  the 
entire  limb  as  high  as  the  hock,  and  on  the  inner  side  of  the  thigh 
along  the  line  of  the  vein  to  the  groin,  and  in  which  there  is  active 
fever,  and  (5)  from  erysipelas,  in  which  there  is  active  fever  (want- 
ing in  grease),  the  implication  of  the  deeper  layers  of  the  skin  and 
of  the  parts  beneath  giving  a  bogg^^  feeling  to  the  parts,  the  absence 
of  the  fetid,  greasy  discharge,  and  finally  a  tendency  to  form  pus 
looseh'  in  the  tissues  without  any  limiting  membrane,  as  in  abscess. 
Another  distinctive  feature  of  grease  is  its  tendency  to  implicate  the 
skin  which  secretes  the  bulbs  or  heels  of  the  horny  frog  and  in  the 
cleft  of  the  frog,  constituting  the  disease  known  as  canker. 

Causes. — The  predisposing  causes  of  grease  are  essentially  the  same 
as  those  of  simple  inflanmaatiou' of  the  heel,  so  that  the  reader  may 
<onsult  the  preceding  section.  Though  a  specific  fungus  and  bac- 
teria of  different  kinds  are  present,  they  tend  mainly  to  aggi'avation 
of  the  disease,  and  are  not  proved  to  be  essential  factors  in  causation. 

Synrbptoms. — The  symptoms  vary  according  to  whether  the  disease 
ccmes  on  suddenh'  or  more  tardily.  In  the  first  case  there  is  a 
sudden  swelling  of  the  skin  in  the  heel,  with  heat,  tenderness,  itching, 
and  stiffness,  which  is  lessened  during  exercise.  In  the  slower  forms 
there  is  seen  only  a  slight  swelling  after  rest,  and  with  little  heat  or 
inflammation  for  a  week  or  more.  Even  at  this  early  stage,  a  slight, 
serous  oozing  may  be  detected.  As  the  swelling  increases,  extending 
up  toward  the  hock  or  knees,  the  hairs  stand  erect,  and  are  bedewed 
by  moisture  no  longer  clear  and  odorless,  but  grayish,  milky,  and 
fetid.  The  fetor  of  the  discharge  draws  attention  to  the  paii;  when- 
ever one  enters  the  stable,  and  the  swollen  pastern  and  wet,  matted 
hairs  on  the  heel  draw  attention  to  the  seat  of  the  malady.  If  ac- 
tively treated,  the  disease  may  not  advance  further,  but  if  neglected 
the  tense,  tender  skin  cracks  open,  leaving  open  sores  from  which 
vascular  bleeding  growths  grow  up,  constituting  the  ''grapes.''     The 


DISEASES   or    T!(E   SKIN.  473 

luiir  is  shed,  and  the  heel  may  appear  but  as  one  mass  of  rounded, 
red,  angry  excrescences  which  bk»ed  on  handling  and  are  coxeied 
with  the  now  repulsively  fetid,  decomposing  diseliarge.  During  this 
time  there  is  little  or  no  fever,  the  aninuil  feeds  well,  and  l)ut  for 
its  local  trouble  it  might  continue  at  woik.  AVhen  the  malady  ex- 
tends to  the  frog,  there  is  a  fetid  dischai'ge  from  its  cleft  or  from  the 
depressions  at  its  sides,  and  this  gradually  extends  to  its  whole  sur- 
face and  upon  the  adjacent  parts  of  the  sole.  The  horn  meanwhile 
becomes  soft,  whitish,  and  fleshy  in  aspect,  its  constituent  tubes  being 
greatly  enlarged  and  losing  their  natural  cohesion;  it  grows  rapidly 
above  the  level  of  the  surrounding  horn,  and  when  pared  is  found  to 
be  penetrated  to  an  unusual  depth  by  the  secreting  papilhe,  and  that 
at  intervals  these  have  bulged  out  into  a  vascular  fungous  mass  com- 
jiarablo  to  the  "grapes." 

Tiratiiu'tit. — In  treatment  hygienic  mc;isures  occupy  a  fi'ont  rank, 
but  are  in  themselves  insufficient  to  establish  a  cure.  All  local  and 
general  conditions  which  favor  the  production  and  persistence  of  the 
disease  must  be  guarded  against.  Above  all,  cleanliness  and  purity 
of  the  stable  and  air  must  be  obtained;  also  nourishing  diet,  regular 
exercise,  and  the  avoidance  of  local  irritants — septic,  muddy,  chill- 
ing, etc.  At  the  outset  benzoated  oxid  of  zinc  ointment  may  be  used 
with  advantage.  A  still  better  dressing  is  made  with  1  ounce  \  ase- 
line,  2  drams  oxid  of  zinc,  and  20  drops  iodized  phenol.  If  the  sur- 
face is  much  swollen  and  tender,  a  flaxseed  poultice  may  be  applied, 
over  the  surface  of  which  has  been  poured  some  of  the  following 
lotion:  Sugar  of  lead,  one-half  ounce;  carbolic  acid,  1  dram;  water,  1 
quart.  All  the  astringents  of  the  phaimacopa^ia  have  been  em- 
ployed with  more  or  less  advantage,  and  some  particular  one  seems 
to  suit  particular  cases  or  patients.  To  destroy  the  grapes,  they 
may  be  rubbed  daily  with  strong  caustics  (copperas,  bluestone,  lunar 
caustic),  or  each  may  be  tied  round  its  neck  with  a  stout,  waxed 
thread,  or,  finally  and  more  speedily,  they  may  be  cut  off  by  a  black- 
smith's shovel  heated  to  redness  and  applied  with  its  sharp  edge 
toward  the  neck  of  the  excrescence,  over  a  cold  shovel  held  between 
it  and  the  skin  to  protect  the  skin  from  the  heat.  The  cold  shovel 
must  be  kept  cool  by  frequent  dipping  in  water.  After  the  removal 
of  the  gi'apes  the  astringent  dressing  must  be  persistently  applied 
to  the  surface.  When  the  frog  is  affected,  it  must  be  pared  to  the 
quick  and  dressed  with  dry  caustic  powdei's  ((juicklime,  coppei'as, 
bluestone)  or  carbolic  acid  and  subjected  to  pressure,  the  dressing 
being  renewed  every  day  at  least. 


474  DISEASES   OF   THE   HOKSE. 

ERYSIPELAS. 

This  is  a  specific  contagious  disease,  characterized  by  spreading, 
dropsical  inflammation  of  the  skin  and  subcutaneous  tissues,  attended 
with  general  fever.  It  differs  from  most  specific  diseases  in  the  ab- 
sence of  a  definite  period  of  incubation,  a  regular  course  and  duration, 
and  a  conferring  of  immunity  on  the  subject  after  recovery.  On  the 
contrary,  one  attack  of  erysipelas  predisposes  to  another,  partly, 
doubtless,  by  the  loss  of  tone  and  vitality  in  the  affected  tissues,  but 
also,  perhaps,  because  of  the  survival  of  the  infecting  germ. 

Cause. — It  is  no  longer  to  be  doubted  that  the  microbes  found  in  the 
inflammatory  product  are  the  true  cause  of  erysipelas,  as  by  their 
means  the  disease  can  be  successfully  transferred  from  man  to  animals 
and  from  one  animal  to  another.  This  transition  may  be  direct  or 
through  the  medium  of  infected  buildings  or  other  articles.  Yet  from 
the  varying  severity  of  erysipelas  in  different  outbreaks  and  localities 
it  has  been  surmised  that  various  different  microbes  are  operative  in 
this  disease,  and  a  perfect  knowledge  of  them  might  perhaps  enable 
us  to  divide  erysipelas  into  two  or  more  distinct  affections.  At  pres- 
ent we  must  recognize  it  as  a  specific  inflammation  due  to  a  bacterial 
poison  and  closely  allied  to  septicemia.  Erysipelas  was  formerly 
known  as  surgical  when  it  spread  from  a  wound  (through  which  the 
germ  had  gained  access)  and  medical,  or  idiopathic,  when  it  started 
independently  of  any  recognizable  lesion.  Depending  as  it  does, 
however,  upon  a  germ  distinct  from  the  body,  the  disease  must  be 
looked  upon  as  such,  no  matter  by  what  channel  the  germ  found  an 
entrance.  Erysipelas  which  follows  a  wound  is  usually  much  more 
violent  than  the  other  form,  the  difference  being  doubtless  partly  due 
to  the  lowered  vitality  of  the  wounded  tissues  and  to  the  oxidation 
and  septic  changes  which  are  invited  on  the  raw,  exposed  surface. 
As  apparently  idiopathic  cases  may  be  due  to  infection  through  bites 
of  insects,  the  small  amount  of  poison  inserted  mav  serve  to  moderate 
the  violence. 

This  affection  ma}^  attack  a  wound  on  any  part  of  the  horse's  body, 
Avhile,  apart  from  wounds,  it  is  most  frequent  about  the  head  and  the 
hind  limbs.  It  is  to  be  distinguished  from  ordinary  inflammations 
by  its  gradual  extension  from  the  point  first  attacked,  by  the  abun- 
dant liquid  exudation  into  the  affected  part,  by  the  tension  of  the  skin 
over  the  affected  part,  by  its  soft,  boggy  feeling,  allowing  it  to  be 
deeply  indented  by  the  finger,  by  the  abrupt  line  of  limitation  be- 
tween the  diseased  and  the  healthy  skin,  the  former  descending  sud- 
denly to  the  healthy  level  instead  of  shading  off  slowly  toward  it,  by 
the  tendency  of  the  inflammation  to  extend  deeply  into  the  subjacent 
tissues  and  into  the  muscles  and  other  structures,  by  the  great  ten- 
dency to  death  and  sloughing  of  portions  of  skin  and  of  the  struc- 


DISEASES   OF   THE   SKIN.  475 

tui'Gs  beneath,  by  the  lonuation  of  pii^  at  various  different  points 
througliout  the  diseased  parts  without  any  surrounding  sac  to  protect 
the  surrounding  structures  from  its  destructive  action,  and  without 
the  usual  disposition  of  i)Us  to  atlvancc  haruilcssly  towaid  the  surl'ai'o 
and  escape;  and,  finally,  by  a  low,  prostrating  type  of  fever,  with 
elevated  temperature  of  the  body,  coated  tongue,  excited  breathing, 
and  loss  of  appetite.  'Ihe  i)Us  when  esca[)ing  through  a  lancet  wound 
is  grayish,  brownish,  or  reddish,  with  a  heavy  or  fetid  odor,  and  inter- 
mi.xed  with  shreds  of  broken-down  tissues.  The  most  destructive 
form,  however,  is  that  in  which  pus  is  deficient  and  gangrene  an<l 
sloughing  more  speetly  and  extensive. 

Treatment  resolves  itself  mainly  into  the  elimination  from  the 
system  of  the  poisonous  products  of  the  bacteria  by  laxatives  and 
diuretics,  the  sustaining  of  the  failing  vitality  by  tonics  and  stimu- 
lants, alx:)ve  all  those  of  the  nature  of  antiferments,  and  the  local 
application  of  astringent  and  antiseptic  agents.  Internal  treatment 
may  consist  in  4  drams  tincture  of  muriate  of  iron  and  one-half  dram 
muriate  of  ammonia  or  chlorate  of  potasli,  given  in  a  pint  of  water 
every  two  hours.  To  this  uuiy  be  added,  liberally,  whisky  or  brandy 
when  the  prostration  is  very  marked.  X«ocally  a  strong  solution  of 
iron,  alum,  or  of  sulphate  of  iron  and  laudanum  may  be  used;  or  the 
affected  part  may  be  painted  with  tincture  of  muriate  of  iron  or  with 
iodized  phenol.  In  mild  cases  a  lotion  of  4  drams  sugar  of  lead  and 
2  ounces  laudanum  in  a  (puirt  of  water  may  be  applied.  It  is  desir- 
able to  avoid  the  formation  of  wounds  and  the  consequent  septic 
action,  yet  when  pus  has  formed  and  is  felt  by  fluctuation  under  the 
finger  to  be  approaching  the  surface  it  should  be  fi-eoly  opened  with 
a  clean,  sharp  lancet,  and  the  wound  thereafter  disinfected  daily  with 
carbolic  acid  1  part  to  water  10  parts,  with  a  saturated  solution  of 
hyposulphite  of  soda,  or  with  powders  of  iodofoijn  or  salol. 

HORSEPOX,  ANTHRAX,  AND  CUTANEOUS  GLANDERS  (FARCY). 

These  subjects  are  discussed  under  the  head  of  contagious  diseases. 

CALLOSITIES. 

These  are  simple  thickening  and  induration  of  the  cuticle  by  reason 
of  continued  pressure,  notably  in  lying  down  on  a  hard  surface,  lac- 
ing devoid  of  hair,  they  cau.se.  blemishes;  hence,  smooth  floors  and 
good  bedding  should  be  provided  as  preventives. 

HORNY  SLOUGHS  (SITFA.STS),  OR  SLOUGHING  CALLOSITIES. 

These  are  circumscribed  sloughs  of  limited  portions  of  the  skin,  the 
result  of  pressure  by  badly  fitting  harness  or  by  irritating  masses  of 
<lirt,  sweat,  and  hairs  under  the  harness.  They  are  mo.st  common 
under  the  saddle,  but  may  be  found  under  collar  or  breeching  as  w«|j. 


476  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

The  sitfast  is  a  piece  of  dead  tissue  Avliicli  would  be  thrown  oft  but 
that  it  has  formed  firm  connections  with  the  fibrous  skin  beneath,  or 
even  deeper  with  the  fibrous  layers  (fascia)  of  the  muscles,  or  with 
the  bones,  and  is  thus  bound  in  its  place  as  a  persistent  source  of  irri- 
tation. The  hornlike  slough  may  thus  involve  the  superficial  part  of 
the  skin  only,  or  the  whole  thiclmess  of  the  skin,  and  even  of  some  of 
the  structures  beneath.  The  first  object  is  to  remove  the  dead  irri- 
tant by  dissecting  it  off  with  a  sharp  knife,  after  which  the  sore  may 
be  treated  with  simple  wet  cloths  or  a  weak  carbolic-acid  lotion,  like  a 
common  wound.  If  the  outline  of  the  dead  mass  is  too  indefinite,  a 
linseed-meal  poultice  will  make  its  outline  more  evident  to  the  opera- 
tor. If  the  fascia  or  bone  has  become  gangrenous,  the  dead  portion 
must  be  removed  with  the  hornlike  sldn.  During  and  after  treat- 
ment the  horse  must  be  kept  at  rest  or  the  harness  must  be  so  adjusted 
that  no  pressure  can  come  near  the  affected  parts.  (See  also  page 
496.) 

WARTS. 

These  are  essentially  a  morbid  overgroAvth  of  the  superficial  papil- 
lary^ layer  of  the  skin  and  of  the  investing  cuticular  laj^er.  They  are 
mostly  seen  in  young  horses,  about  the  lips,  eyelids,  cheeks,  ears, 
beneath  the  belly,  and  on  the  sheath,  but  may  develop  anywhere. 
The  smaller  ones  may  be  clipped  off  with  scissors  and  the  raw  surface 
cauterized  with  bluestone.  The  larger  may  be  sliced  off  with  a  sharp 
knife,  or  if  with  a  narrow  neck  they  ma}^  be  twisted  off  and  then  cau- 
terized. If  very  vascular  they  may  be  strangled  by  a  wax  thread  or 
coi'd  tied  around  their  necks,  at  least  three  turns  being  made  around 
and  the  ends  being  fixed  by  passing  them  beneath  the  last  preceding 
turn  of  the  cord,  so  that  they  can  be  tightened  day  b^'  day  as  they 
slacken  by  shrinkage  of  the  tissues.  If  the  neck  is  too  broad  it  may 
be  transfixed  several  times  with  a  double-threaded  needle  and  then  be 
tied  in  sections.  Very  broad  warts  that  can  not  be  treated  in  this 
way  may  be  burned  down  with  a  soldering  bolt  at  a  red  heat  to 
beneath  the  surface  of  tlie  skin,  and  any  subsequent  tendency  to  over- 
growtli  kept  down  by  bluestone. 

BLACK  PIGMENT  TUMORS,  OR  MELANOSIS. 

These  arc  common  in  gray  and  in  white  horse-  on  the  na,turally 
black  parts  of  the  skin  at  the  roots  of  the  tail,  around  the  anus,  vulva, 
udder,  sheath,  eyelids,  and  lips.  They  are  readily  i-ecognized  by  their 
inky-black  color,  which  extends  throughout  the  Avhole  mass.  They 
may  appear  as  simple,  pealike  masses,  or  as  multiple  tumors  aggre- 
gating many  pounds,  especially  around  the  tail.  In  the  horse  these 
are  usually  simple  tumors,  and  may  be  removed  Avith  the  knife.  In 
exceptional  cases  they  prove  cancerous,  as  they  usually  are  in  man. 


DISEASES   OF    THE    SKIN.  477 

EPITHELIAL  CANCER,  OR  EPITHELIOMA. 

This  sometimes  occurs  on  the  lips  at  the  angle  of  the  mouth  and 
elsewhere  in  the  horse.  It  begins  as  a  small,  wartlike  tumor,  which 
grows  slowly  at  first,  but  finally  buists  open,  ulcerates,  and  extends 
laterally  and  deeply  in  the  skin  and  other  tissues,  de;^troying  tiieni  as 
it  advances  (rodent  ulcer).  It  is  made  up  of  a  fibrous  framework  and 
numerous  round,  ovoid,  or  cylindrical  cavities,  lined  with  masses  of 
epithelial  cells,  which  may  be  squeezed  out  as  a  fetid,  caseous  mate- 
rial. Early  and  thorough  remo\al  with  the  knife  is  the  most  suc- 
cessful treatment. 

VEGETABLE  PARASITES  OF  THE  SKIN. 

(I'l.  XXXVIII,  (It's.  -J,  ::,  4.1 

Parasite:  Trlehophytun  tonsurans.  jNIaladt:  Tinea  tonswvaiui^  or 
c-trc'inate  rmgicorm. — This  is  especially  conunon  in  young  horses 
coming  into  training  and  work,  in  low-conditioned  colts  in  winter 
and  spring  after  confinement  indoors,  during  molting,  in  lympiiatic 
rather  than  nervous  subjects,  and  at  the  same  time  in  several  animals 
tliat  have  herded  together.  The  disease  is  conunon  to  man,  and 
among  the  domestic  animals  to  horse,  ox,  goat,  dog,  cat,  and  in  rare 
instances  to  sheep  and  swine.  Hence  it  is  common  to  find  animals  of 
different  species  and  their  attendants  suffering  at  once,  tlie  diseases 
having  been  propagated  from  one  to  the  other. 

Symptoirm. — In  the  hoi*se  the  sym})toms  are  the  fcuination  of  a  cir- 
cular, scurfy  patch  where  the  fungus  has  established  itself,  the  hairs 
of  the  affected  spot  being  erect,  bristly,  twi.sted,  broken,  or  split  up 
and  dropping  off".  Later  the  spot  first  affected  has  become  entirely 
bald,  and  a  circular  row  of  hairs  around  this  are  erect,  bristly,  broken, 
and  split.  These  in  turn  are  shed  and  a  new  row  outside  passes 
through  the  same  process,  so  that  the  extension  is  made  in  more  or 
less  circular  outline.  The  central  bald  spot,  covered  with  a  grayish 
scurf  and  surroimded  by  a  circle  of  broken  and  split  hairs,  is  char- 
acteristic. If  the  scurf  and  diseased  liairs  are  treated  with  cau.stic- 
potash  solution  and  put  under  the  microscope,  the  natural  cells  of  the 
cuticle  and  hair  will  be  seen  to  have  beeome  transjiarent,  while  the 
groups  of  spheiical  cells  and  branching  filaments  of  the  fungus  stand 
out  prominently  in  the  substance  of  both,  dark  and  unchanged.  The 
eruption  usually  appeal's  on  the  back,  loins,  croiij),  chest,  and  head. 
It  tends  to  si)ontaneous  recovery  in  a  month  or  two,  leaving  for  a  time 
a  <lapple<.l  coat  from  the  spots  of  short,  light-colored  hair  of  the  new 
growth. 

The  most  effective  way  of  reaching  the  parasite  in  the  hair  follicles 
is  to  extract  the  hairs  individually,  but  in  the  hoi-se  the  mere  shaving 
of  the  affected  part  is  usually  enough.     It  may  then  Ik-  ]iaint^d  with 


478  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

tincture  of  iodin  twice  a  day  for  two  weeks.  Germs  about  the  stable 
may  be  covered  up  or  destroyed  by  a  whitewash  of  freshly  burned 
quicklime,  the  harness,  brushes,  etc.,  may  be  washed  with  caustic 
soda,  and  then  smeared  with  a  solution  of  corrosive  sublimate  one- 
half  dram  and  water  1  pint.    The  clothing  may  be  boiled  and  dried. 

Parasite:  Achorion  schonleini.  Malady:  Favus^  or  haneycomh 
ringworm. — Megnin  and  Goyau,  who  describe  this  in  the  horse,  say 
that  it  loses  its  characteristic  honeycomb  or  cup-shaped  aj)pearance, 
and  forms  only  a  series  of  closely  aggregated,  dry,  yellowish  crusts 
the  size  of  hemp  seed  on  the  trunk,  shoulders,  flanks,  or  thighs. 
They  are  accompanied  by  severe  itching,  especially  at  night.  The 
cryptogam,  formed  of  spherical  cells  with  a  few  filaments  only, 
grows  in  the  hair  follicles  and  on  the  cuticle,  and  thus  a  crust  often 
forms  around  the  root  of  a  hair.  Like  the  other  cryptogams,  their 
color,  as  seen  under  the  microscope,  is  unaffected  by  acetic  acid, 
alcohol,  ether,  or  oil  of  turpentine,  while  the  cells  are  turned  bluish 
by  iodin.  For  treatment,  remove  the  hair  and  apply  tincture  of 
iodin  or  corrosive  sublimate  lotion,  as  advised  under  the  last  para- 
graph. 

Parasite  :  Microsporon  furfur.  Malady  :  Parasitic  'pityriasis. — 
This  attacks  the  horse's  head  where  the  harness  presses,  and  leads  to 
dropping  of  the  hair,  leaving  bald  patches  covered  with  a  branlike 
scurf,  without  any  eruption,  heat,  tenderness,  swelling,  or  rigidity  of 
the  skin.  A  lotion  of  carbolic  acid  1  dram  and  water  2^  ounces  is 
usually  applied  to  effect  a  cure. 

ANIMAL  PARASITES  OF  THE  SKIN.^ 

ACARIASIS.  OR  MANGE. 

This  affection  is  due  to  the  irritation  of  the  skin  caused  by  the 
presence  of  nearly  microscopic  acari,  or  mites.  The  disease  varies, 
however,  according  to  the  species  of  acarus  which  infests  the  skin,  so 
that  we  must  treat  of  several  different  kinds  of  acariasis. 

Parasite  :  Barcoftes  scabiei  equi.  Malady  :  Sarcoptic  acariasis. — 
This  is  the  special  Sarcoptes  of  the  horse,  but  under  favorable  condi- 
tions it  can  be  transmitted  to  ass  and  mule,  and  even  to  man,  and  may 
live  indefinitely  on  the  human  skin.  The  mite  (PI.  XXXTX,  fig.  1) 
is  nearly  microscopical,  but  may  be  detected  with  a  magnifying  lens 
among  moving  scurf  taken  from  the  infected  skin.  Like  all  Sar- 
coptes.,  it  burrows  little  galleries  in  and  beneath  the  scurf  skin,  where 
it  hides  and  lays  its  eggs  and  where  its  young  are  hatched.  It  is 
thei-efore  often  difficult  to  find  the  parasite  on  the  surface,  unless  the 
skin  has  been  heated  by  a  temporary  exposure  to  the  sun  or  in  a 
warm  room.     The  mite  may  be  detected  more  readily  by  placing 

1  Revised  by  M.  0.  Hall. 


DISEASES   OF    THK    SKIN.  479 

scrapings  on  black  cardboard  and  Nvarniing,  or  better  by  macerating 
scabs  or  scrapings  in  a  solution  of  caustic  soda  or  potash  and  then 
exaniing  them  microscopically.  Like  other  acari,  tiiis  is  wonder- 
fully piolilic,  a  new  generation  of  fifteien  individuals  being  possi- 
ble every  fifteen  days,  so  that  in  throe  ujonths  the  otfspring  of  u 
single  pair  may  produce  generations  aggregating  1,.')()0,000  young. 
The  jSarcoptes  have  less  vitality  than  the  nonburrowing  acari,  as 
they  die  in  an  hour  when  ke[)t  apart  from  the  skin  in  dry  air  at  a 
heat  of  145'^  F.  They  live  12  to  14  days  apart  from  the  skin  in  the 
damj)  air  of  a  stable.  On  a  piece  of  damp  hide  they  lived  till  the 
twenty- fourth  day,  when  they  began  to  die,  and  all  were  dead  on  the 
twenty-eighth. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  an  incessant,  intolerable,  and  in- 
creasing itching  of  some  part  of  the  skin  (head,  mane,  tail,  back, 
etc.),  the  horse  inclining  himself  toward  the  hand  that  scratches 
iiim,  and  moving  his  lips  as  if  himself  scratching.  The  hairs  may  be 
broken  and  rubbed  off,  but  the  part  is  never  entirely  bald,  as  in  ring- 
worm, and  there  may  l)e  papules  or  any  kind  of  eruption  or  open 
sores  from  the  energy  of  the  scratching.  Scabs  of  any  thickness 
may  form,  but  the  special  features  are  the  intense  itching  and  tlie 
jH-esence  of  the  acarus. 

Treatment  consists  in  the  removal  of  the  scabs  by  soapsuds,  and,  if 
necessary,  a  brush  and  the  thorough  application  of  tobacco  \\  ounces 
ami  water  *2  pints,  prepared  by  boiling.  This  may  be  applied  more 
than  once,  and  should  always  be  repeated  after  1;")  days,  to  destr<ty 
the  new  brood  that  may  have  been  hatched  in  the  interval.  All  har- 
ness and  stable  utensils  should  be  similarly  treated:  blankets  and 
rubbei's  may  be  boiled,  and  the  stalls  should  be  covered  with  a  white- 
wash of  quicklime,  containing  one-fourth  pound  of  chlorid  of  lime 
to  tlie  gallon. 

^^'hen  there  are  too  many  animals  to  treat  by  means  of  hand  dre.ss- 
ings,  the  lime-and-sulphur  dip  oi-  the  tobacco  dip  may  be  used  and 
aie  very  effective,  though  the  cresol  dips  are  fairly  effective.  These 
dips  may  be  j^urchased  and  made  uj)  in  the  dilution  called  for  on  the 
container.  The  affected  animals  may  be  dipped  wlicu  the  number 
warrants  it  and  facilities  are  available;  othei'wis«'  the;  dips  may  Ite 
applied  with  a  swab  or  a  spray  pump.  Directicms  for  constructing 
a  dipping  vat  may  be  obtained  from  the  United  States  Depart- 
ment of  Agriculture  on  application.  Any  treatment  used  should 
be  lepeated  in  the  course  of  10  to  14  days.  Tf  the  stables  aic  not 
disinfected,  animals  should  Ikj  removed  after  treatment  and  put  in 
clean  stables  or  on  clean  pasture  for  at  least  a  in(»nth  to  allow  the 
mites  in  the  infested  stables  to  die.    Otherwise  the  disease  mav  recur. 


480  DISEASES  OF    THE   HORSE. 

Parasite:  Psoroptes  equi  {Dermatocoptes  equi^  Dermat&dectes 
equi).  Malady:  Psoroptlc  acariasis. — Psoroptic  mange  is  less  com- 
mon than  sarcoptic  mange  in  horses,  and  as  the  parasite  (PL  XXXIX, 
fig.  3)  only  bites  the  surface  and  lives  among  the  crusts  under  the 
shelter  of  the  hair,  it  is  very  easily  discovered.  It  reproduces  itself 
with  equal  rapidity  and  causes  similar  symptoms  to  those  produced  by 
the  /Sarcoptes.  The  same  treatment  will  suffice  and  is  more  promptly 
effectual.  The  purifying  of  the  stable  must  be  more  thorough,  as  the 
Psoroptes  will  survive  twenty  to  thirty  days  in  the  moist  atmosphere 
of  a  stable,  and  may  even  revive  after  six  or  eight  weeks  when  sub- 
jected to  moist  warmth.  Infested  pastures  will  therefore  prove  dan- 
gerous to  horses  for  that  length  of  time,  and,  with  rubbing  posts,  etc., 
should  not  be  used. 

Parasite:  Chorioptes  equi  {Symhiotes  equi,  DermatopJiagiLS  equi, 
Chorloptes  spatMferus).  Malady:  Foot  mange. — ^The  acarus  (PL 
XXXIX,  fig.  2)  attacks  the  heels  and  lower  parts  of  the  legs,  espe- 
cially the  hind  ones,  and  may  be  present  for  years  without  extending 
upon  the  body.  Like  the  Psoroptes,  it  lives  on  the  surface,  on  the 
hairs,  and  among  the  scabs.  It  gives  rise  to  gi'eat  itching,  stamping, 
rubbing  of  the  one  leg  with  the  other,  and  the  formation  of  papules, 
wounds,  ulcerous  sores,  and  scabs.  The  intense  itching  will  always 
suggest  this  parasite,  and  the  discovery  of  the  acarus  will  identify 
the  disease.  The  treatment  is  the  same  as  for  the  Sarcoptes,  but 
may  be  confined  to  the  legs  and  the  parts  with  which  they  come  in 
contact. 

Parasite  :  Dermanyssus  yalUmv,  or  chicken  acarl.  Malady  :  Poul- 
t'i^  acariasis. — This  is  a  large-sized  acarus.  though  usually  miscalled 
"hen  louse,"  and  the  disease  "poultry  lousiness."  The  mite  (PL 
XXXIX,  fig.  4)  lives  in  droppings  and  in  crevices  of  chicken  houses, 
but  temporarily  passes  on  to  the  skin  of  man  and  of  the  horse  and 
other  quadrupeds,  when  occasion  serves.  It  causes  much  irritation, 
with  the  eruption  of  papules  or  vesicles  and  the  formation  of  sores 
and  scabs.  The  examination  of  the  skin  is  usually  fruitless,  as  the 
attacks  are  mostly  made  at  night  and  the  effects  only  may  be  seen 
during  the  day.  The  proximity  of  hen  manure  swarming  with  the 
acari  explains  the  trouble,  and  the  removal  of  this  and  a  white- 
washing with  quicklime,  with  or  without  chlorid  of  lime,  will  prevent 
future  attacks.  The  slrin  may  still  require  bland  ointments  or 
lotions,  as  for  congestion. 

Parasite  :  Larva  of  a.  Trornbidium,  Leptus  americanus,  or  harvest 
hug,  mAsnamed  jigger  {chigoe).  Malady:  Auturmi  rnange. — This 
parasite  is  a  brick-red  acarus,  visible  to  the  naked  eye  on  a  dark 
ground,  and  living  on  green  vegetation  in  many  localities.  It  attacks 
man,  and  the  horse,  ox,  dog,  etc.,  burrowing  under  the  skin  and  giving 
rise  to  small  papules  and  intolerable  irritation.     This  continues  for 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


K 


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Stii-cofjteK  Aca/tiei ,  vtu.Kqid. 


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\'\..a:VV,     XXXIX. 


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Chuiioptes  sptU/ii fci-uji 


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D^rman^sjiui  ijoLUnae 


I    I     --   '       Mil-,     I  H  »  K 


DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN.  481 

two  or  three  days  only  from  a  singh'  invasion,  hut  will  last  until  cold 
weather  sets  in  if  there  is  a  fresh  invasion  daily.  Ilor.ses  at  pasture 
sutler  mainly  on  the  lower  part  of  the  face.  If  kept  indoors  the 
disease  will  disappear,  or  if  left  at  pasture  a  weak  tar  water  or  solu- 
tion of  tobacco  may  be  applied  to  the  face. 

TICKS. 

The  wood  ticks  are  familiar  to  inhabitanls  of  uncultivat*:'d  lands, 
and  prove  troublesome  parasites  to  man  and  beast  alike.  The  tick 
lives  on  bushes,  and  attaches  itself  to  the  mammal  only  to  secure 
«n  feast  of  blood,  for  when  jrorged  it  drops  oil'  to  sleep  (»ir  its  debauch 
on  the  soil.  The  tick  produces  j^reat  irritation  by  boring  into  the 
skin  with  its  armed  proboscis.  If  pulled  out,  the  head  and  thorax 
are  often  left  in  the  skin.  They  may  be  covered  with  oil  to  shut 
out  the  air  from  their  hivathing  jjores,  or  by  touching  them  with 
a  hot  penknife  they  will  be  impelled  to  let  go  their  hold. 

GRUBS  IN   SKIN. 

Pai^vsite:  Ilypoderttui  Vmeaiiu  Malady:  Larvae,  {gruhs)  under 
the  skin-. — The  larva?  of  a  ily  (probably  Ilypodcrma  Unea/d,  whose 
larvic  in  the  skin  of  cattle  are  commonly  known  as  *'  warbles  ")  are 
occasionally  found  in  little  sacs  beneath  the  skin  of  horses.  The 
mature  larva  escapes  in  early  smnmer  and  develops  into  a  fly.  In 
districts  where  they  exist  the  grubs  should  be  jjressed  out  of  the  skin 
in  the  course  of  the  winter  and  <lestroyed. 

LARV^   (GRUBS)   ON  THE  SKIN.  OR  FLYBLOW. 

The  following  Hies,  among  others,  deposit  their  eggs  on  open  sores 
or  on  wet,  filthy  parts  of  the  skin,  where  their  larvie  or  grubs  give 
rise  to  serious  trouble :  Luc'dia  cit'sar  (bluebottle),  CochUomyia  nuwel- 
laria  (screwworm  fly),  Musca  vo^niforia  (meat  fly),  and  Sdrcophu/io 
caniana  (flesh  fly).  To  prevent  their  attacks,  wet,  filthy  hair  should 
be  removed  and  wounds  kept  clean  and  rendered  antiseptic  by  a 
lotion  of  carbolic  acid  1  part,  water  .'>0  parts,  or  by  a  mixture  of  1 
ounce  oil  of  tar  in  20  ounces  sweet  oil,  or  by  some  other  antiseptic. 
If  the  grubs  are  already  present  they  should  be  picked  off  and  one 
of  these  dressings  freely  applied. 

FLIES. 

A  number  of  (lies  attack  horses  and  suck  their  bloo<l.  producing 
great  annoyance  and  in  some  instances  death.  These  insects  not  only 
suck  the  blood,  but  also  often  instill  an  acid  poison  into  the  skin,  and 
in  exceptional  cases  transfer  infectious  germs  from  animal  to  animal 
by  inoculation. 

Various  devices  are  resorted  to  to  prevent  the  attacks,  as  to  sponge 
the  skin  with  a  decoction  of  walnut  or  elder  leaves,  of  tobacco,  to  dust 
30441°— 16 31 


482  DISEASES   OF   THE    HORSE. 

with  Persian  insect  powder,  to  keep  a  light  blanket  or  fly  net  on  the 
horse,  to  close  doors  and  windows  with  fine  screens  and  destroy  by 
pyrethrum  any  flies  that  have  gained  admission,  to  remove  all  manure 
heaps  that  would  prove  breeding  places  for  flies,  to  keep  the  stalls 
clean,  deodorize  by  gypsum,  and  to  spread  in  them  trays  of  dry  chlo- 
rid  of  lime.  For  the  poisoned  bites  apply  ammonia,  or  a  solution  of 
1  part  of  carbolic  acid  in  20  parts  of  sweet  oil  or  glycerin,  or  one- 
fourth  ounce  bicarbonate  of  soda  and  1  dram  of  carbolic  acid  in  a 
quart  of  water  may  be  used. 

A  large  number  of  fly  repellents  have  been  recommended,  but  most 
of  them  must  be  applied  daily  in  order  to  maintain  the  protective 
effect.  Among  the  things  used  are  carbolic  solutions,  pine  tar,  oil 
of  tar,  fish  oil,  laurel  oil,  oil  of  citronella.  oil  of  sassafras,  oil  of  cam- 
phor, and  cod-liver  oil.  These  things  must  be  used  judiciously  or 
they  will  result  in  poisoning  or  removal  of  the  hair  from  the  animal 
in  some  instances.  Ten  per  cent  oil  of  tar  in  Beaumont  oil  or  in 
cottonseed  oil  was  found  to  be  safe  and  efficacious  by  Graybill. 

The  use  of  the  fly-maggot  trap  noted  under  stomach  worms  of 
the  horse,  and  of  the  various  forms  of  the  Hodge  flytrap,  is  recom- 
mended. 

FLEAS. 

The  flea  of  man  and  those  of  })oultry,  when  numerous,  will  bite 
the  horse  and  give  rise  to  rounded  swellings  on  the  skin.  To  dispose 
of  them  it  is  needful  to  clear  the  surroundings  of  the  grublike  larvae 
as  well  as  to  treat  the  victim.  The  soil  may  be  sprinkled  with  quick- 
lime, carbolic  acid,  coal  tar,  or  petroleum :  the  stalls  may  be  deluged 
with  boiling  water  and  afterwards  painted  with  oil  of  turpentine 
and  littered  with  fresh  pine  sawdust,  and  all  blankets  should  be 
boiled.  The  skin  may  be  sponged  with  a  solution  of  1  part  carbolic 
acid  in  50  parts  of  water.  Other  animals  should  be  kept  free  from 
fleas  or  kept  away  from  the  vicinity  of  the  stable. 

The  chigoe  {Pule.r.  penetrans)  of  the  Gulf  coast  is  still  more  in- 
jurious, because  it  burrows  under  the  surface  and  deposits  its  eggs  to 
be  hatched  out  slowly  with  much  irritation.  The  tumor  formed  by  it 
should  be  laid  open  and  the  parasite  extracted.  If  it  bursts  so  that 
its  eggs  escape  into  the  wound,  they  may  be  destroyed  by  introducing 
chloroform  into  the  Avound. 

LICE.  OR  PEDICULI. 

Two  kinds  of  lice  attack  the  horse,  one  of  which  is  furnished  with 
narrow  head  and  a  proboscis  for  perforating  the  skin  and  sucking  the 
blood,  and  the  otlier — the  broad-headed  kind — with  strong  mandibles, 
by  which  it  bites  the  skin  only.  The  poor  condition,  itching,  and  loss 
of  hair  should  lead  to  suspicion,  and  a  close  examination  will  detect 
the  lice.    They  may  be  destroyed  by  rubbing  the  victim  with  sulphur 


DISEASES   OF    THE    SKIX.  483 

ointment,  or  with  sulphinvt  of  ixKassium  [  (Hinces,  ^vato^  1  gallon,  or 
with  tar  water,  or  tho  skin  may  hv  spoiiijoil  with  bonzine.  The  appli- 
cation shouhl  bo  ropoatiMl  a  weok  later  to  destroy  all  lice  iiatched 
from  the  nits  in  the  interval.  linildings,  clothes,  etc.,  shonld  \ye 
treated  as  for  fleas. 

STINGS  OF  BEES,  WASPS,  AND  HORNETS. 

These  are  mnch  more  irritating  than  the  i)ites  of  flies,  partly 
because  the  barbed  sting  is  left  in  the  wound  and  partly  because 
of  the  quantity  and  (piality  of  the  venom,  ^^'^len  a  swarm  attacks 
an  animal  the  re.sult  may  jirove  fatal. 

TreatiHint  consists  in  the  application  of  wet  clay,  or  of  a  lotion  of 
soda  or  ammonia,  or  of  carbolic  acid,  or  pennanganate  of  ])otash, 
2  grains  to  the  ounce;  or  of  sugar  of  lead  2  drams,  laudanum  1  ounce, 
and  water  1  ])int.  The  embedded  stings  should  be  extracted  with 
fine  forceps  or  even  with  the  finger  nails. 

TARANTULA  AND  SCORPION. 

The  bite  of  the  first  and  the  sting  of  the  second  are  poisonous,  and 
may  be  treated  like  other  insect  venom,  by  carbolated  glycerin,  or  a 
strong  solution  of  annnonia,  or  ])ermanganate  of  potash. 

SNAKE  BITES. 

These  are  marked  by  the  dotil)le  incision  caused  by  the  two  fangs, 
by  the  excessive  doughy  (dark  red)  swelling  around  the  wounds,  and 
in  bad  cases  by  the  general  symptoms  of  giddiness,  weakness,  and 
prostration.  Tliey  are  best  treated  ])y  enornu)Us  doses  of  alcohol, 
whisky,  or  brandy,  or  by  aqua  ammonia  very  largely  diluted  in  water, 
the  object  being  to  sustain  life  until  the  poison  shall  have  spent  its 
power.  As  local  treatment,  if  the  wound  is  in  a  limb,  the  latter  may 
have  a  handkerchief  or  cord  tied  around  it  al>ove  the  injury  and 
drawn  tight  by  a  stick  twisted  into  it.  In  this  way  absorption  may  be 
checked  until  tlie  poison  can  be  destroyed  by  thc!  ai)plication  of  a  hot 
iron  or  a  piece  of  nitrate  of  silver  or  other  caustic.  A  i)oultice  of 
tobacco  leaves  is  a  favorite  remedy,  and  may  I)e  used  to  soothe  the 
pore  after  cauterization. 

A  treatment  which  has  been  liigldy  recommended  consists  in 
prompt  and  vigorous  scarification  at  the  site  of  puncture  and  rubbing 
crystals  of  potassium  permanganate  into  the  wound. 

BURNS  AND  SCALDS. 

These  subjects  are  discussed  in  the  following  chapter. 

WOUNDS  OF  THE  SKIN. 

"Wounds  of  the  skin  are  fully  discussed  in  tlie  next  chapter. 


WOUNDS  AND  THEIR  TREATMENT. 

By  Ch.  B.  Michener,  V.  S. 

[Revised  by  John  R.  Mohler,  V.  M.  D.,  A.  M.] 

DESCRIPTION  OF  WOUNDS. 

A  wound  is  an  injury  to  any  part  of  the  body  involving  a  solution 
of  continuity  or  disruption  of  the  affected  parts  and  is  caused  by 
violence,  with  or  without  laceration  of  the  skin.  In  accordance  with 
this  definition  we  have  the  following  varieties  of  wounds:  Incised, 
punctured,  contused,  lacerated,  gunshot,  and  poisoned.  They  may 
further  be  classified  as  sux^erficial,  deep,  or  penetrating,  and  also  as 
unclean,  if  hair,  dirt,  or  splinters  of  wood  are  present;  as  infected 
when  contaminated  with  germs,  and  as  aseptic  if  the  wound  does  not 
contain  germs. 

An  incised  wound  is  a  simple  cut  made  with  a  sharp  body,  like  a 
knife,  producing  merely  a  division  of  the  tissues.  The  duller  the 
body  the  more  force  is  required,  the  more  tissues  destroyed,  and  a 
gTeater  time  will  be  required  for  healing.  In  a  cut  wound  the  edges 
are  even  and  definite,  while  those  of  a  lacerated  wound  are  irregidar 
and  torn.  Three  conditions  are  present  as  a  result  of  an  incised 
wound:  (1)  Pain,  (2)  hemorrhage,  (3)  gaping  of  the  wound.  The 
first  pain  is  due  to  the  crushing  and  tearing  of  the  nerve  fibers.  In 
using  a  sharp  knife  and  by  cutting  quickly,  the  animal  suffers  less 
pain  and  healing  occurs  more  rapidly.  The  secondary  pain  is  usually 
due  to  the  action  of  the  air  and  inflammatory  processes.  Wlien  air 
is  kept  from  the  wound  pain  ceases  soon  after  the  lesion  is  produced. 
Hemorrhage  is  absent  only  in  wounds  of  nonvascular  tissues,  as  the 
cornea  of  the  eye.  the  cartilage  of  joints,  and  other  similar  struc- 
tures. Bleeding  may  be  from  the  arteries,  veins,  or  capillaries.  In 
the  last  form  of  bleeding  the  blood  oozes  from  the  part  in  drops. 
Hemorrhage  from  the  veins  is  dark  red  and  issues  in  a  steady  stream 
without  spurting.  In  arterial  bleeding  the  blood  is  bright  red  and 
spurts  with  each  heart  beat.  This  latter  variety  of  hemorrhage  is 
the  most  dangerous,  and  should  be  stopped  at  once  before  attempting 
any  further  treatment.  Bleeding  fi'om  small  veins  and  capillaries 
ceases  in  a  short  time  spontaneously,  while  larger  vessels,  especially 
arteries,  require  some  form  of  treatment  to  cause  complete  stoppage 
of  the  hemorrhage. 
484 


WOUNDS    ANI>   THEIR    TRKATMRNT.  485 

HEMOSTASIA. 

By  tliis  tt'ini  is  liieaiit  tlio  tlu'cUin<j^  oi  the  flow  of  blood.  It  may  be 
accomplished  by  several  methods,  such  as  compress  bandages,  torsion, 
hot  ii'on.  and  liffatinvs.  The  heat  from  a  hot  iron  will  cause  the  im- 
mediate clotting  of  the  blood  in  the  vessels,  and  this  clot  is  further 
supported  by  the  production  of  a  scab,  or  crust,  over  the  portion 
seared.  The  iron  shouhl  be  at  a  red  heat.  If  at  a  white  heat,  the 
tissue  is  charred,  which  makes  it  brittle  and  the  bleeding  is  liable  to 
be  renewed.  If  the  iron  is  at  a  black  heat,  the  tissue  will  stick  to  the 
iron  and  will  ])ull  away  from  the  sm  lace  of  the  wound.  Cold  water 
and  ice  bags  (juickly  stop  capillaiy  bleeding,  while  hot  water  is  pref- 
erable in  more  excessive  hemorrhages.  Some  drugs,  called  styptics, 
j^osses-s  the  power  of  contracting  the  walls  of  blood  vessels  and  also 
of  clotting  the  blcHxl.  A  solution  <»f  the  chlorid  of  iron  j)laced  on  a 
wound  alone  or  by  means  of  cotton  drenched  in  the  li<juid  produces  a 
rapid  and  hard  clot.  Tannic  acid,  alum,  acetic  acid,  alcohol,  and  oil 
of  turpentine  are  all  more  or  le,ss  active  in  this  res]X'et.  To  check 
bleeding  from  large  vessels  compression  may  be  adopt«'d.  Wlien  it  is 
rapid  and  dangerous  atid  froui  an  artery,  the  fingers  may  be  used  for 
pressing  between  the  wound  and  the  heart  (digital  compression),  but 
if  from  a  vein,  the  pressure  should  be  exerted  on  the  other  side  of  the 
Wound.  Tourni(iuet  may  also  be  used  by  passing  a  strap  arouinl  the 
part  and  tightening  after  placnig  a  pad  over  the  hemorrhage.  The 
rubber  ligature  has  now  replaced  the  tourniquet  and  is  bound  tightly 
around  the  limb  to  arrest  the  bleeding.  Tampons,  such  as  cotton,  tow, 
or  oakum,  may  be  packed  tightly  in  the  wound  and  then  sewed  up. 
After  remaining  there  for  twenty-four  or  forty-eight  hours  they  are 
removed.  Bleeding  may  sometimes  be  easily  checked  by  pa&-iug  a 
pin  under  the  vessel  and  by  taking  a  horsehair  and  foruiing  a  figure 
8  by  running  it  above  and  below  the  pin.  thus  causing  j^ressure  on  the 
vessel.  Torsion  is  the  twisting  of  the  blood  vessel  until  the  walls 
come  together  and  form  a  barrier  to  the  llow  of  bloo<l.  It  may  Ix-  ac- 
complished by  the  fingers,  forceps,  or  by  running 'a  pin  through  the 
vessel,  turning  it  several  times,  and  tlien  lunuiiiir  the  ))oiut  into  the 
tissue  to  keep  it  in  a  fixed  posit i(ui. 

Ligation  is  the  third  method  for  sto|)i)iMg  a  hemorrhage.  The 
bloofl  ves.sel  should  be  seized  with  the  artery  forceps,  a  clean  thread 
of  silk  ])as.se(l  ai'ound  it,  and  tied  about  one-half  inch  from  its  end. 
The  silk  should  be  sterilized  by  placing  it  in  an  antiseptic  solution  so 
as  not  to  iiupede  the  healing  process  or  cause  blood  poisoning  or 
lockjaw,  which  often  follows  the  ligation  of  a  vein  with  unsterilized 
material.  Sometimes  it  will  be  impossible  to  reach  the  bleeiling 
vessel,  so  it  is  necessary  to  jia.ss  the  ligature  around  a  mass  of  ti.ssue 
which  includes  the  blootl  ve.ssel.    Ligation  is  the  most  u.seful  method 


486  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

of  arresting  hemorrhage,  since  it  disturbs  healing  least  and  gives  the 
gi-eatest  security  against  secondary  hemorrhage. 

SUTURES. 

After  the  bleeding  has  been  controlled  and  all  foreign  bodies 
removed  from  the  wound,  the  gaping  of  the  woimd  is  noticeable.  It 
is  caused  by  the  contraction  of  the  muscles  and  elastic  fibers,  and  its 
degree  depends  on  the  extent,  direction,  and  nature  of  the  cut.  This 
gaping  will  hinder  the  healing  process  so  that  it  must  be  overcome  by 
bringing  the  edges  together  by  some  sort  of  sutures  or  pins  or  by  a 
bandage  applied  from  below  upward.  As  suture  material,  ordinary 
cotton  thread  is  good,  if  well  sterilized,  as  are  also  horsehair,  catgut, 
silk,  and  various  kinds  of  wire.  If  the  suture  is  made  too  tight  the 
subsequent  swelling  may  cause  the  stitch  to  tear  out.  In  order  to 
make  a  firm  suture  the  depth  of  the  stitch  should  be  the  same  as 
the  distance  the  stitch  is  from  the  edge  of  the  wound.  The  deeper 
the  suture  the  more  tissue  is  embraced  and  the  fewer  the  number  of 
stitches  required.  In  tying  a  suture  the  square  or  reef  knot  should 
be  used.  Closure  of  wounds  by  means  of  adhesive  plaster,  collodion, 
and  metal  clamps  is  not  practiced  to  any  great  extent  in  veterinary 
practice. 

PROCESS  OF  HEALING. 

In  those  cases  where  perfect  stoppage  of  bleeding,  perfect  coapta- 
tion of  the  edges  of  the  wound,  and  perfect  cleanliness  are  obtained, 
healing  occurs  within  three  days,  without  the  formation  of  gi-aula- 
tions,  pus,  or  proud  flesh,  by  what  is  termed  first  intention.  If 
wounds  do  not  heal  in  this  manner  they  will  gap  somewhat  and 
become  warm  and  painful.  Healing  then  occurs  by  granulation  or 
suppuration,  which  is  termed  healing  by  second  intention.  The 
sides  of  the  wound  become  covered  with  granulation  tissue  which 
may  fill  the  wound  and  sometimes  overlap  the  lips,  forming  a  fungoid 
growth  called  proud  flesh.  Under  favorable  conditions  the  edges  of 
the  wound  appear  to  grow  together  by  the  end  of  the  first  week,  and 
the  whole  surface  gradually  becomes  dry,  and  finally  covered  with 
pigmented  skin,  when  the  wound  is  healed.  The  cause  of  pus  forma- 
tion in  wounds  is  usuall}^  the  presence  of  germs.  For  this  reason  the 
utmost  care  should  be  adopted  to  keep  clean  wounds  aseptic,  or  free 
from  germs,  and  to  make  unclean  wounds  antiseptic  by  using  anti- 
septic fluids  to  kill  the  microbes  present  in  the  wound.  The  less  the 
injurious  action  of  this  fluid  on  the  wound  and  the  greater  its  power 
to  kill  germs,  the  more  valuable  it  becomes.  All  antiseptics  are  not 
equalh^  destructive,  and  some  germs  are  more  susceptible  to  one 
antiseptic  than  to  another.  The  most  important  are  (1)  bichlorid 
of  mercury,  which  is  to  be  preferred  on  horses.    It  becomes  weakened 


WOUNDS    AND   TTIKIR    TREATMENT.  487 

in  its  action  if  placed  in  a  wooden  pail  or  on  an  oily  or  greasy  sur- 
face. It  is  used  in  the  strength  of  1  pail  of  biclilorid  to  1,000  to 
5,000  parts  of  water,  according  to  the  delicacy  of  the  tissue  to  which 
it  is  applied.  (2)  Carbolic  acid  in  from  2  to  5  per  cent  solution  is 
used  on  infected  wounds  and  for  cleaning  instruments,  dressings,  and 
sponges.  It  unites  well  with  oil  and  is  preferred  to  the  biclilorid 
on  a  greasy  surface.  A  5  per  cent  solution  in  oil  is  often  used  under 
the  name  of  carbolized  oil.  (3)  Aluminum  acetate  is  an  eflicient  and 
cheap  antiseptic,  and  is  composed  of  1  part  alum  and  5  parts  acetate 
of  lead,  mixed  in  20  parts  of  water.  (4)  Boric  acid  is  good,  in  a  2  to 
4  per  cent  solution,  to  cleanse  wounds  and  wash  eyes.  Compoimd 
cresol  may  be  used  in  a  1  to  3  per  cent  solution  in  water.  Iodoform 
is  one  of  the  most  used  of  the  antiseptics,  and  it  also  acts  as  an  ano- 
dyne, stimulates  granulation,  and  checks  wound  secretion.  A  very 
efficacious  and  inexpensive  powder  is  made  by  taking  o  parts  of 
iodoform  and  05  parts  of  sugar,  making  what  is  called  iodoform 
sugar.  Tannic  acid  is  a  useful  drug  in  the  treatment  of  Tvounds,  as 
it  arrests  hemorrhage,  checks  secretion,  and  favors  the  formation  of 
a  scab.  A  mixture  of  1  part  tannic  acid  and  3  parts  iodoform  is  good 
in  suppurating  wounds.  lodol,  white  sugar,  ground  and  roasted 
cotFee,  and  powdered  charcoal  are  all  used  as  pi-otectives  and  absorb- 
ents on  suppurating  surfaces.  More  depends  on  the  care  and  the 
method  of  application  of  the  drug  than  on  the  drug  itself.  On 
aseptic  wounds  use  only  those  antiseptics  that  do  not  irritate  the 
tissue.  If  care  is  used  in  the  application  of  the  antiseptic,  corrosive 
sublimate  or  carbolic  acid  is  to  be  recommended.  In  order  to  keep 
air  from  the  wound  and  to  absorb  all  wound  secretions  rapidly,  a 
dressing  should  be  applied.  If  the  wound  is  aseptic,  the  dressing 
should  be  likewise,  such  as  cotton  gauze,  sterile  cotton,  oakum,  or  tow. 
This  dressing  should  be  applied  with  uniform  pressure  at  all  times 
and  secured  by  a  bandage.  Allow  it  to  remain  for  a  week  or  ten 
days  if  the  wound  is  aseptic  or  if  the  dressing  does  not  become  loose 
or  misplaced  or  become  drenched  with  secretions  fiom  the  wound,  or 
if  pain,  fever,  or  loss  of  appetitie  does  not  develop.  The  dressing 
should  then  be  lemovud,  the  wound  treated  antiseptically,  and  a 
sterilized  dressing  a|i|)li('(]. 

HEALING   UNDER   A   SCAB. 

This  often  occurs  in  small  superficial  wounds  that  have  brcMi  kept 
aseptic.  In  order  that  a  scab  may  form,  tlie  wound  must  not  gap, 
secrete  freely,  or  become  infected  with  germs.  The  foiTnation  of 
scab  is  favored  by  astringents  and  styptics,  such  as  tannic  acid,  iodo- 
form, and  5  per  cent  solution  of  zinc  chlorid.  In  case  of  fistulous 
withers,  open  joints,  or  other  large,  hollow  wounds  that  can  not  be 
di*essed,  antisepsis  may  be  obtained  by  warm-water  irrigation  with 


488  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

or  without  an  antiseptic  fluid.  It  should  continue  day  and  niglit, 
and  never  be  interrupted  for  more  than  eight  hours,  for  germs  will 
then  have  gained  headway  and  will  be  difficult  to  remove.  Four  or 
five  days  of  irrigation  will  be  sufficient,  for  granulations  will  then 
have  formed  and  pus  will  remain  on  the  outside  if  it  forms.  For 
permanent  irrigation  the  stream  should  be  very  small,  or  drop  by 
drop,  but  should  play  over  the  entire  surface  of  the  wound.  It  is 
always  better  to  heal  an  infected  wound  under  a  scab,  or  treat  it  as 
an  open  wound,  than  it  is  to  suture  it,  thus  favoring  the  growth  of 
the  inclosed  germs  and  retarding  ultimate  healing.  In  the  latter 
case  pus  may  develop  in  the  wound,  form  pockets  by  sinl^ing  into 
the  tissues,  and  cause  various  complications.  The  pockets  should  be 
well  drained,  either  through  incisions  at  the  bottom  or  by  drainage 
tubes  or  setons.  They  should  then  be  frequent!}^  syringed  out  or 
continuously  irrigated.  In  case  proud  flesh  appears  it  should  be 
kept  down  either  by  pressure  or  by  caustics,  as  powdered  bliiestone, 
silver  nitrate,  chlorid  of  antimony,  or  by  astringents,  such  as  burnt 
alum.  If  they  prove  resistant  to  this  treatment  they  may  be  removed 
by  scissors,  the  knife,  or  by  searing  w^ith  the  hot  iron.  The  following 
rules  for  the  treatment  of  wounds  should  be  followed:  (1)  See  that 
the  woimd  is  clean,  removing  all  foreign  bodies.  (2)  For  this  pur- 
pose use  a  clean  finger  rather  than  a  probe.  (3)  All  hemorrhage 
should  be  arrested  before  closing  the  wound.  (4)  Antiseptics  should 
only  be  used  if  you  suspect  the  wound  to  be  infected.  (5)  When 
pus  is  present  treat  without  closing  the  wound.  (6)  This  may  be 
accomplished  by  drainage  tubes,  absorbent  dressings,  setons,  or  con- 
tinuous irrigations.  (7)  Protect  the  Avound  against  infection  w^hile 
healing. 

LACERATED  AND  CONTUSED  WOUNDS. 

Lacerated  and  contused  wounds  may  be  described  together  al- 
though there  is,  of  course,  this  diflerence,  that  in  contused  wounds 
there  is  no  break  or  laceration  of  the  skin.  Lacerated  wounds,  how- 
ever, are,  as  a  rule,  also  contused — the  surrounding  tissues  are  bruised 
to  a  greater  or  lesser  extent.  While  at  first  sight  such  wounds  may 
not  appear  to  be  as  sei'ious  as  incised  wounds,  they  are  commonl}^ 
very  much  more  so.  Lacerations  and  contusions,  when  extensive,  are 
always  to  be  regarded  as  dangerous.  Many  horses  die  from  septic 
infection  or  mortification  as  a  result  of  these  injuries.  We  find  in 
severe  contusions  an  infiltration  of  blood  into  the  surromiding  tissues ; 
disorganization  and  mortification  follow,  and  involve  often  the  deeper 
seated  structures.  Abscesses,  single  or  multii^le,  may  also  result  and 
call  for  special  treatment. 

In  wounds  that  are  lacerated  the  amount  of  hemorrhage  is  mostly 
inconsiderable;  even  very  large  blood  vessels  may  be  torn  apart  with- 


WOUNDS   AND   TllEIK    TREATMENT.  489 

out  inducing  a  fatal  result.  The  edges  of  the  wound  are  ragged  and 
uneven.  These  wounds  are  produced  b\'  barbed  wire  or  some  blunt 
ol^ject,  as  when  a  horse  runs  against  fences,  board  piles,  the  corners 
of  buildings,  or  when  he  is  struck  by  the  pole  or  shafts  of  another 
team,  falling  on  rough,  irregular  stones,  etc. 

Contused  wounds  are  caused  by  blunt  instruments  moving  with 
suflicient  velocity  to  bruise  and  crush  the  tissues,  as  kicks,  running 
against  objects,  or  falling  on  laige,  hard  masses. 

Treatment. — In  lacerated  wounds  great  care  must  at  first  be  exer- 
cised in  examining  or  iu-ol)ing  to  the  very  bottom  of  the  rent  or  tear, 
to  see  whether  any  foreign  body  is  present.  Very  often  splinters  of 
wood  or  bits  of  stone  or  diit  are  thus  lodged,  and  unless  i-eruoved  pre- 
vent the  wound  from  hraling;  or  if  it  should  heal,  the  wound  soon 
opens  again,  discharging  a  thin,  gluey  matter  that  is  characteristic 
of  the  presence  of  some  object  in  the  part.  After  a  thorough  explora- 
tion these  wounds  are  to  be  carefully  and  patiently  fomented  with 
warm  water,  to  which  has  been  added  carbolic  acid  in  the  proportion 
of  1  part  to  100  of  water.  Karely,  if  ever,  are  stitches  to  be  inserte<l 
in  lacerated  wounds.  The  surrounding  tissues  and  skin  are  so  weak- 
ened in  vitality  and  structure  by  the  contusions  that  stitches  will  not 
hold;  they  only  irritate  the  parts.  It  is  better  to  endeavor  to  obtain 
coaptation  by  means  of  bandages,  plastei-s,  or  collodion.  One  essen- 
tial in  the  treatment  of  lacerated  wounds  is  to  provide  a  free  exit  for 
the  pus.  If  the  orifice  of  the  wound  is  too  high,  or  if  pus  is  found  to 
be  burrow  ing  in  the  tissues  beneath  the  o})ening,  we  must  then  make 
a  counter  opening  as  low  as  possible.  This  will  admit  of  the  wound 
being  thoroughly  washed  out,  at  first  with  warm  water,  and  after- 
wards injected  with  some  mild  astringent  and  antiseptic  wash,  as 
chlorid  of  zinc,  1  dram  to  a  pint  of  water.  A  dependent  opening 
must  be  maintained  until  the  wound  ceases  to  discharge.  Repeated 
hot  fomentations  over  the  region  of  lacerated  wounds  afford  much 
relief  and  should  be  persisted  in. 

BRUISES. 

Bruises  are  nothing  but  contused  wounds  where  the  skin  has  not 
been  ruptured.  There  is  often  (•on^idernble  s(»liitiou  of  continuity 
of  the  parts  under  the  skin,  subcutaneous  henuurhage,  etc.,  which 
may  result  in  local  death  (mortification)  and  slough  of  the  bruised 
parts.  If  the  bruise  f>r  contusion  is  not  so  severe,  nuinv  cases  are 
quickly  cured  by  constant  fomentation  with  hot  water  for  from  two 
to  four  hours.  The  water  should  be  allowed  about  this  time  to  become 
cool  gi-adually  and  then  cold.  Cold  fomentation  must  then  be  kept 
up  for  another  hour  or  two.  The  parts  should  be  thoroughly  and 
quickly  dried  and  bathed  freely  with  camphor  1  ounce,  sweet  oil 
8  oimces.  or  with  e(|u:d  parts  of  lend  water  and  laudanum.     A  drv. 


490  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE, 

light  bandage  should  then  be  applied,  the  horse  allowed  to  rest,  and 
if  necessary  the  treatment  may  be  repeated  each  day  for  two  or  three 
days.  If,  however,  the  wound  is  so  severe  that  sloughing  must  ensue, 
we  should  encourage  it  by  poultices  made  of  linseed  meal,  wheat 
bran,  turnips,  onions,  bread  and  milk,  or  hops.  Charcoal  is  to  be 
sprinkled  over  the  surface  of  the  poultice  when  the  wound  is  bad 
smelling.  After  the  slough  has  fallen  off  the  wound  is  to  be  dressed 
with  warm  washes  of  carbolic  acid,  chlorid  of  zinc,  permanganate  of 
potash,  or  other  antiseptic.  If  granulating  (filling  up)  too  fast,  use 
burnt  alum  or  air-slaked  lime.  Besides  this  local  treatment,  we  find 
that  the  constitutional  symptoms  of  fever  and  inflammation  call  for 
measures  to  prevent  or  control  them.  This  is  best  done  by  placing 
the  injured  animal  on  soft  or  green  feed.  A  physic  of  Barbados 
aloes,  1  ounce,  should  be  given  as  soon  as  possible  after  the  accident. 
Sedatives,  such  as  tincture  of  aconite  root,  15  drops,  three  times  a 
day,  or  ounce  doses  of  saltpeter  every  four  hours,  may  also  be  admin- 
istered. When  the  symptoms  of  fever  are  abated,  and  if  the  dis- 
charges from  the  wound  are  abundant,  the  strength  of  the  patient 
must  be  supported  by  good  feed  and  tonics.  One  of  the  best  tonics 
is  as  follows:  Powdered  sulphate  of  iron,  powdered  gentian,  and 
powdered  ginger,  of  each  4  ounces.  Mix  thoroughly  and  give  a 
heaping  tablespoonful  twice  a  day,  on  the  feed  or  as  a  drench. 

PUNCTURED  WOUNDS. 

Punctured  wounds  are  produced  by  the  penetration  of  a  sharp  or 
blunt-pointed  substance,  such  as  a  thorn,  fork,  nail,  etc.,  and  the 
orifice  of  these  wounds  is  always  small  in  proportion  to  their  depth. 
In  veterinary  practice  punctured  wounds  are  much  more  common 
than  the  others.  They  involve  the  feet  most  frequently,  next  the 
legs,  and  often  the  head  and  face  from  nails  protruding  through  the 
stalls  and  trough.  They  are  not  only  the  most  frequent,  but  they  are 
also  the  most  serious,  owing  to  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  thorough 
disinfection.  Another  circumstance  rendering  them  so  is  the  lack  of 
attention  that  they  at  first  receive.  The  external  wound  is  so  small 
that  but  little  or  no  importance  is  attached  to  it,  yet  in  a  short  time 
swelling,  pain,  and  acute  inflammation,  often  of  a  serious  character, 
are  manifested. 

Considering  the  most  common  of  the  punctured  wounds,  we  must 
give  precedence  to  those  of  the  feet.  Horses  worked  in  cities,  about 
iron  works,  around  building  places,  etc.,  are  most  likely  to  receive 
"  nails  in  the  feet."  The  animal  treads  upon  nails,  pieces  of  iron 
or  screws,  forcing  them  into  the  soles  of  the  feet.  If  the  nail,  or 
whatever  it  is  that  has  punctured  the  foot,  is  fast  in  some  large  or 
heavy  body,  and  is  withdrawn  as  the  horse  lifts  his  foot,  lameness 
may  last  for  only  a  few  steps;  but  unless  properly  attended  to  at 


WOUNDS  AND  THEIR  TREATMENT.  491 

once  he  will  be  found  in  a  day  or  two  to  be  very  lame  in  the  injured 
member.  If  the  foreign  body  remains  in  the  foot,  he  giadually  grows 
worse  from  the  time  of  puncture  until  the  cause  is  discovered  and 
removed.  If,  when  shoeing,  a  nail  is  driven  into  the  "quick"  (sensi- 
tive lamina')  and  allowed  to  remain,  the  horse  gradually  evinces  more 
pain  from  day  to  day  ;  but  if  the  nail  has  at  once  been  removed  by  the 
smith,  lameness  does  not,  as  a  rule,  show  itself  for  some  days;  or,  if 
the  nail  is  simply  driven  ""■  too  close,"  not  actually  pricking  the  horse, 
he  may  not  show  any  lameness  for  a  week  or  even  mucli  longer.  At 
this  point  it  is  due  to  the  blacksmith  to  say  that,  considering  how  thin 
the  walls  of  some  feet  are,  the  uneasiness  of  many  horses  while  shoe- 
ing, the  ease  with  which  a  nail  is  diverted  from  its  coui-se  by  striking 
an  old  piece  of  nail  left  in  the  wall,  or  from  the  nail  itself  splitting, 
the  wonder  is  not  that  so  many  horses  are  pricked  or  nails  driven 
"  too  close,''  but  rather  that  many  more  are  not  so  injured.  It  is  not, 
by  any  means,  always  carelessness  or  ignorance  on  the  part  of  the 
smith  that  is  to  account  for  this  accident.  Bad  and  careless  shoers 
we  do  meet  with,  but  let  us  be  honest  and  say  that  the  rarity  of  these 
accidents  points  rather  to  the  general  care  and  attention  given  by 
these  much-abused  mechanics. 

From  the  construction  of  the  horse's  foot  (being  incased  in  an  iin- 
peruieable,  horny  box),  and  from  the  elasticitj'^  of  the  horn  closing 
the  orifice,  punctured  wounds  of  the  feet  are  almost  always  produc- 
tive of  lameness.  Inflammation  results,  and  as  there  is  no  relief 
afforded  by  swelling  and  no  escape  for  the  product  of  inflammation, 
this  matter  must  and  does  burrow  between  the  sole  or  wall  and  the 
sensitive  parts  within  it  until  it  generally  opens  "between  hair  and 
hoof.''  "We  can  thus  see  why  pain  is  so  much  more  severe,  why 
tetanus  (lockjaw)  more  frequently  follows  wounds  of  the  feet,  and 
why,  from  the  extensive,  or  at  times  complete,  separation  and  "cast- 
ing" of  the  hoof,  these  wounds  must  always  be  regarded  with  grave 
apprehension. 

S}jmi>tom.s  and  tis^atment. — A  practice  which,  if  never  deviated 
from — that  of  picking  up  each  foot,  cleaning  the  sole,  and  thoroughly 
examining  the  foot  each  and  every  time  the  horse  comes  into  the 
stable — will  enable  us  to  reduce  to  the  minimum  the  serious  conse- 
quences of  punctured  womids  of  the  feet.  If  the  wound  has  resulted 
from  pricking,  lameness  follows  soon  after  shoeing;  if  from  the  nails 
being  driven  too  close,  it  usually  appears  from  four  to  five  days  or  a 
week  afterwards.  We  should  always  inipiire  as  to  the  time  of  shoe- 
ing, examine  the  shoe  carefully,  and  see  whether  it  has  been  partially 
pulled  and  the  horse  has  stepped  back  upon  some  of  the  nails  or  the 
clip.  The  pain  from  these  wounds  is  lancinating;  the  horse  is  seen  to 
rai.se  and  lower  the  limb  or  hold  it  from  the  ground  altogether;  often 
he  points  the  foot,  flexes  the  leg,  and  knuckles  at  the  fetlock.    Swelling 


492  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

of  the  fetlock  and  back  tendons  is  also  frequently  seen  and  is  liable 
to  mislead  us.  The  foot  must  be  carefully  examined,  and  this  can 
not  be  properly  done  without  removing  the  shoe.  The  nails  should 
be  drawn  separately  and  carefully  examined.  If  there  is  no  escape 
of  pus  from  the  nail  holes,  or  if  the  nails  themselves  are  not  moist, 
we  must  continue  our  examination  of  the  foot  by  carefully  pinching 
or  tapping  it  at  all  parts.  With  a  little  practice  we  can  detect  the 
spot  where  pain  is  the  greatest  or  discover  the  delicate  line  or  scar 
left  at  the  point  of  entrance  of  the  foreign  body.  The  entire  sole  is 
then  to  be  thinned,  after  which  we  are  carefully  to  cut  down  upon 
the  point  where  pain  is  greatest  upon  pressure,  and,  finally,  through 
the  sole  at  this  spot.  When  the  matter  has  escaped,  the  sole,  so  far 
as  it  was  undermined  by  pus,  is  to  to  be  removed.  The  foot  must  now 
be  poulticed  for  one  or  two  days  and  afterwards  dressed  with  a  com- 
press of  oakum  saturated  with  carbolic-acid  solution  or  other  anti- 
septic dressing. 

If  we  discover  a  nail  or  other  object  in  the  foot,  the  principal  direc- 
tion, after  having  removed  the  offending  body,  is  to  cut  away  the 
sole,  in  a  funnel  shape,  down  to  the  sensitive  parts  beneath.  This  is 
imperative,  and  if  a  good  free  opening  has  been  made  and  is  main- 
tained for  a  few  days,  and  hot  fomentations  and  antiseptic  dressings 
applied,  the  cure  is  mostly  easy,  simple,  quick,  and  permanent.  The 
horse  should  be  shod  with  a  leather  sole  under  the  shoe,  first  of  all 
applying  tar  and  oakum  to  prevent  any  dirt  from  entering  the  wound. 
In  some  instances  nails  may  puncture  the  flexor  tendons,  the  coffin 
bone,  or  enter  the  coffin  joint.  Such  injuries  are  always  serious,  their 
recovery  slow  and  tedious,  and  the  treatment  so  varied  and  difficult 
that  the  services  of  a  veterinarian  will  be  necessary. 

PUNCTURED  WOUNDS  OF  JOINTS,  OR  OPEN  JOINTS. 

These  wounds  are  more  or  less  frequent.  They  are  alwaj^^s  serious, 
and  often  result  in  anchylosis  (stiffening)  of  the  joint  or  the  death  of 
the  animal.  The  joints  mostly  punctured  are  the  hock,  fetlock,  or 
knee,  though  other  joints  may,  of  course,  suffer  this  injur}^  As  the 
symptoms  and  treatment  are  much  the  same  for  all,  only  the  accident 
as  it  occurs  in  the  hock  joint  will  be  described.  Probably  the  most 
common  mode  of  injury  is  from  the  stab  of  a  fork,  but  it  may  result 
from  the  kick  of  another  horse  that  is  newly  shod,  or  in  many  other 
ways.  At  first  the  horse  evinces  but  slight  pain  or  lameness.  The 
owner  discovers  a  small  wound  scarcely  larger  than  a  pea,  and  pays 
but  little  attention  to  it.  In  a  few  dnjs,  however,  the  pain  and  lame- 
ness become  excessive;  the  horse  can  no  longer  bear  any  weight 
upon  the  injured  leg;  the  joint  is  very  much  swollen  and  painful 
upon  pressure ;  there  are  well-marked  symptoms  of  constitutional 
disturbance — quick  pulse,  liurried  breathing,  high  temperature,  103° 


WOUNDS   AXn   Til  KIR   TREATMENT.  493 

to  lOG'  F.,  the  appetite  is  lost,  thirst  is  present,  the  horse  reeks  with 
sweat,  and  his  anxious  countenance  shows  the  pain  he  suffers.  Tie 
may  lie  clown,  thou*;!!  mostly  he  persists  in  standing,  and  the  oppo- 
site limb  becomes  greatly  swollen  from  bearing  the  entire  weight 
and  strain  for  so  long  a  time.  The  wound,  which  at  first  appeared  so 
insignificant,  is  now  constantly  discharging  a  thin,  whitish  or  yel- 
lowish fluid — joint  oil  or  water,  which  becomes  coagulated  about  the 
mouth  of  the  wound  and  adheres  to  the  part  in  clots  like  jelly,  or 
lesembling  somewhat  the  white  of  an  egg.  Not  infrequently  the 
joint  opens  at  diHerent  places,  discharging  at  first  a  thin,  bloody  fiuid 
tluit  soon  assumes  the  character  above  described. 

Trcatmeni  of  these  wounds  is  most  diilicult  and  unsatisfactory. 
We  can  do  inuch  to  prevent  this  array  of  symptoms  if  the  case  is 
seen  early — within  the  first  24  or  48  houi-s  after  the  injury;  but 
when  inflammation  of  the  joint  is  once  fairly  established  the  case 
becomes  one  of  gi'ave  tendencies.  Whenever  a  punctured  wound  of 
a  joint  IS  noticed,  even  though  apparently  of  but  small  moment,  we 
should  apply  without  the  least  delay  a  strong  cantharides  blister  over 
the  entire  joint,  being  even  careful  to  fill  the  orifice  of  the  wound 
with  the  blistering  ointment.  This  treatment  is  almost  always  effec- 
tual. It  operates  to  perform  a  ciu'e  in  two  ways — first,  the  swelling 
of  the  skin  and  tissues  underneath  it  completely  closes  the  wound 
and  prevents  the  ingress  of  air;  second,  by  the  superficial  inflamma- 
tion established  it  acts  to  check  and  abate  all  deep-seated  inflamma- 
tion. In  the  great  majority  of  instances,  if  pursued  soon  after  the 
accident,  this  treatment  performs  a  cure  in  about  one  week;  but 
should  the  changes  described  as  occurring  later  in  the  joint  have 
already  taken  place,  we  must  then  treat  by  cooling  lotions  and  the 
application  to  the  wound  of  chlorid  of  zinc,  10  grains  to  the  ounce 
of  water,  or  a  paste  made  of  flour  and  alum.  A  bandage  is  to  hold 
these  applications  in  })la(e.  which  is  only  to  be  removed  when  swell- 
ing of  the  leg  or  increasing  febrile  symptoms  demand  it.  In  the 
treatment  of  open  joints  our  chief  aim  must  be  to  close  the  orifice  as 
soon  as  possible.  For  this  reason  repeate«l  probing  or  even  injec- 
tions are  contraindicate<l.  The  only  probing  of  an  open  joint  that 
is  t()  be  sanctioned  is  on  oin'  first,  visit,  when  we  should  carefully 
examine  the  wound  for  foreign  brulies  or  dirt,  and  aft<n'  removing 
them  the  probe  must  not  again  be  used.  The  medicines  used  to 
coagulate  the  synovial  dischai'ge  are  be>;t  simply  applied  to  the  sur- 
face of  the  wound,  on  pledgets  of  tow,  and  held  in  place  by  band- 
ages. Internal  treatment  is  also  indicated  in  those  cast»s  of  open 
jf)ints  in  which  the  sulTeiing  is  great.  At  first  we  shoidd  administer 
a  light  physic  and  follow  this  up  with  se(latives  and  anodynes,  as 
directed  for  contused  wounds.  Later,  however,  we  should  give  qui- 
nin  or  salicylic  a<id  in  l-draui  doses  two  or  three  times  a  day. 


494  DISEASES  OF   THE   HOESE. 

WOUNDS  OF  THE  TENDON  SHEATHS. 

Wounds  of  tendon  sheaths  are  similar  to  open  joints  in  that  there 
is  an  escape  of  synovial  fluid,  "sinew  water."  Where  the  tendons 
are  simply  punctured  by  a  thorn,  nail,  or  fork,  we  must,  after  a 
thorough  exploration  of  the  wound  for  any  remaining  foreign  sub- 
stance, treat  with  the  flour-and-alimi  paste,  bandages,  etc.,  as  for  open 
joint.  Should  the  skin  and  tendons  be  divided  the  case  is  even  more 
serious  and  is  often  incurable.  There  is  always  a  large  bed  of  gi*anu- 
I  at  ions  (proud  flesh)  at  the  seat  of  injury,  and  a  thickening  more 
or  less  pronounced  remains.  TlHien  the  back  tendons  of  the  leg  are 
severed  we  should  apply  at  once  a  high-heel  shoe  (which  is  to  be 
gradually  lowered  as  healing  advances)  and  bandage  firmly  with 
a  compress  moistened  with  a  10-grain  chlorid  of  zinc  solution.  When 
proud  flesh  appears  it  is  best  kept  under  control  by  repeated  appli- 
cations of  a  red-hot  iron.  Mares  that  are  valuable  as  brood  animals 
and  stock  horses  should  always  be  treated  for  this  injury,  as,  even 
though  blemished,  their  value  is  not  seriously  impaired.  If  the 
subject  is  old  and  comparatively  valueless,  the  length  of  time  required 
and  the  expense  of  treatment  will  cause  us  to  hesitate  in  attempting 

a  cure. 

GUNSHOT  WOUNDS. 

These  wounds  vary  in  size  and  character,  depending  on  the  size 
and  quality  of  the  projectile  and  also  the  tissue  injured.  They  are 
so  seldom  met  with  in  our  animals  that  an  extended  reference  to 
them  seems  unnecessary.  If  a  wound  has  been  made  by  a  bullet  a 
careful  examination  should  be  made  to  ascertain  whether  the  ball 
has  passed  through  or  out  of  the  body.  If  it  has  not  we  must  then 
probe  for  it,  and  if  it  can  be  located  it  is  to  be  cut  out  when  prac- 
ticable to  do  so.  Oftentimes  a  ball  may  be  so  lodged  that  it  can  not 
be  removed,  and  it  then  may  become  encysted  and  remain  for  years 
without  giving  rise  to  any  inconvenience.  It  is  often  difficult  to 
locate  a  bullet,  as  it  is  very  readily  deflected  by  resistances  met  with 
after  entering  the  body. 

The  entering  wound  is  the  size  of  the  projectile,  the  edges  are 
inverted  and  often  scorched.  The  wound  produced  in  case  of  the 
bullet's  exit  is  larger  than  the  projectile,  the  edges  are  turned  out 
and  ragged.  A  bullet  heated  by  the  friction  of  the  barrel  or  air 
often  softens  and  becomes  flattened  on  striking  a  bone  or  other  tissue. 
ISIodern  bullets  that  have  an  outer  steel  layer  may  pass  through  bone 
without  splintering  it.  Lead  bullets  may  split,  producing  two  exit 
wounds.  Spent  bullets  may  only  produce  a  bruise.  Should  bones 
be  struck  by  a  ball  they  are  sometimes  shattered  and  splintered  to 
such  an  extent  as  to  warrant  us  in  having  the  animal  destroyed. 
A  gunshot  wound,  when  irreparable  injury  has  not  been  done,  is  to 


WOUNDS   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT.  495 

l)e  treated  the  same  as  punctured  wounds,  i.  e.,  stop  the  hemorrhage, 
remove  the  foreigfii  body  if  possible,  and  apply  hot  fomentations  or 
poultices  to  the  wound  until  suppuration  is  fairly  established.  Anti- 
septic and  disinfectant  injections  may  then  be  used.  Should  pus 
accuundate  in  the  tissues,  openings  nuist  be  made  at  the  most  depend- 
ing parts  for  its  escape.  Wounds  fi-om  shotj^uns  liied  close  to  the 
aninuils  are  serious.  They  are  virtually  lacerated  and  contused 
wounds.  Remove  all  the  shot  possible  from  the  wound  and  treat 
as  directed  for  contusions.  AVhen  small  shot  strike  the  horse  from  a 
distance  they  stick  in  the  sldn  or  only  go  through  it.  The  shot  grains 
must  be  picked  out.  but  as  a  i-ule  this  **  pei)pering "  of  the  skin 
amounts  to  but  little. 

POISONED  WOUNDS. 

These  injuries  are  the  result  of  bites  of  snakes,  rabid  dogs,  stings  of 
bees,  Avasps,  etc.  A  single  sting  is  not  dangerous,  but  an  aninuil  is 
often  stung  by  a  swarm  of  insects,  when  the  chief  danger  occurs  from 
the  swelling  produced.  If  stung  about  the  head,  the  nostrils  may  be 
closed  as  a  result  of  the  swelling,  causing  labored  breathing  and  pos- 
sibly asphyxiation.  Intoxication  may  be  produced  by  the  absorption 
of  this  poison  and  is  manifested  by  staggering  gait,  spreading  of 
the  legs,  paralysis  of  the  muscles,  diHicult  respiration,  and  a  rise  of 
temperature.    Death  may  follow  in  five  to  ten  hours. 

Treatment. — Douse  animal  with  cold  water  and  aj^ply  any  alkaline 
licpiid,  such  as  .soapsuds,  bicarbonate  of  soda,  or  weak  solution  of 
ammonia.  Internally  give  alcohol,  ether,  or  camphor  to  strengthen 
the  heart.  In  case  of  bites  by  rattlesnakes,  moccasin,  or  other  poi- 
sonous snakes,  a  painful  swelling  occurs  about  the  bitten  i)art,  which 
is  followed  by  labored  breathing,  weakness,  retching,  fever,  and 
death  from  collapse.  The  animal  usually  recovers  if  it  can  be  kept 
ali\e  over  the  third  day.  In  treating  the  aninuil,  a  tight  ligature 
should  be  pa.ssed  about  the  part  above  the  wound  to  keep  the  poison 
from  entering  the  general  circulation.  Wash  out  the  wound  thor- 
oughly with  antiseptics  aiul  then  apply  a  caustic,  such  as  silver 
nitrate,  or  burn  with  a  hot  instrument.  A  subcutaneous  injection  of 
one-fourth  dram  of  1  jier  cent  solution  of  chromic  acid  above  the 
wound  is  also  beneficial.  Cold  water  may  be  applied  to  the  wound 
to  combat  the  inflammation.  Bites  of  rabid  dogs  produce  an  infected 
Wound,  ami  the  virus  of  rabies  introduced  in  this  manner  should  be 
removed  oi-  tlestroyed  in  the  wound.  Therefore  produce  considerable 
bleeding  by  inci.sing  the  wound,  wash  out  thoroughly  with  10  j)er 
cent  solution  of  zinc  chlorid.  and  then  apply  caustics  or  the  actual 
cauterv. 


496  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOKSE. 

HARNESS  GALLS  (SITFASTS). 

Wounds  or  abrasions  of  the  skin  are  frequently  caused  by  ill-fitting 
harness  or  saddles.  When  a  horse  has  been  resting  from  steady^  work 
for  some  time,  particularly  after  being  idle  in  a  stable  on  a  scanty 
allowance  of  grain,  as  in  winter,  he  is  soft  and  tender  and  SAveats 
easily  when  put  to  work  again.  In  this  condition  he  is  liable  to 
sweat  and  chafe  under  the  harness,  especially  if  it  is  hard  and  poorly 
fitted.  This  chafing  is  likely  to  cause  abrasions  of  the  skin,  and 
thus  pave  the  way  for  an  abscess  or  for  a  chronic  blemish,  unless 
attended  to  very  promptly.  Besides  causing  the  animal  considerable 
pain,  chafing,  if  long  continued,  leads  to  the  formation  of  a  callosity. 
This  may  be  superficial,  involving  only  the  skin,  or  it  may  be  deep- 
seated,  involving  the  subcutaneous  fibrous  tissue  and  sometimes  the 
muscle  and  even  the  bone.  This  causes  a  dry  slough  to  form,  which 
is  both  inconvenient  and  unsightly.  Sloughs  of  this  kind  are  com- 
monly called  "  sitf  asts  "  and,  while  they  occur  in  other  places,  are 
most  frequently  found  under  the  saddle.     (See  also  p.  475.) 

Treatment. — Abrasions  are  best  prevented  by  bringing  the  animal 
gradually  into  working  shape  after  it  has  had  a  prolonged  rest,  in 
order  that  the  muscles  may  be  hard  and  the  skin  tough.  The  harness 
should  be  well  fitted,  neither  too  large  nor  too  small,  and  it  should  be 
cleaned  and  oiled  to  remove  all  dirt  and  to  make  it  soft  and  pliable. 
Saddles  should  be  properly  fitted  so  as  to  prevent  direct  pressure  on 
the  spine,  and  the  saddle  blankets  should  be  clean  and  dry.  Parts 
of  the  horse  where  chafing  is  likely  to  occur,  as  on  the  back  under  the 
saddle,  should  be  cleaned  and  brushed  free  of  dirt. 

The  remedies  for  simple  harness  galls  are  numerous.  Among  them 
may  be  mentioned  alcohol,  1  pint,  in  which  are  well  shaken  the  whites 
of  two  eggs;  a  solution  of  nitrate  of  silver,  10  grains  to  the  ounce  of 
water;  sugar  of  lead  or  sulphate  of  zinc,  20  grains  to  an  ounce  of 
water;  carbolic  acid,  1  part  in  15  parts  of  glycerin,  and  so  on  almost 
without  end.  Any  simple  astringent  wash  or  powder  will  effect  a 
cure,  provided  the  sores  are  not  irritated  by  friction. 

If  a  sitfast  has  developed,  the  dead  hornlike  slough  must  be  care- 
fully dissected  out  and  the  wound  treated  carefully  with  antiseptics. 
During  treatment  it  is  always  best  to  allow  the  animal  to  rest,  but  if 
this  is  inconvenient  care  should  be  taken  to  prevent  injury  to  the 
abraded  or  wounded  surface  by  padding  the  harness  so  that  chafing 
can  not  occur. 

BURNS  AND  SCALDS. 

These  wounds  of  domestic  animals  are  fortunately  of  rare  occur- 
rence ;  however,  when  they  do  occur,  if  at  all  extensive,  they  prove  to 
be  quite  troublesome  and  in  many  cases  are  fatal.  According  to  the 
severity  of  the  burn  we  distinguish  three  degrees:   First  degree, 


WOUNDS    AND   THEIR   TREATMENT.  497 

where  there  is  a  simple  redilening  of  the  skin;  second  degree,  where 
there  is  a  formation  of  vesicles,  or  blisters;  third  degi'ee,  where  there 
is  a  complete  destruction  of  vitality  of  the  tissues,  such  as  would 
occur  is  charring  from  direct  contact  with  flames  or  from  escaping 
steam.  Besides  the  burns  caused  by  flames  and  steam,  there  are  other 
causative  agents,  such  as  chemicals  (caustic  alkalis  and  acids),  light- 
ning stroke,  and  occasionally  the  broken  trolley  wires  of  electric  rail- 
ways. "When  a  large  surface  of  the  skin  is  burned  or  scalded,  the  ani- 
mal (if  it  does  not  die  at  once  from  shock)  will  soon  show  signs  of 
fever — shivering,  coldness  of  the  extremities,  weakness,  restlessness, 
(juick  and  feeble  pulse,  and  labored  breathing.  No  matter  which 
agent  is  a  factor  in  the  production  of  burns,  the  lesions  are  practi- 
cally of  the  same  nature.  The  extent  and  site  of  the  burn  should  lead 
one  in  the  determination  and  course  of  treatment.  Burns  of  the 
shoulder  and  those  about  the  region  of  the  elbow  or  other  parts 
where  there  is  much  movement  of  the  tissues  are  grave,  and,  if  at  all 
extensive,  treatment  should  not  be  attempted,  but  the  immediate 
destruction  of  the  animal  is  advised.  A  burn  of  the  third  degree, 
where  there  is  a  destruction  of  the  vitality  of  large  areas  of  tissue, 
even  on  parts  not  subject  to  much  motion,  is  extremely  tedious  to 
treat;  in  fact,  it  is  questionable  whether  the  treatment  and  keep  of 
the  animal  will  ever  be  compensated  for,  even  though  recovery  does 
take  place;  this,  in  any  event,  will  require  at  least  six  or  eiglit  weeks. 
Burns  caused  by  lightning  stroke  and  trolley  wires  are  liable  to  occur 
in  irregular  lines,  and,  unless  death  occurs  at  once,  they  generally 
are  not  serious. 

TrcatmerU. — Treatment  should  be  prompt  and  effective.  If  the 
burns  are  extensive,  the  constitutional  symptoms  should  be  combated 
with  whisky  and  milk  and  eggs,  or  ammonia  carbonate,  strychnin, 
callein,  or  other  stimulant  to  prevent  shock.  In  the  local  treat- 
ment, to  alleviate  tlie  pain,  the  application  of  cold  water  in  some  form 
and  the  hypodermic  injection  of  morphine  are  to  be  recommended. 
In  burns  of  the  first  degree,  where  there  is  ordy  a  superficial  inflam- 
mation, lead  carbonate  (white  lead)  ointment  is  very  good.  Carron 
oil  (limewater  and  lins(vd  oil,  equal  pails)  is  a  standard  remedy, 
but  a  modification  of  it  known  as  Stahl's  liniment  is  perhaps  better. 
This  is  comj)osed  of  linseed  oil  and  limewater  each  2U0  parts,  bicar- 
bonate of  soda  100  parts,  and  thymol  1  part.  The  scorched  surface 
should  be  covered  with  this  liniment  and  then  with  a  layer  of  borated 
gau/e  or  absorbent  cotton,  to  i)rotect  from  the  aii-.  The  application 
shoidd  be  fre<juently  renewed.  Carbolated  vaseline  may  be  u.sed 
in  place  of  the  above.  In  Ciuse  the  burn  is  more  extensive,  the  fol- 
lowing solution  may  be  used:  Picric  acid  2  parts,  alcohol  40  narts, 
water  400  parts.  The  lesion  should  be  thoroughly-  cleansed  with  this 
30444°— 16 32 


498  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

solution  used  on  absorbent  cotton.  The  vesicles,  if  any  appear, 
should  be  opened  with  a  clean  needle,  allowing  the  skin  to  remain. 
Strips  of  gauze  or  absorbent  cotton  saturated  with  the  solution  should 
now  be  applied  and  renewed  only  occasionally.  In  burns  of  the  sec- 
ond and  third  degrees  more  satisfactory'  results  may  be  obtained  with 
nonpoisonous,  dry  dressing  powder,  such  as  is  used  in  ordinary  open 
wounds,  as  tannic  acid  8  parts  and  iodoform  1  part,  or  a  salve  made 
of  this  powder  and  a  sufficient  quantity  of  vaseline.  Wlien  slough- 
ing of  the  tissues  takes  place  the  wounds  should  be  cleansed  with  a 
warm  3  per  cent  solution  of  carbolic  acid,  all  loose  fragments  of  tissue 
removed,  and  either  a  dry,  antiseptic  dressing  powder  or  carbolated 
vaseline  ointment  applied  to  exclude  the  air.  Granulation  tissue 
(proud  flesh)  should  be  controlled  by  the  application  of  silver  nitrate 
in  the  form  of  a  caustic  pencil. 

Burns  due  to  mineral  acids  may  be  first  treated  by  flushing  the 
parts  with  a  copious  quantity  of  cold  water  or  by  the  application  of 
whiting  or  chalk.  Either  use  a  large  quantity  of  water  at  the  start  or 
use  the  chalk  first,  then  wash  with  water.  If  the  irritant  has  been  a 
caustic  alkali,  such  as  potash,  lye,  ammonia,  or  soda,  then  vinegar 
should  be  the  first  application.  Stahl's  liniment  is  probably  the  best 
general  application  for  all  burns  for  the  first  week ;  then  this  should 
be  followed  by  the  ordinary  antiseptic  wound  dressings. 

GANGRENE. 

Gangrene,  or  mortification,  denotes  the  death  of  the  ajffected  part, 
and  is  mostly  found  attacking  soft  tissue  near  the  surface  of  the 
body.  Gangrenous  areas  may  occur  as  a  result  of  shutting  off  their 
blood  supply.  Constitutional  diseases,  such  as  ergotism,  anthrax,  and 
septicemia,  predispose  to  gangrene.  As  external  causes  we  have  acids 
and  alkalies,  freezing  and  burning,  contusions  and  continuous  pres- 
sure that  interrupt  the  circulation.  There  are  two  forms  of  gan- 
grene— dry  and  moist.  Dry  gangrene  is  most  often  seen  in  horses 
from  continuous  lying  down  (decubitus)  or  from  uneven  pressure  of 
some  portion  of  the  harness. 

Sy}7ij)toms. — There  is  a  lack  of  sensation  due  to  the  death  of  nerves. 
In  dry  gangrene  the  skin  is  leathery  and  harsh,  while  in  moist  gan- 
grene the  tissues  are  soft,  wrinkled,  and  friable;  the  hair  is  dis- 
turbed, and  the  skin  is  usually  moist  and  soapy  and  sometimes  cov- 
ered with  blebs.  The  tissue  surrounding  the  moist  gangrenous  patch 
is  usually  inflamed,  swollen,  and  hot,  but  this  is  less  noticeable  in  the 
case  of  dry  gangrene.  Moist  gangrene  often  spreads  and  involves 
deeper  tissue,  sheaths  of  tendons  and  joints  producing  septic  syno- 
vitis or  septic  arthritis  leading  to  pyemia  and  death.  Dry  gangrene 
is  seldom  dangerous,  but  the  rapidity  of  its  spread  will  indicate  its 
virulence. 


WOUNDS    AND   TllElU    TKKATMENT.  499 

Treatment. — The  preventive  treatment  consists  in  avoiding  all  the 
influences  that  tend  to  ilisturl)  the  nutrition  ol'  the  tissues,  such  as 
excessive  cold  or  heat  or  continuous  pressure,  (ianjrrene  following 
decubitus  may  be  prevented  by  using  soft  bedding  and  freipicntly 
tiH'ning  the  animal  from  one  side  to  the  other.  In  dry  gangrene 
moist  heat  in  the  form  of  |)oultices  or  anointing  tlie  tissue  with  oils 
and  fats  will  be  found  benelicial  in  hasteiiiug  the  ilead  tisisue  to 
slough  off.  When  the  outer  skin  begins  to  suppurate,  it  sliould  be 
reujoved  with  a  pair  of  pincers,  and  the  patch  treated  as  an  open 
wound.  In  moist  gangrene  the  tissue  sliouKl  be  thoroughly  disin- 
fected with  a  3  per  cent  solution  of  compound  cresol,  or  particularly 
an  alcoholic  tincture  of  camphor.  Continuous  irritation  with  anti- 
septic fluids  prevents  the  accumulation  and  absoi*i)tiou  of  |)oisonous 
liquids.  Incisions  into  the  dead  tissue  may  be  made,  and  when 
sloughing  commences  the  tissue  should  be  removed  with  forceps  and 
the  resulting  wound  treated  as  in  dry  gangrene. 

ULCERATION. 

An  ulcer  is  a  circumscribed  area  of  necrosis  occurring  on  the  skin 
or  mucous  membrance  and  covered  with  granulation  tissue.  It  is  a 
pr(x*ess  of  destruction,  and  when  this  process  is  going  on  faster  than 
regeneration  can  take  place,  we  have  a  gnawing,  or  eating,  ulcer. 
When  such  an  ulcer  increases  rapidly  in  size  it  is  termed  a  phagedenic 
ulcer.  A  fungoid  ulcer  is  one  in  which  the  bottom  of  the  ulcer  pro- 
jects beyond  the  edge  of  the  skin.  These  ulcers  secrete  milky  or 
bloody-white  licpiid  called  ichor.  When  the  ulcer  is  of  an  ashen  or 
leaden  color,  with  the  bottom  and  sides  formed  of  dense,  hard  con- 
nective tissue,  which  gives  but  little  discharge  and  is  not  sensitive,  it 
is  termed  callous,  torpid,  or  indolent  ulcer. 

Causes. — As  in  the  ease  of  gangrene,  disturbances  of  circulation  are 
among  the  most  frequent  causes.  A  wound  to  a  tissue  with  slight 
recuperative  power  may  be  followed  by  idceraticm,  as  in  tumors. 
Certain  germs  may  produce  ulcers,  as  the  glandei-s  bacilli,  which 
cause  the  ulcerations  on  the  nas;d  septum  in  glanders. 

Ti'eattuent. — This  consists  in  removing  the  exciting  cause  at  once. 
The  secretions  of  the  ulcer  should  be  washed  off  with  antiseptic  solu- 
tions and  the  formation  of  gianulation  tissues  stimulated  by  antisej)- 
tic  salves,  such  as  cari)olated  vaseline,  lead  ointment,  or  by  dressings 
of  camphor.  Air  should  be  kejH  from  the  ulcer  by  occlu.sive  dress- 
ings. ^^^lore  tlu'  idcors  are  inflamed,  warm  lead  water  or  lead  water 
and  laudanum  will  Ix"  found  ellicacious.  Callous  idcers  are  Ijest  re- 
moved by  a  curette,  knife,  or  hot  iron  and  then  treated  like  a  common 
wound.    Mechanical  irritation  should  be  avoided. 


500  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

ABSCESSES. 

These  consist  of  accumulations  (}f  pus  within  circumscribed  walls, 
at  different  parts  of  the  body,  and  may  be  classed  as  acute  and  cold 
or  chronic  abscesses. 

When  an  abscess  occurs  about  a  hair  follicle  it  is  called  a  boil  or 
furuncle;  "when  several  hair  follicles  are  involved,  resulting  in  the 
formation  of  more  than  one  exit  for  the  inflammatory  products,  it  is 
called  a  carbuncle. 

ACUTE  ABSCESSES. 

Acute  abscesses  follow  as  the  result  of  local  inflammation  in  glands, 
muscular  tissue,  or  even  bones.  They  are  very  common  in  the  two 
former.  The  abscesses  most  commonly  met  with  in  the  horse  (and 
the  ones  which  will  be  here  described)  are  those  of  the  salivary 
glands,  occurring  during  the  existence  of  "  strangles,"  or  "  colt  dis- 
temper." The  glands  behind  or  under  the  jaw  are  seen  to  increase 
slowly  in  size,  becoming  firm,  hard,  hot,  and  painful.  At  first  the 
swelling  is  uniformly  hard  and  resisting  over  its  entire  surface,  but 
in  a  little  while  becomes  soft  (fluctuating)  at  some  portion,  mostly 
in  the  center.  From  this  time  on  the  abscess  is  said  to  be  "  pointing," 
or  "  coming  to  a  head,"  which  is  shown  by  a  small  elevated  or  pro- 
jecting prominence,  which  at  first  is  dry,  but  soon  becomes  moist  with 
transuded  serum.  The  hairs  over  this  part  loosen  and  fall  off,  and  in 
a  short  time  the  abscess  opens,  the  contents  escape,  and  the  cavity 
gi-adually  fills  up — heals  by  granulations. 

Abscesses  in  muscidar  tissue  are  usually  the  result  of  bruises  or  in- 
juries. In  all  cases  in  which  abscesses  are  forming  we  should  hurry 
the  ripening  process  by  frequent  hot  fomentations  and  poultices. 
AMien  they  are  very  tardy  in  their  development  a  blister  over  their 
surface  is  advisable.  It  is  a  common  rule  with  surgeons  to  open  an 
abscess  as  soon  as  pus  can  be  plainh^  felt,  but  this  practice  can 
scarcely  be  recommended  indiscriminately  to  owners  of  stock,  since 
this  little  operation  frequently  requires  an  exact  knowledge  of  anat- 
omy. It  will  iisually  be  foimd  the  better  plan  to  encourage  the  full 
ripening  of  an  abscess  and  allow  it  to  open  of  itself.  This  is  impera- 
tive if  the  abscess  is  in  the  region  of  joints,  etc.  When  open,  we 
must  not  squeeze  the  walls  of  the  abscess  to  any  extent.  They  may 
be  very  gently  pressed  with  the  fingers  at  first  to  remove  the  clots — 
inspissated  pus — ^but  after  this  the  orifice  is  simply  to  be  kept  open 
by  the  introduction  of  a  clean  probe,  should  it  be  disposed  to  heal  too 
soon.  If  the  opening  is  at  too  high  a  level  another  should  be  made 
into  the  lowest  portion  of  the  abscess  so  as  to  permit  the  most  com- 
plete drainage.  Hot  fomentations  or  poultices  are  sometimes  re- 
quired for  a  day  or  two  after  an  abscess  has  opened,  and  are  particu- 
larly indicated  when  the  base  of  the  abscess  is  hard  and  indurated. 


WOUNDS    ANr>   THKIH    TREATMENT.  501 

The  cavity  should  bo  thoroughly  waslieil  with  stimnhitin":  anti- 
septic sohitions,  such  ay  3  ])er  cent  sohition  of  carbolic  acid,  3  per  cent 
bolution  of  compound  cresol,  1  to  1,00U  bichlorid  of  mercury,  or  1  per 
cent  pennanjjanate  of  potasli  solution.  If  the  abscesses  are  foul 
and  bad  smelling;,  their  cavities  should  first  be  syrinired  with  1  part 
of  hydn)«;en  peroxid  to  2  })arts  of  water  and  then  followed  by  the 
injection  of  any  of  the  above-mentioned  antiseptics. 

COl.D   ABSCESSES. 

Cold  abscess  is  the  term  applied  to  those  large,  indolent  swellings 
that  are  the  result  of  a  Ioav  or  chronic  form  of  inflammation,  in  the 
center  of  which  there  is  a  small  collection  of  pus.  They  are  often 
seen  near  the  i)oint  of  the  shoulder,  forming  the  so-called  breast  boil. 
The  swelling  is  difl'use  and  of  enormous  extent,  but  slightlj^  hotter 
than  surrounding  paiiis,  and  not  veiy  painful  upon  pressure.  A 
l)ronounced  stillness,  rather  than  pain,  is  evinced  upon  moving  the 
animal.  Such  abscesses  have  the  appearance  of  a  hard  tumor,  sur- 
rounded by  a  softer  edematous  swelling,  involving  the  tissues  to  the 
extent  of  a  foot  or  more  in  all  directions  from  the  tumor.  This  dif- 
fused swelling  giadually  subsides  and  leaves  the  large,  hardened 
mass  somewhat  well  defined.  One  of  the  characteristics  of  cold  ab- 
scesses is  their  tendency  to  remain  in  the  same  condition  for  a  great 
length  of  time.  There  is  neither  heat  nor  soreness;  no  increase  nor 
lessening  in  the  size  of  the  tunuir;  it  remains  in  statu  <iuo.  If,  how- 
ever, the  animal  should  be  i)ut  to  work  for  a  short  time  the  irrita- 
tion of  the  collar  causes  the  surrounding  tissues  to  assume  again  an 
edematous  condition,  which  after  a  few  days'  rest  disapi)ears,  leaving 
the  tumor  as  before  or  but  slightly  larger.  Up(m  careful  manipula- 
tion we  may  discover  what  api)ears  to  be  a  fluid  deep  seated  in  the 
center  of  the  mass.  The  quantity  of  inatrc!'  so  contained  i-  verv^ 
small — often  not  more  than  a  tablesj)0(mfnl — and  for  this  reason  it 
can  not,  in  all  cases,  be  detect^Ml. 

Cold  abscesses  are  mostly,  if  not  always,  caused  by  the  long- 
continued  iiiitation  of  a  loose  and  badl}'  fitting  collar.  There  is  a 
slow  inflamnuitory  action  going  on,  which  results  in  the  formation  of 
a  small  (piantity  of  matter  inclosed  in  very  thick  and  but  partially 
organizecl  walls  that  are  not  so  well  definetl  as  is  the  circunifcience 
of  fibrous  tumor.s,  which  they  most  re*;emble. 

Treatment. — The  means  recommended  to  bring  the  acute  al)scess 
'*  to  a  head  '■  are  but  rarely  effectual  with  this  variety;  or,  if  success- 
ful, too  much  time  lias  been  occupied  in  the  cure.  We  must  look  for 
other  and  more  rapid  methods  of  ti'eatment.  The.se  consi.st,  first  of 
all,  in  carefully  exploiing  the  tumor  for  the  presence  of  pus.  The 
incisions  must  be  made  over  the  softest  part  and  carried  deep  into  the 
tumor — to  its  verv  bottom,  if  necessarv — an<l  the  matter  allowed  to 


502  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE, 

escape.  After  this,  and  whether  Ave  have  found  matter  or  not,  we 
must  induce  an  active  inflammation  of  the  tumor,  in  order  to  pro- 
mote sohition  of  the  thick  walls  of  the  abscess.  This  may  be  done  by- 
inserting  well  into  the  incision  a  piece  of  oakum  or  cotton  saturated 
with  turpentine,  carbolic  acid,  tincture  of  iodin,  etc.,  or  we  may  pack 
the  incision  with  powdered  sulphate  of  zinc  and  keep  the  orifice 
plugged  for  24  hours.  These  agents  set  up  a  destructive  inflamma- 
tion of  the  walls.  Suppuration  follows,  and  this  should  now  be  en- 
couraged by  hot  fomentations  and  poultices.  The  orifice  must  be 
kept  open,  and  should  it  be  disposed  to  heal  we  must  again  introduce 
some  of  the  agents  above  described.  A  favored  treatment  with  many, 
and  it  is  probably  the  best,  is  to  plunge  a  red-hot  iron  to  the  bottom 
of  the  incision  and  thoroughly  sear  all  parts  of  the  walls  of  the  ab- 
scess. This  is  to  be  repeated  after  the  first  slough  has  taken  place  if 
the  walls  remain  thickened  and  indurated. 

It  is  useless  to  waste  time  with  fomentations,  poultices,  or  blisters 
in  the  treatment  of  cold  abscesses,  since  though  apparently  removed 
by  such  methods,  they  almost  invariably  return  when  the  horse  is 
put  to  work.  Extirpation  by  the  knife  is  not  practicable,  as  the 
walls  of  the  tumor  are  not  sufficiently^  defined.  If  treated  as  above 
directed,  and  properly  fitted  with  a  good  collar  after  healing,  there 
will  not  remain  any  track  or  trace  of  the  large,  unsightly  mass. 

FISTULAS. 

Definition. — The  word  fistula  is  applied  to  any  ulcerous  lesion 
upon  the  external  surface  of  the  body  which  is  connected  by  ducts, 
or  passages,  with  some  internal  cavity.  Because  of  this  particular 
formation  the  term  fistulous  tract  is  often  used  synonymously  with 
the  word  fistula.  Fistulas  may  exist  in  any  part  of  the  body,  but  the 
name  has  come  to  be  commonly  accepted  as  applicable  only  to  such 
lesions  when  found  upon  the  withers.  Poll  evil  is  a  fistula  upon  the 
poll,  and  in  no  sense  differs  from  fistulous  withers  except  in  location. 
The  description  of  fistula  will  apply,  then,  in  the  main,  to  poll  evil 
equally  well.  Quittor  presents  the  characteristic  tubular  passages  of 
a  fistula  and  may,  therefore,  be  considered  and  treated  as  fistula  of 
the  foot.  Fistulous  passages  may  also  be  developed  upon  the  sides 
of  the  face,  through  which  saliva  is  discharged  instead  of  flowing 
into  the  mouth,  and  are  called  salivary  fistulas.  A  dental  fistula  may 
arise  from  the  necrosis  of  the  root  of  a  tooth.  Again,  a  fistula  is 
sometimes  noted  at  the  umbilicus  associated  with  hernia,  and  recto- 
vaginal fistulas  have  been  developed  in  mares,  following  difficult 
parturition.  Fistulas  may  arise  from  wounds  of  glandular  organs 
or  their  ducts,  and  thus  we  have  the  so-called  mammary  or  lacrimal 
fistulas. 


WOUNDS   AND   TtlKlH    TREATMENT,  503 

Fistulous  tracts  are.  lined  with  a  false,  or  adventitious,  membrane 
and  sliow  no  disposition  to  heal.  Tliev  constantly  all'ord  means  of 
exit  to  the  pus  or  ichorous  material  discharged  by  the  unliealthy 
parts  below.  They  are  particularly  liable  to  develop  at  the  withers 
or  poll  because  of  the  exposed  positions  which  these  parts  occu})y, 
and,  having;  once  become  located  there,  they  usually  assert  a  tendency 
to  further  extension,  because  the  vertical  and  laminated  formation 
of  the  muscles  and  tendons  of  these  parts  allows  the  forces  of  g^ravi- 
tation  to  assist  the  pus  in  graining  the  deeper-lying  structures  and 
also  favors  its  retention  among  them. 

f'aufies. — Fistulas  follow  as  a  result  of  abscesses,  bruise.s,  wounds, 
or  long-continued  irritation  by  the  harness.  Among  the  more  com- 
mon causes  of  fistula  of  the  poll  (poll  evil)  are  chafing  by  the  halter 
or  heavy  bridle;  blows  from  the  butt  end  of  the  whip;  the  horst^ 
striking  his  head  against  the  hayrack,  beams  of  the  ceiling,  low  doors, 
etc.  Fistulous  withers  are  seen  mostly  in  those  horses  that  have  thick 
necks  as  well  as  those  that  are  very  high  in  the  withers;  or,  amonj; 
saddle  horses,  those  that  are  very  low  in  the  withers,  the  saddle  here 
riding  forward  and  bruising  the  parts.  In  either  of  these  locations 
ulceis  of  the  skin,  or  simple  abscesses,  if  not  properly  and  punctually 
treated,  may  become  fistulas.  They  are  often  caused  by  bad-fitting 
collars  or  saddles,  by  direct  injuries  from  blows,  and  from  the  horse 
rolling  upon  rough  or  sharp  stones.  The  })us  burrows  and  finds  lodg- 
ment deep  down  between  the  muscles,  and  escapes  only  when  the  sinus 
becomes  surcharged  or  when,  during  motion  of  the  parts,  the  matter 
is  forced  to  the  surface. 

Sij7nptoms. — These,  of  course,  will  vary  according  to  the  progress 
made  by  the  fistula.  Following  an  injury  we  may  often  notice  sore- 
ness or  stiffness  of  the  front  legs,  and  upon  careful  examination  of 
the  withers  we  see  small  tortuous  lines  running  from  the  point  of 
irritation  downward  and  backward  over  the  region  of  the  shoulder. 
These  are  superficial  lympthatics,  and  aie  swollen  and  painful  to  the 
touch.  In  a  day  or  two  a  swelling  is  noticed  on  one  or  both  sides  of 
tiie  dorsal  vertebra?,  which  is  hot,  painful,  and  rapidly  enlarging. 
The  stitTness  of  the  linil)s  may  disai)|H'ar  at  this  time,  and  the  heat 
aiul  soreness  of  the  parts  nuiy  become  less  noticeable,  but  the  swelling 
remains  and  continues  to  enlarge. 

A  fistulous  ulcer  of  the  poll  may  be  first  indicated  by  the  opposition 
which  the  animal  offers  to  the  application  of  stable  brush  or  bridle. 
At  this  time  the  parts  are  so  sore  and  sensitive  that  there  is  some 
danger  thiit  unless  handled  with  the  greatest  care  the  patient  will 
ac<iuire  disagreeable  stjible  habits.  The  di,sease  in  its  early  stages 
may  be  recognized  as  a  .soft,  fiuctuating  tumor  surrounded  by  inflam- 
matory swelling,  with  the  presence  of  enlarged  lymj)hatic  ve.s.sels  and 
stitfness  of  the  neck.    Later  the  inflammation  of  the  surrounding  tis- 


504  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

sues  may  disappear,  leaving  a  prominent  tumor.  The  srvelling, 
■whether  situated  upon  the  head  or  the  withers,  may  open  and  form  a 
running  ulcer,  or  its  contents  maj"  dry  up  and  leave  a  tumor  which 
gradually  develops  the  common  characteristics  of  a  fibrous  tumor. 
AVhen  the  enlargement  has  opened  we  should  carefully  examine  its 
cavity,  as  upon  its  condition  will  wholly  depend  our  treatment. 

Treatment. — In  the  earliest  stage,  when  there  is  soreness,  enlarged 
lymphatics,  but  no  well-marked  swelling,  the  trouble  may  frequently 
be  aborted.  To  do  this  requires  both  general  and  local  treatment. 
A  physic  should  be  given,  and  the  horse  receive  1  ounce  of  powdered 
saltpeter  three  times  a  day  in  his  water  or  feed.  If  the  fever  runs 
high,  20-drop  doses  of  tincture  of  aconite  root  every  two  hours  may 
be  administered.  The  local  application  of  cold  water  to  the  inflamed 
spot  for  an  hour  at  a  time  three  or  four  times  a  day  has  often  proved 
very  beneficial,  and  has  afforded  great  relief. 

Cooling  lotions,  muriate  of  ammonia,  or  saltj^seter  and  water;  seda- 
tive washes,  such  as  tincture  of  opium  and  aconite,  chloroform  lini- 
ment, or  camphorated  oil,  are  also  to  be  frequently  applied.  Should 
this  treatment  fail  to  check  the  progress  of  the  trouble,  the  formation 
of  pus  should  be  hastened  as  rapidly  as  possible.  Hot  fomentations 
and  poultices  are  to  be  constantly  used,  and  as  soon  as  the  presence  of 
pus  can  be  detected,  the  abscess  wall  is  to  be  opened  at  its  lowest  point. 
In  this  procedure  lies  our  hope  of  a  speedy  cure.  As  with  any  simple 
abscess,  if  drainage  can  be  so  provided  that  the  pus  will  run  off  as 
fast  as  formed  without  remaining  within  the  interstices  of  the  tissues, 
the  healing  w'ill  be  rapid  and  satisfactory. 

Attention  is  again  called  to  the  directions  given  above  as  to  the 
necessity  of  probing  the  cavit}^  when  opened.  If  upon  a  careful  ex- 
amination with  the  probe  we  find  that  there  are  no  pockets,  no  si- 
nuses, but  a  simple,  regidar  abscess  wall,  the  indication  for  treatment 
is  to  make  an  opening  from  below  so  that  all  the  matter  must  escape. 
Rarely  is  anything  more  needed  than  to  keep  the  orifice  open  and  to 
bathe  or  inject  the  parts  with  some  simple  antiseptic  wash  that  is  not 
irritant  or  caustic.  A  low  opening  and  cleanliness  constitute  the 
essential  and  rational  treatment. 

If  the  abscess  has  already  opened,  giving  vent  to  a  quantity  of 
purulent  matter,  and  the  pipes  and  tubes  leading  from  the  opening 
are  found  to  be  extensive  and  surrounded  with  thick  fungoid  mem- 
branes, there  is  considerable  danger  that  the  internal  ligaments  or 
even  some  of  the  bones  have  become  affected,  in  which  case  the  con- 
dition has  assumed  a  serious  aspect.  Or,  on  the  other  hand,  if  the 
abscess  has  existed  for  some  time  without  a  rupture,  its  contents  will 
frequently  be  found  to  consist  of  dried  purulent  matter,  firm  and 
dense,  and  the  walls  surrounding  the  mass  will  be  found  greatly 
thickened.     In  such  a  case  we  must  generally  have  recourse  to  the 


WOUNDS   AND   THEIR    TREATMENT.  505 

application  of  caustics  which  will  cause  a  sloujrhing  of  all  of  tlic 
unhealthy  tissue,  and  will  also  stimulate  a  rapid  increase  of  healtliy 
organized  material  to  replace  that  destroyed  in  the  course  of  the 
development  and  treatment  of  the  disease.  Threads  or  cords  soaked 
in  «^iim-arahic  solution  and  rolled  in  jiowdered  corrosive  sul)limate 
may  he  introduced  into  the  canal  and  allowed  to  remain.  The  skin 
on  all  jKuts  of  the  shouldei-  and  lep:  heneath  the  fistula  should  he 
carefully  <rreased  with  laid  or  oil,  as  this  will  prevent  the  discliarpc 
that  comes  from  the  opening;  after  the  caustic  is  introduced  from 
irritating  or  hlistering  the  skin  over  wliich  it  flows.  In  obstinate 
cases  a  piece  of  caustic  potash  (fused)  1  to  -I  inches  in  length  may 
be  introduced  into  the  opening  and  should  be  covered  with  oakinn  or 
cctton.  The  horse  should  then  be  secured  so  that  he  can  not  reach 
the  part  with  his  teeth.  Aftei-  the  caustic  ]ilug  lias  been  in  place  fni- 
24  hours,  it  may  be  removed  and  hot  fomentations  applied.  As  soon 
as  the  discharge  has  become  again  established  the  abscess  should  be 
opened  from  its  lowest  extremity,  and  the  passage  thus  formed  may 
be  kept  open  by  the  introduction  of  a  seton.  If  the  pipes  become 
established  in  the  deep  tissues  beneath  the  shoulder  blade  or  among 
the  spines  of  the  vertebral  column,  it  will  often  be  found  impossible 
to  provide  proper  drainage  for  the  abscess  from  below,  and  treat- 
ment must  consist  of  caustic  solutions  carefully  injected  into  all  parts 
of  the  suj^purating  sinu.ses.  A  very  effective  remedy  for  this  ])ur- 
pose  consists  of  1  ounce  of  chlorid  of  zinc  in  half  a  pint  of  water, 
injected  three  times  during  a  week,  after  Avhich  a  weak  solution  of 
the  same  may  be  occasionally  injected.  Injections  of  Villate's  solu- 
tion or  alcoholic  solution  of  corrosive  sublimate,  strong  carbolic  acid, 
or  possibly  nil  of  turpentine  will  also  prove  beneficial.  Pressure 
should  be  applied  from  below,  and  endeavors  made  to  heal  the  vari- 
ous pipes  from  the  bottom. 

Should  the  swelling  become  general,  without  forming  a  well-defined 
tumor,  the  placing  of  liO  to  30  grains  of  arsenious  aci<l,  wrapped  in  a 
single  layer  of  tissue  ]>aper,  in  a  shallow  incision  beneath  the  skin,  will 
often  produce  a  sloughing  of  the  aft'ected  parts  in  a  week  or  10  days, 
after  which  the  formation  of  healthy  ti.ssue  follows.  The  surround- 
ing parts  of  the  skin  should  be  protected  fiom  any  damage  from 
escaping  caustics  by  the  application  of  lard  or  oil,  as  previously 
fiugges-ted. 

Although  the  successful  treatment  of  fistidas  requires  time  and 
patience,  the  majority  of  cases  are  curable.  The  sinuses  must  he 
opened  at  their  lowe.st  extremity  and  kept  open.  Caustic  applications 
must  be  thoroughly  used  once  or  twice,  after  which  mild  astringent 
antiseptic  washes  shoidd  be  persist<'ntly  usi»d  until  a  cuie  is  reached. 

It  sometimes  happens  that  the  erosions  have  burrowed  so  deeply  or 
in  such  a  direction  that  the  opening  of  a  drainage  passage  becomes 


506  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

impracticable.  In  other  cases  the  bones  may  be  attacked  in  some  inac- 
cessible location,  or  the  joints  may  be  affected,  and  in  these  cases  it  is 
often  best  to  destro}^  the  horse  at  once. 

The  reappearance  of  the  fistula  after  it  has  apparently  healed  is  not 
uncommon.  The  secondary  attack  in  these  cases  is  seldom  serious. 
The  lesion  should  be  carefully  cleaned  and  afterwards  injected  with 
a  solution  of  zinc  sulphate,  20  grains  to  the  ounce  of  water,  every  sec- 
ond or  third  day  until  a  cure  is  effected. 

In  fistula  of  the  foot  we  see  the  same  tendency  toward  the  burrow- 
ing of  pus  downward  to  lower  structures,  or  in  some  cases  upward 
toward  the  coronet.  Prior  to  the  development  of  a  quittor  there  is 
always  swelling  at  the  coronet,  accomi:)anied  with  heat  and  pain. 
Every  effort  should  now  be  made  to  prevent  the  formation  of  an 
abscess  at  the  point  of  injury.  Wounds  caused  by  nails,  gravel,  or 
any  other  foreign  body  which  may  have  lodged  in  the  sole  of  the 
foot  should  be  opened  at  once  from  below,  so  as  to  allow  free  exit 
to  all  purulent  discharges.  Should  the  injury  have  occurred  directly 
to  the  coronet  the  application  of  cold  fomentations  may  prove  efficient 
in  preventing  the  formation  of  an  abscess. 

When  a  quittor  becomes  fully  established  it  should  be  treated  pre- 
ciselj'^  as  a  fistula  situated  in  any  other  part  of  the  body ;  that  is,  the 
sinuses  should  all  be  opened  from  their  lowest  extremities,  so  as  to 
afford  constant  drainage.  All  fragments  of  diseased  tissue  should  be 
trimmed  away,  antiseptic  solutions  injected,  and,  after  covering  the 
wound  with  a  pad  of  oakum  saturated  with  some  good  antiseptic 
wash,  the  whole  foot  may  be  carefully  covered  with  clean  bandages, 
which  will  afford  valuable  assistance  to  the  healing  process  by  exclud- 
ing all  dirt  from  the  affected  part. 

Another  form  of  treatment  for  this  class  of  infections  consists  in 
the  use  of  bacterial  vaccines.  Such  treatment  appears  to  be  well 
adapted  for  the  purpose,  and  according  to  current  veterinary  litera- 
ture has  met  with  success.  These  vaccines  are  composed  of  several 
strains  of  the  organisms  usually  found  in  these  pustular  infections 
of  the  horse.  Two  kinds  of  vaccines  are  used:  First,  autogenic  vac- 
cines, which  consist  of  heated  (killed)  cultures  of  the  organism  or 
organisms  which  are  causing  the  trouble  and  which  have  been  iso- 
lated from  the  lesions;  second,  stock  vaccines,  consisting  of  dead 
organisms  of  certain  species  generally  found  in  these  lesions  and 
which  are  used  in  diseased  conditions  caused  by  one  or  tlie  other  of 
these  germs.  The  vaccine  is  administered  subcutaneously  by  means 
of  a  syringe,  but  the  quantity  of  the  vaccine  to  be  injected  and  the 
!iumber  of  doses  to  be  used  should  be  left  to  the  judgment  of  a 
competent  veterinarian. 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES. 

By  llTsu  Smi'i'KN  Huiukkopkk,  M.  1>.,  Vet. 
[Kcvlsid  by  A.  Kichhoru,  1).  V.  S.] 

GENERAL  DISCUSSION. 

An  infectious  disease  may  be  defined  as  any  malady  caused  by  the 
introduction  into  the  body  of  minute  organisms  of  the  ve<retable  or 
animal  kingdom  ^vhich  have  the  i)ower  to  multiply  indelinitely  and 
set  free  certain  peculiar  poisons  which  are  chiefly  responsible  for  mor- 
bid changes.  Nearly  all  diseases  of  animals  for  which  a  definite 
cause  may  be  attributed  are  caused  by  bacteria ;  such  are  tuberculosis, 
anthrax,  blackleg,  lockjaw,  and  others.  There  are  some  diseases,  as, 
for  instance,  Texas  fever  and  rabies,  which  are  caused  by  a  minute 
aniuuil  parasite  known  as  protozoa,  while  others  again,  like  lumpy 
jaw  and  aspergillosis,  are  caused  by  fungi.  Besides  there  are  infec- 
tious diseases  in  which  the  causative  agents  have  never  been  success- 
fully isolated,  as  they  are  so  small  that  they  can  not  be  detected  by  the 
aid  of  the  most  powerful  microscope,  and  accordingly  they  are  termed 
as  ultravisible  viruses.  TTog  cholera,  foot-and-mouth  disease,  small- 
pox, and  others  belong  to  this  group. 

Bacteria  may  be  defined  as  very  minute  unicellular  organisms  of 
plantlike  character.  They  multiply  either  by  simple  division  or  by 
spore  formation,  the  latter  usually  taking  place  when  the  conditions 
p>ertaining  to  the  growth  of  the  bacteria  become  unfavorable.  The 
spores  are  much  more  resistant  to  destruction  than  the  bacteria  which 
produce  them. 

Another  group  of  parasites  producing  disease  is  known  as  protozoa. 
These  are  more  comj>lex  than  bacteiia,  and  their  artificial  cultivation 
is  also  much  more  dillicult  than  is  the  case  with  the  bacterial  parasites. 
Of  the  representatives  of  this  group,  causing  disease  in  animals,  are 
the  trypanosomes,  which  are  the  causative  factoi-s  of  dourine  and 
.surra,  and  the  piroplasma,  which  induce  Texas  fever  in  cattle  and 
malaria  or  biliary  fever  of  horses.  There  are  also  di.sease-producing 
fungi  which  are  responsible  for  certain  affections  in  horses;  among 
these  the  most  important  aie  mycotic  lyni|)h;mgitis,  or  sjiorotiMchosis, 
and  streptotrichosis. 

The  introduction  of  the  infection  may  take  place  in  various  ways. 
The  most  frequent  metliod  is  by  ingestion.    Further,  the  entrance  of 

507 


508  DISEASES   OF    THE    IIOBSE. 

the  germ?  may  occur  by  inhalation,  skin  abrasions,  wounds  of  any 
kind,  through  the  genital  organs,  and  at  tiniej>  also  through  the  milk 
ducts  of  the  t^ats.  As  a  general  rule  infectious  diseases  have  a  period 
of  incubation  which  comprises  the  time  elapsing  between  the  expos- 
ure to  the  infection  and  the  actual  appearance  of  the  disease.  This 
])eriod  varies  in  the  different  diseases. 

The  treatment  of  infectious  diseases  is,  as  a  rule,  imsatisfactory. 
When  the  symptoms  have  once  appeared  a  disease  is  liable  to  run  its 
coui"se  in  spite  of  ti'eatment,  and  if  it  is  one  from  which  animals 
usually  recover,  all  that  can  be  done  is  to  put  them  into  the  most 
favorable  surroundings.  Many  infectious  diseases  lead  sooner  or 
lat^r  to  death ;  treatment  is  useless  so  far  as  the  sick  animals  are  con- 
cerned, and  it  may  be  worse  than  useless  for  those  not  yet  affected. 
All  animals  suffering  with  infectious  diseases  are  more  or  loss  directly 
a  menace  to  all  others.  They  represent  for  the  time  being  manufac- 
tories of  disease  germs,  and  they  are  giving  them  off  more  or  less 
abundantly  during  the  period  of  disease.  They  may  infect  others 
directly  or  tliey  may  scatter  the  virus  about  and  the  surroundings 
may  become  the  future  source  of  infection. 

Therefore,  in  the  control  of  infectious  diseases  prevention  is  the 
most  important  procedure.  The  isolation  or  segregation  of  healthy 
animals  from  infected  ones  should  be  primarily  considered,  and  if  at 
any  time  an  animal  manifests  the  symptoms  of  an  infectious  disease 
it  is  essential  to  protect  the  others  from  such  a  source  of  danger.  In 
some  of  the  infectious  diseases  it  may  become  advisable  to  kill  the 
infected  animals  in  order  to  avoid  the  spread  of  the  disease.  This  is 
especially  important  in  diseases  which  are  slow  in  their  course,  such 
as  tuberculosis.  At  times  when  diseases  appear  in  a  coimtry  where 
they  have  not  been  prevalent  it  becomes  advisjible  and  necessiiry  to 
protect  the  healthy  herds  by  the  slaughter  of  all  the  infected  animals. 
Pursuance  of  this  policy  has  resulted  in  control  of  the  foot-and- 
mouth  disease,  and  has  proved  to  be  a  very  satisfactory  method  of 
eradication. 

DISINFECTION. 

Disinfection  is  a  very  important  phase  in  the  control  of  infectious 
disease.  This  consists  in  the  use  of  certain  subst^inces  which  possess 
the  power  to  destroy  bacteria  or  their  spores,  or  both.  The  cheapest 
and  most  available  for  animal  diseases  are  ordinary  freshly  slaked 
lime,  or  unslaked  lime  in  powder  form,  chlorid  of  lime,  crude  car- 
bolic acid,  corrosive  sublimate,  formalin,  formaldehyde,  gas,  cresol, 
etc. 

In  the  disinfection  of  stables  and  premises  it  is  essential  to  execute 
the  work  in  a  most  thorough  manner.  This  may  be  satisfactorily 
accomplished  by  carrying  out  the  following  directions : 


INFECTIOUS   DISKASES.  509 

1.  Sweep  ceilings,  side  walls,  stall  partitions,  flooi*s,  un<l  other 
surfaces  until  frt^}  from  cobwebs  and  dust. 

2.  Sn-iipe  away  all  aciMinuilation  of  liUii,  and  if  wcKxlwork  has  be- 
come dcray«'d,  porous,  or  absorbent,  it  should  be  removed,  burned, 
and  replaced  with  new  material. 

3.  If  floor  is  of  earth,  remove  1  inches  from  the  surface,  and  in 
places  stainetl  with  uritie  a  sullicient  de])th  .should  be  replaced  to  ex- 
pose fresh  earth.  All  earth  removed  should  be  rei)laced  with  earth 
from  an  unc(mtaminated  sotn-ce;  it  would  l)e  better  still  to  lay  a  new 
floor  of  concrete,  whi<-h  is  very  durable  an<l  easily  cleaned. 

4.  All  refuse  and  material  from  stable  and  barnyard  should  be 
removed  to  a  })lace  not  accessible  to  cattle  or  ho^s.  The  manure 
shouM  be  sjnead  on  fields  and  turned  under,  while  the  wood  should 
be  buraed. 

5.  The  entire  interior  of  tlie  stalile.  especially  the  feeding  troughs 
and  drains,  should  be  saturated  with  a  disinfectant,  as  li(pior  cresolis 
compositus  (U.  S.  P.),  or  carbolic  acid,  0  ounces  to  every  gallon  of 
water,  to  which  4  ounces  of  chloi'id  of  lime  should  be  added.  The 
best  method  of  ai)plying  the  disinfectant  and  the  lime  wash  is  by 
means  of  a  si:rong  sjjray  pump,  such  as  those  used  by  orchardists. 
This  metluxl  is  efficient  in  disinfection  against  most  of  the  contagious 
and  infectious  diseases  of  animals,  and  should  be  applied  innne- 
diately  following  any  outbreak,  and,  as  a  matter  of  precaution,  it 
may  be  used  onc-e  or  twice  yearly. 

0.  It  is  important  that  arrangements  be  made  to  admit  a  plen- 
tiful supply  of  sunlight  and  fresh  air  by  providing  an  ample  number 
of  windows,  thereby  eliminating  damj^ness,  bad  odor,  and  other  in- 
Banitary  conditions.     Ciood  drainage  is  also  very  nece.ssary. 

If  the  use  of  liquor  cresolis  compositus,  carbolic  acid,  or  other 
coal-tar  products  is  inadniissibU-  i)e<  au^e  of  the  readiness  with  which 
their  odor  is  imparted  to  milk  and  other  dairy  products,  bichlorid 
of  mercury  may  be  used  in  proportion  of  1  to  800,  or  1  pound  of 
biclil<»rid  to  100  gallons  of  water.  All  i)ortions  of  the  stable  soiled 
Avith  manure,  however,  should  first  be  thoroughly  scraped  and 
cleaned,  as  the  albmnin  contained  in  manure  would  otherwi.se  greatly 
dimini.sh  the  disinfecting  power  of  the  bichlorid.  Disinfection  with 
this  material  should  be  supervised  by  a  veterinarian  or  other  person 
trained  in  the  handling  of  poisonous  drugs  and  chemicals,  as  the 
bichlorid  is  a  powerful,  corrosive  poi.son.  The  mangers  and  the 
feed  boxes,  after  drying,  following  spraying  with  this  material, 
should  be  washed  out  with  hot  water,  as  cattle  are  especially  sus- 
ceptible to  merctirial  poisoning.  The  bichlorid  solution  should  be 
applied  by  means  of  a  spray  pump.  :i<  t«'<oiiin)ended  for  tlie  liquor 
cresolis  compositus. 


510  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

VACCINATION. 

In  recent  years  vaccination  for  the  prevention  of  certain  infectious 
diseases  has  been  successfully  developed,  and  without  a  doubt  the 
future  has  a  great  deal  in  store  for  this  phase  of  prevention.  At  the 
present  time  vaccination  has  been  found  effective  against  blackleg, 
hog  cholera,  anthrax,  lockjaw,  strangles,  rabies,  hemorrhagic  sep- 
ticemia, white  scours,  etc.  It  is  always  essential,  of  course,  that  the 
products  used  for  the  vaccination  be  pure  and  potent;  also  they 
should  be  employed  only  with  the  advice  of  competent  authorities 
and  with  proper  care.  The  biological  products  prepared  for  the 
cure  and  prevention  of  infections  are  prepared  by  manufacturers 
who,  in  order  to  conduct  an  interstate  business,  are  required  to 
obtain  a  license  from  the  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture 
for  the  manufacture  of  such  preparations. 

Since  July  1,  1913,  the  Department  of  Agriculture,  by  an  act  of 
Congress  of  March  4,  1913,  has  had  control  of  the  manufacture  of 
biological  products  for  the  treatment  of  domestic  animals.  The 
numerous  complaints  which  were  received  from  time  to  time  rela- 
tive to  the  impotency  of  some  of  the  preparations,  and  also  the  fact 
that  in  some  instances  the  use  of  the  products  were  directly  respon- 
sible in  causing  outbreaks  of  disease,  made  the  necessity  for  such 
control  obvious.  This  supervision  is  no  doubt  of  far-reaching  im- 
portance, as  it  assures  the  users  that  the  preparations  are  reliable. 

INFLUENZA. 

Synonyms. — Pinkeye,  typhoid  fever,  epizooty,  epiliippic  fever,  hepatic  fever, 
bilious  fever,  etc.;  fi^vre  typhoide,  grippe  (French)  ;  Pferdestaiipe  (German)  ; 
gastro-enteritis  of  Vatel  and  d'Arboval ;  febris  erysipelatodes,  Zundel ;  typhus 
of  Delafond. 

Definition. — The  term  influenza  is  applied  to  a  febrile,  contagious, 
infectious  disease  of  horses,  which  is  characterized  by  a  blood  infec- 
tion, with  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membranes,  which  frequently 
involves  the  lungs.  Inflammatory  complications  also  occur  in  the 
form  of  swellings  of  the  subcutis,  tendons,  and  tendinous  sheaths 
and  laminae  of  the  feet.  The  causative  agent  has  not  been  satis- 
factorily established.  One  attack  usually  protects  the  animal  from 
future  ones  of  the  same  disease,  but  not  always.  An  apparently  com- 
plete recovery  is  sometimes  followed  by  serious  sequelae  of  the  ner- 
vous and  blood-vessel  systems.  Under  certain  conditions  of  the  at- 
mosphere or  from  unknown  causes,  the  disease  is  .very  liable  to  as- 
sume an  epizootic  form,  with  tendency  to  complications  of  especial 
organs,  as,  at  one  period,  the  lungs,  at  another  the  intestines,  etc. 

The  first  description  of  influenza  is  given  by  Laurentius  Rusius 
in  1301,  when  it  spread  over  a  considerable  portion  of  Italy,  causing 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  511 

great  loss  among  tho  \v:n  horses  of  Rome  and  the  siiiTonntling  dis- 
trii't.  Later,  in  KIIS,  an  epizootic  of  tliis  disease  visited  (jlerniany 
and  spread  to  other  parts  of  Europe.  In  1711,  under  the  name  of 
"epidemica  e(|Uorum,"  it  foUowed  the  tracks  of  tlie  great  armies 
all  over  Europe,  causing  immense  losses  among  the  horses,  while 
rinderpest  was  scourging  the  cattle  of  the  same  regions.  The  two 
diseases  were  confounded  with  each  other,  and  were,  by  the  scien- 
tists of  the  day.  sui)posed  to  he  allied  to  the  typhus,  which  was  a 
plague  to  the  human  race  at  the  same  time.  We  find  the  first  advent 
of  this  disease  to  the  British  Islands  in  an  epizootic  among  the 
horses  of  London  and  tlie  southern  counties  of  Englaiul  in  1732, 
which  is  described  by  Gibson.  In  1758  Robert  Whytt  recounts  the 
devastation  of  the  horses  of  the  north  of  Scotland  from  the  same 
trouble.  Throughout  the  eighteenth  century  a  number  of  epizo- 
otics occurreil  in  Hanover  and  othei"  portions  of  (Jermany  and  in 
France,  which  were  renewed  early  in  the  present  century,  with 
comjilications  of  the  intestinal  tract,  which  obtained  for  it  its  name 
of  gastroenteritis.  In  17()G  it  first  attacked  the  horses  in  North 
America,  but  is  not  described  as  again  occurring  in  a  severe  form 
until  187()-1S7*J,  when  it  spread  over  the  entire  country,  from  Canada 
south  to  Ohio,  and  then  eastward  to  the  Atlantic  and  westward  to 
California.  It  is  now  a  permanent  disease  in  our  large  cities,  select- 
ing for  the  contiiHumce  of  its  virulence  young  or  especially  sus- 
ceptible horses  which  pass  through  the  large  and  ill-ventilated  and 
uncleaned  stables  of  dealers,  and  assumes  from  time  to  time  an  en- 
z(M)tic  form,  when  from  some  reason  its  virulence  increases.  It  as- 
sumes this  form  also  when,  from  reasons  of  rural  economy  and  com- 
merce, large  numbers  of  young  and  more  susceptible  animals  are  ex- 
posed to  its  contagion. 

Etiolor/y. — The  experiments  of  Dieckerhofi'  many  years  ago  provcil 
that  the  disease  may  be  transmitted  to  healthy  animals  by  intravenous 
injection  of  warm  blood  from  affected  hoises. 

Further  investigations  revealed  the  fact  that  blood  from  atfeited 
horses,  even  when  passed  through  porcelain  filters,  may  transmit 
the  disease,  thereby  proving  that  the  causative  agent  l)elongs  to  the 
so-called  filterable  viiuses.  This  has  been  further  substantiated  by 
(Jaffky,  who  showed  in  his  recent  experiments  that  the  disease  may  be 
transmitted  with  defibrinati-d  as  well  as  with  filtered  blood,  in  which 
cases  the  typical  form  of  influenza  developed  in  in<Hulated  aninuils 
in  from  five  to  six  days.  These  findings  were  also  .substantiated  by 
Basset.  Fuither  observations  have  also  proved  that  apparently  re- 
covered animals  may  harbor  the  infection  for  a  long  time  and  still  be 
capable  of  transmitting  the  disease.  Such  viiiis  carriei"s  are  no  doubt 
responsible  for  numerous  outbreaks  of  this  disease  when,  in  a  locality 


512  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

free  from  the  disease,  it  certainly  appears  after  the  introduction  of 
an  apparently  healthy  animal. 

As  one  attack  is  usually  self-protective,  numbers  of  old  horses, 
having  had  an  earlier  attack,  are  not  capable  of  contracting  it  again ; 
but,  aside  from  this,  yoimg  horses,  especially  those  about  four  or  five 
years  of  age,  are  much  more  predisposed  to  be  attacked,  while  the 
older  ones,  even  if  they  have  not  had  the  disease,  are  less  liable  to  it. 
Again,  the  former  age  is  that  in  which  the  horse  is  brought  from  the 
farm,  where  it  has  been  free  from  the  risk  of  exposure,  and  is  sold  to 
pass  through  the  stables  of  the  country  taverns,  the  dirty,  infected 
railway  cars,  and  the  foul  stockyards  and  damp  stables  of  dealers  in 
our  large  cities.  Overfed,  fat,  young  horses  w^hich  have  just  come 
through  the  sales  stables  are  much  more  susceptible  to  contagion  than 
the  same  horses  are  after  a  few  months  of  steady  work. 

Pilger,  in  1805,  was  the  first  to  recognize  infection  as  the  direct 
cause  of  the  disease.  Roll  and  others  studied  the  contagiousness  of 
influenza,  and,  finding  it  so  much  more  virulent  and  permanent  in 
old  stables  than  elsewhere,  classed  it  as  a  "  stall  miasm."  The  con- 
tagion will  remain  in  the  straw  bedding  and  droppings  of  the  animal 
and  in  the  feed  in  an  infected  stable  for  a  considerable  time  and  if 
these  are  removed  to  other  localities  it  may  be  carried  in  them.  It 
may  be  carried  in  the  clothing  of  those  who  have  been  in  attendance 
on  horses  suffering  from  the  disease.  The  drinking  water  in  troughs 
and  even  running  water  may  hold  the  virus  and  be  a  means  of  its 
communication  to  other  animals,  even  at  a  distance. 

The  studies  of  Dieckerhoff,  in  1881,  in  regard  to  the  contagion  of 
influenza  were  especially  interesting.  He  found  that  during  a  local 
enzootic,  produced  b}'^  the  introduction  of  infected  horses  into  an 
extensive*  stable  otherwise  perfectly  healthy,  the  infection  took  place 
in  what  at  first  seemed  to  be  a  most  irregular  manner,  but  which  was 
shown  later  to  be  dependent  on  the  ventilation  and  currents  of  air 
through  the  various  buildings.  His  experiments  showed  that  the 
virus  of  influenza  is  excessively  diffusible,  and  that  it  will  spread 
rapidly  to  the  roof  of  a  building  and  pass  by  the  apertures  of  ventila- 
tion to  others  in  the  neighborhood.  The  writer  has  seen  cases  that 
have  appeared  to  spread  through  a  brick  wall  and  attack  animals 
on  the  opposite  side  before  others  even  in  the  same  stable  were 
affected.  Brick  walls,  old  woodwork,  and  the  dirt  which  is  too  fre- 
quently left  about  the  feed  boxes  of  a  horse  stall  will  hold  the  con- 
tagion for  several  days,  if  not  weeks,  and  communicate  it  to  sus- 
ceptible animals  when  placed  in  the  same  locality.  On  two  succes- 
sive mornings  a  4-year-old  colt  belonging  to  the  writer  stood  for 
about  10  minutes  at  the  open  door,  fully  40  feet  from  the  stalls,  of  a 


INFECTIOUS    DISKASKS.  513 

stable  in  -which  two  cases  of  influenza  had  hiokon  out  the  (lav  before: 
ill  six  (lays  the  coU  developed  the  disease.  On  the  nioi-ning  when  the 
trouble  in  the  colt  was  reco^Miized  it  st(M)d  in  an  infirniarv  with  a 
dozen  horses  that  were  l)eiii<j:  treated  for  \arious  diseases,  l)nt  was 
innnediately  isohded:  within  <tiie  week  two-thirds  of  tho  other  lioi-ses 
had  contracted  the  disease. 

Sijniptoms. — After  the  exposure  of  a  susceptible  hor.se  to  infection 
a  period  of  incubation  of  from  four  to  .seven  days  ehipses.  duiinp 
which  the  animal  seems  in  i)erfect  health,  before  any  symptom  is 
visible.  AVhen  the  symptoms  of  influenza  develop  they  may  be  in- 
tense, or  so  moderate  as  to  occasion  but  little  alarm,  but  the  latter 
condition  fre(iuently  exposes  the  animal  to  use  and  to  the  dan<rer  of 
the  exciting  causes  of  complications  which  would  not  have  hai)pened 
had  it  l)een  left  (piietly  in  its  stall  in  j)la(e  of  being  woi-ked  or  dri\ en 
out  to  show  to  prospective  purchasers.  The  disea.se  may  run  a 
simple  course  as  a  specific  fever,  with  alterations  only  of  the  blood, 
or  at  any  period  it  may  become  complicated  by  local  inflammatory 
troubles,  the  gravity  of  which  is  augmented  by  developing  in  an 
animal  with  an  impoverished  blcK)d,  an  already  irritated,  rapid  cir- 
culation, and  defective  nutritive  and  rei)arative  functions. 

The  first  symptoms  are  those  of  a  rapidly  developing  fever,  whidi 
l)ecomes  intense  within  a  very  short  period.  The  animal  becomes 
dejected  and  inattentive  to  surrounding  objects;  .stands  with  its  head 
down,  and  not  back  on  the  halter  as  in  serious  lung  di.seases.  In 
the  flanks,  the  nm.scles  of  the  croup  and  of  the  shoulders,  or  of 
the  entire  body  it  has  chills  lasting  from  15  to  30  minutes,  and 
frequently  a  grinding  of  the  teeth  which  warns  one  that  a  severe 
attack  may  be  expected.  The  hairs  Ix'come  dry  and  rough  and  stand 
on  end.  The  body  t<?mperature  increases  to  104°,  104.;")°,  and  105°  F., 
or  even  in  severe  cases  to  107°  F.,  within  the  first  twelve  or  eighteen 
houi-s.  The  horse  becomes  stupi(l,  .stands  immoljile  with  its  head 
hanging,  the  ears  li.stless,  and  it  pays  but  little  attention  to  the  sur- 
rounding attendants  or  the  crack  of  a  whip.  The  .stupor  becom(\s 
rapidly  more  marked,  the  eyes  become  pufl'y  and  swollen  with  ex- 
cessive lacrimation.  so  that  the  tears  run  from  tlie  internal  canthus 
of  the  eye  over  the  cheeks  and  may  blister  the  skin  in  their  course. 
The  respiration  becomes  accelerated  to  'lU  or  .'{()  in  a  minute,  and  the 
l)ulse  is  (|uickened  to  70,  80,  or  even  100,  moderate  in  volume  and  in 
force.  There  is  great  depression  of  muscular  force:  the  animal  stands 
limp,  as  if  excessively  fatigued.  There  is  diminution,  or  in  some 
cases  total  lo.ss,  of  sensibility  of  the  skin,  so  that  it  may  he  pricked 
or  handled  withotit  atti-acting  the  attenticm  of  the  animal.  On  move- 
ment, the  horse  staggers  an<l  shows  a  want  of  coordination  of  all  the 
muscles  of  its  limbs.  The  senses  of  hearing,  sight,  and  taste  are 
36444°— Iti 33 


514  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOBSE. 

diminished,  if  not  entirely  destroyed.  The  visible  mucous  membranes 
(as  the  conjunctiva),  from  which  it  received  the  name  pinkeye,  and 
the  mouth,  and  the  natural  openings  become  of  a  deep  saffron,  ocher, 
or  violet-red  color.  This  latter  is  especially  noticeable  on  the  rim 
of  the  gums  and  is  a  condition  not  found  in  any  other  disease,  so  that 
it  is  an  almost  diagnostic  symptom.  In  some  outbreaks  there  is  much 
more  swelling  of  the  lids  and  weeping  from  the  eyes  than  in  others. 
If  the  animal  is  bled  at  this  period  the  blood  is  found  more  coagulable 
than  normal,  but  at  a  later  period  it  becomes  of  a  dark  color  and  less 
coagulable.  There  is  great  diminution  or  total  loss  of  appetite,  with 
an  excessive  thirst,  but  in  many  cases  cold-blooded  horses  may  retain 
a  certain  amount  of  appetite,  eating  slowly  at  hay,  oats,  or  other 
feed.  There  is  some  irritation  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the 
respiratory  tract,  as  shown  by  discharge  of  mucus  from  the  nose,  and 
by  cough.    Pregnant  mares  are  liable  to  abort. 

We  have,  following  the  fever,  a  tumefaction,  or  edema,  of  the  sub- 
cutaneous tissues  at  the  fetlocks,  of  the  under  surface  of  the  belly, 
and  of  the  sheath  of  the  penis,  which  may  be  excessive.  The  infiltra- 
tion is  noninflammatory  in  character  and  produces  an  insensibility 
of  the  skin  like  the  excessive  stocking  which  we  see  in  debilitated 
animals  after  exposure  to  cold.  In  ordinary  cases  the  temperature 
has  reached  its  maximum  of  105°  or  106°  F.  in  from  24  to  48  hours 
from  the  origin  of  the  fever.  It  remains  stationary  for  a  period  of 
from  3  to  4  days  without  so  much  variation  between  morning  and 
evening  temperature  as  we  have  in  pneumonia  or  other  serious 
diseases  of  the  lungs.  At  the  termination  of  the  specific  course  of 
the  disease,  which  is  generally  from  6  to  10  days,  the  fever  abates, 
the  swelling  of  the  legs  and  under  surface  of  belly  diminishes,  the  ap- 
petite returns,  the  strength  is  rapidly  regained,  the  mucous  mem- 
branes lose  their  yellowish  color,  which  they  attain  so  rapidly  at  the 
commencement  of  the  disease,  and  the  animal  convalesces  promptly 
to  its  ordinary  good  condition  and  health,  and  rapidly  regains  the 
large  amount  of  weight  which  it  lost  in  the  early  part  of  the  disease, 
a  loss"  which  frequently  reaches  30,  50,  or  even  75  pounds  each  24 
hours.  For  the  first  three  days  of  the  high  temperature  there  is 
a  great  tendency  to  constipation,  which  should  be  avoided  if  possible 
by  the  use  of  the  means  recommended  below,  for,  if  it  has  been 
marked,  it  may  be  followed  by  a  troublesome  diarrhea. 

TerTTiinations. — The  terminations  of  simple  influenza  may  be  death 
by  extreme  fever,  with  failure  of  the  heart's  action;  from  excessive 
coma,  due  generally  to  a  rapid  congestion  of  the  brain ;  to  the  poison- 
ous effects  of  the  debris  of  the  disintegrated  blood  corpuscles  and  the 
toxin  of  the  disease;  to  an  asphyxia,  following  congestion  of  the 
lungs ;  or  the  disease  terminates  by  subsidence  of  the  fever,  return  of 
the  appetite  and  nutritive  functions  of  the  organs,  and  rapid  con- 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  515 

valesceiioe;  or,  in  an  iinfoitunately  Uiv^e  iiiiniber  of  cases,  the  course 
of  tlie  disease  is  coniplicaUHl  l)y  local  inllaininatorv  trouhles,  whoso 
gravity  is  greater  in  inlhuMiza  than  it  is  when  they  occur  as  sporadic 
diseases. 

(^<>m.j>l!cafio/us-. — The  complications  are  congestions,  followed  by 
inflaniniatory  phenomena  in  the  various  organs  of  the  body,  but  they 
are  most  commonly  located  in  the  intestines,  lungs,  brain,  or  vascular 
lamina*  of  the  feet.  Atmospheric  influence  or  other  surrounding 
influences  of  miknown  (juality  seem  to  be  an  important  factor  in  the 
determination  of  the  local  lesions.  At  certain  seasons  of  the  year, 
and  in  certain  epizootics,  we  find  40  and  50  per  cent  or  even  a  greater 
I)ercentage  of  the  cases  lendered  more  serious  by  complication  of  the 
intestines;  at  other  seasons  of  the  year,  or  in  other  epizootics,  we  find 
the  same  percentage  of  cases  complicated  by  infianmiation  of  the 
lungs,  while  at  the  same  time  a  small  j^eicentage  of  them  are  com- 
plicated by  troubles  of  the  other  organs;  inilammatory  changes  of 
the  brain,  of  the  lamina',  more  rarely  commence  in  epizootic  form, 
but  are  to  be  found  in  a  certain  small  percentage  of  cases  in  all 
epizootics. 

Exciting  causes  are  important  factors  in  complicating  individual 
cases  of  influenza,  or  in  localizing  special  lesions,  during  either  enzo- 
otics or  epizootics.  These  exciting  or  determining  causes  act  much 
as  they  would  in  sporadic  inflammatory  diseases,  but  in  this  case  we 
find  the  animal  much  more  susceptible  and  predisposed  to  be  acted 
upon  than  ordinaiy  healthy  animals.  With  a  temj)erature  already 
elevated,  with  the  heart's  action  driving  the  blood  in  increased 
quantity  into  the  distended  bl(X)d  vessels,  which  become  dilated  and 
lose  their  contractility,  with  a  congesticm  of  all  the  vastailar  organs 
already  established,  it  takes  but  little  additional  irritation  to  carry 
the  congestion  one  step  further  and  produce  inflammation. 

Conipliratioii  of  th'  hitcsthiifi. — When  any  cause  acts  as  an  irri- 
tant to  the  intestinal  tract  during  the  course  of  this  specific  fever  it 
may  produce  inflammation  of  the  organs  belonging  to  it.  This  cause 
may  be  constipation,  wjiieh  can  lintl  lelief  onl\  in  a  congestion  which 
offei-s  to  increase  the  function  of  the  glands  and  relieve  the  inertia 
caused  by  a  tem]>orary  cessation  of  activity;  oi-  iiritant  medicines, 
especially  any  increa.sed  use  of  antimony,  turi>entine.  or  the  more 
active  remedies;  the  talking  f)f  indige.stible  feed,  or  of  feed  in  too 
great  (|Uaiitities.  or  that  has  been  altered  in  any  way  by  fungus  or 
other  injui  ious  alterations;  the  swallowing  of  too  cold  water:  or  any 
other  irritant  may  cause  congestion.  This  complication  is  u.shered 
in  l)y  colics.  The  animal  |)aw>  with  the  fore  feet  and  evinces  a  gieat 
sensibility  of  the  belly;  it  looks  with  the  head  from  si<le  to  side,  and 
may  lie  down  and  get  up,  not  with  violence,  but  with  care  for  itself, 
I>erfectly  protecting  the  surface  of  the  belly  from  any  violence.     At 


516  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE, 

first  we  find  a  decided  constipation;  the  droppings  if  passed  are 
small  and  hard,  coated  with  a  viscous  varnish  or  even  with  false 
membranes.  In  from  36  to  40  hours  the  constipation  is  followed 
bv  diarrhea.  The  alimentary  discharge  becomes  mixed  with  a  sero- 
mucous  exudation,  which  is  followed  by  a  certain  amount  of  sup- 
purative matter.  The  animal  becomes  rapidly  exhausted  and  un- 
stable, staggers  on  movement,  losing  the  little  appetite  which  may 
have  remained,  and  has  exacerbations  of  fever.  The  pulse  becomes 
softer  and  weaker,  the  respiration  becomes  gradually  more  rapid, 
the  temperature  is  about  1°  to  1.5°  F.  higher.  If  a  fatal  result  is 
not  produced  by  the  extensive  diarrhea  the  discharge  is  arrested  in 
from  5  to  10  days  and  a  rapid  recovery  takes  place. 

Compllcat'on  of  the  lungs. — If  at  any  time  during  the  course  of  the 
fever  the  animal  is  exposed  to  cold  or  drafts  of  air,  or  in  any  other 
way  to  the  causes  of  repercussion,  the  lungs  ma}'  become  affected.  In 
the  majority  of  cases,  however,  after  three,  four,  or  five  days  of  the 
fever,  congestion  of  the  lungs  commences  without  any  exposure  or 
apparent  exciting  cause.  Unless  this  congestion  of  the  lungs  is 
soon  relieved  it  is  followed  hj  an  inflammation  constituting  pneumo- 
nia. This  pneumonia,  while  it  is  in  its  essence  the  same,  differs  from 
an  ordinary  pneumonia  at  the  commencement  by  an  insidious  course. 
The  animal  commences  to  breathe  heavily,  which  is  distinctly  visible 
in  the  heaving  of  the  flanks,  the  dilatation  of  the  nostrils,  and  fre- 
fjuently  in  the  swaying  movement  of  the  unsteady  body.  The  res- 
pirations increase  in  number,  what  little  appetite  remained  is  lost, 
the  temperature  increases  from  1°  to  2°,  the  pulse  becomes  more 
rapid,  and  at  time^,  for  a  short  period,  more  tense  and  full,  but  the 
previous  poisoning  of  the  specific  disease  has  so  weakened  the  tissues 
that  it  never  becomes  the  characteristic  full,  tense  pulse  of  a  simple 
pneumonia. 

On  percussion  of  the  chest  dullness  is  found  over  the  inflamed 
areas;  on  auscultation  at  the  base  of  the  neck  over  the  trachea  a  tubu- 
lar murmur  is  heard.  The  crepitant  rales  and  tubular  murmurs  of 
pneumonia  are  heard  on  the  sides  of  the  chest  if  the  pneumonia  is 
peripheral,  but  in  pneumonia  complicating  influenza  the  inflamed 
portions  are  frequently  disseminated  in  islands  of  variable  size  and 
are  sometimes  deep-seated,  in  which  case  the  characteristic  auscultory 
symptoms  are  sometimes  wanting.  From  this  time  on  the  sjnnptoms 
of  the  animal  are  those  of  an  ordinary  grave  pneumonia,  rendered 
more  severe  by  occurring  in  a  debilitated  animal.  The  cough  is  at 
first  hacky  and  aborted;  later,  more  full  and  moist.  There  is  dis- 
charge from  the  nostrils,  which  may  be  mucopurulent,  purulent,  or 
hemorrhagic.  As  in  simple  pneumonia,  in  the  outset  this  discharge 
may  be  "  rusty,"  owing  to  capillary  hemorrhages.     We  find  that  the 


IXFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  517 

1»1o(m1  is  thoioiiofhly  inixctl  w  ith  tha  matter,  staining  it  evenly,  instead 
of  lKMn<r  mixed  with  it  in  tlu'  lOi  in  of  dots.  At  the  coimnenceinoiit  of 
the  eoiuplicatioii  the  animal  may  he  sul)ject  to  rhills,  which  may 
a^rain  occur  in  the  course  of  the  disease,  in  which  case,  if  severe,  ap 
unfavorahle  teiinination  by  <j:an<rrene  may  he  h)oked  for.  If  jran- 
*ri"ene  occui-s  it  is  shown  hy  preliminary  chills,  a  rapid  elevation  of 
temperature,  a  tumnltuo\is  heart,  a  flaky  discharpfe  from  the  nostrils, 
and  a  fetid  hreath:  the  sym]»t()ms  are  identical  with  tlu^se  which 
occur  in  fjaiifjrene  complicatinjjj  other  diseases. 

I'om.plirafhn  of  the  hraln. — At  any  time  dnrino:  the  course  of  the 
disease  conjrestion  of  the  biain  may  occur;  at  an  early  period  if  the 
fever  has  heen  intense  from  the  outset,  l)ut  in  ordinary  cases  more 
fre(|uently  :ifier  three  or  four  days.  The  animal,  which  has  heen 
stupid  and  immoKile.  hecomes  suddenly  restless,  walks  foi-ward  in 
the  stall  until  it  fastens  its  head  in  the  corner.  If  in  a  box  stall  and 
it  becomes  displaced  from  its  position,  it  follows  the  wall  with  the 
nose  and  eyes,  rubbinuf  it  alonp:  until  it  i-eaches  the  coi'nei*  and  ajxain 
fastens  itself.  It  may  become  more  violent  and  rear  and  jilunj^e.  If 
disturbed  by  the  entrance  of  the  attendant  or  any  loud  noise  or 
brifrht  lifrht,  it  will  stamp  with  its  fore  feet  and  strike  with  its  hind 
feet,  but  is  not  definite  in  lixin*;  the  object  which  it  is  resisting;, 
which  is  a  diagnostic  point  between  meningitis  and  rabies  and  which 
renders  the  animal  with  the  foi'mer  disease  less  dangerous  to  handle. 
If  fastened  by  a  rope  to  a  stake  or  })Ost,  the  animal  will  wandei'  in  a 
circle  at  the  end  of  the  rope.  It  wanders  almost  invariably  in  one 
dii'ection.  The  puj^ils  may  be  dilated  or  conti-acted.  or  we  may  lind 
one  condition  in  one  eye  and  the  oi>posite  in  the  other. 

The  period  of  excitement  is  followed  by  one  of  profound  coma,  in 
which  the  animal  is  immobile,  the  head  hanging  and  ]ilace<l  ngainst 
the  corner  of  the  stall,  the  body  limji,  and  the  motion,  if  demanded  of 
the  animal,  unsteady.  Little  or  no  attention  is  paid  to  the  sur- 
i-ounding  noises,  the  crack  of  a  whij^.  or-  even  a  blow  on  the  surface 
of  the  body.  The  respiration  becomes  slower,  the  pulsations  are 
diminished,  the  coma  lasts  for  variable  time,  to  be  followed  i)y 
excesses  of  violence,  after  which  the  two  alternate,  but  if  sev<'re  the 
period  of  coma  becomes  longer  and  longer  until  tiie  animal  dies  of 
spasms  of  the  lungs  or  of  heart  failuie.  It  may  die  from  injuries 
which  occur  in  the  ungovernable  attacks  of  violence. 

Compltciit'ioiY  of  tlw  feet. — The  feet  are  the  organs  wjiich  are  next 
in  frequency  predisposed  to  congestion.  This  congestion  takes  place 
in  the  lamina>  (podophyllou-;  sti-uctures)  of  the  feet.  The  stupefied 
animal  is  roused  from  its  condition  by  excessive  pain  in  the  feet  an<l 
assumes  the  position  of  a  foundered  horse:  that  is.  if  the  fore  feet 
alone  are  affected,  thev  are  carried  forward  until  thev  rest   on  the 


518  DISEASES   OF   THE   HOESE. 

heels;  and  if  the  hind  feet  are  affected,  all  the  feet  are  carried  for- 
ward, resting  on  their  heels,  the  hind  ones  as  near  the  center  of 
gravity  as  possible.  In  some  cases  the  stupor  of  the  animal  is  so 
great  that  the  pain  is  not  felt,  and  little  or  no  change  of  the  position 
of  the  animal  is  noticeable.  The  foot  is  found  hot  to  the  touch,  and 
after  a  given  time  the  depressed  convex  sole  of  typical  founder  is 
recognized. 

Pleurisy. — This  is  a  rare  complication,  but  when  it  does  occur  it  is 
ushered  in  by  the  usual  symptoms  of  depression,  rapid  pulse,  small 
respii'ation,  elevation  of  the  temperature,  subcutaneous  edema  of  the 
legs  and  under  surface  of  the  belly,  and  we  find  a  line  of  dullness  on 
either  side  of  the  chest  and  an  abscess  of  respiratory  murmur  at  the 
lower  part.  If  it  is  severe,  there  may  be  an  effusion  filling  one- 
fourth  to  one-third  of  the  thoracic  cavity  in  from  36  to  48  hours. 

Pericarditis  is  an  occasional  complication  of  influenza.  It  is  ush- 
ered in  by  chills,  elevation  of  the  temperature;  the  pulse  becomes 
rapid,  thready,  and  imperceptible.  The  heart  murmurs  become  in- 
distinct or  can  not  be  heard.  A  venous  pulse  is  seen  on  the  line  of 
the  jugular  veins  along  the  neck.  Respiration  becomes  more  difficult 
and  rapid.  If  the  animal  is  moved  the  symptoms  become  more 
marked  or  it  may  drop  suddenly  dead  from  heart  failure. 

Peritonitis^  or  inflammation  of  the  membranes  lining  the  belly 
and  covering  the  organs  contained  in  it,  sometimes  takes  place.  The 
general  symptoms  are  similar  to  those  of  a  commencing  pericarditis. 
The  local  symptoms  are  those  of  pain,  especially  to  pressure  on  side 
of  the  flanks  and  belly,  distention  of  the  latter,  and  sometimes  the 
formation  of  flatus,  or  gas,  and  constipation. 

Other  occasional  complications  are  nephritis,  hepatitis,  inflamma- 
tion of  the  flexor  tendons  and  rupture  of  them,  and  abscesses. 

Diagnosis. — The  diagnosis  of  influenza  is  based  upon  continued 
fever,  with  great  depression  and  symptoms  of  stupor  and  coma ;  the 
rapidly  developing,  dark-saffron,  ocher,  yellowish  discoloration  of 
the  mucous  membranes,  swelling  of  the  legs  and  soft  tissues  of  the 
genitals.  "When  these  sj'mptoms  have  become  manifested  the  diag- 
nosis of  a  local  complication  is  based  upon  the  same  symptoms  that 
are  produced  in  the  local  diseases  from  other  causes,  but  in  influenza 
the  local  symptoms  are  frequently  masked  or  even  entirely  hidden 
by  the  intense  stupor  of  the  animal,  which  renders  it  insensible  to 
pain.  The  evidence  of  colic  and  congestion,  which  is  followed  by 
diarrhea,  indicates  enteritis.  The  rapid  breathing  or  difficulty  of 
respiration  points  to  a  complication  of  the  lungs,  but,  as  we  have 
seen  in  the  study  of  the  symptoms,  the  local  evidences  of  lung  lesions 
are  frequently  hidden.  Again,  we  have  seen  that  inflammation  of 
the  feet,  or  founder,  complicating  influenza  is  frequently  not  shown 
on  account  of  the  insensibility  to  pain  on  the  part  of  the  animal. 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  519 

which  iudicates  the  importance  of  nmninj?  the  hand  daily  over 
the  hoofs  to  detect  any  sudden  ele\ati()n  of  temperature  on  theii* 
surface. 

The  diafjnosis  of  hrain  trouble  is  based  upon  tlie  excessive  violence 
which  occuis  in  the  course  of  the  disease,  for  durin<»;  the  intei'vening 
period  or  coma  there  is  no  means  of  determinin«^  that  it  is  ilue  to  this 
complication.  Severe  cases  of  influenza  may  simulate  anthrax  in  the 
horse.  In  both  we  have  stupor,  the  intense  coloiation  of  the  mucous 
membranes  of  the  eyes,  anil  a  cei'tain  amount  of  swelling  of  the  legs 
and  under  surface  of  the  belly.  The  diagnosis  here  can  be  made 
only  by  microscopic  examination  of  the  bltuxl.  In  sti'angles,  e(|uino 
\ariola,  and  scalma  we  have  an  intens<.'ly  red,  rosy  coloration  of  the 
mucous  meml>ranes,  full,  tense  pulse,  and  although  in  these  diseases 
we  may  have  dei)re^sion,  we  do  not  have  the  stupor  and  coma  ex- 
cept in  severe  cases  which  have  lasted  for  several  days.  In  influenza 
we  have  no  evidence  of  the  formation  of  pus  on  the  mucous  mem- 
branes as  in  the  other  diseases,  except  sometimes  in  the  conjunctiva'. 

In  severe  pneumonia  (lung  fever)  we  may  fnid  ])rofound  coma, 
dark-yellowish  coloration  of  the  mucous  membranes,  and  swelling  of 
the  under  surface  t)f  the  belly  and  legs;  but  in  pneumonia  we  have  the 
history  of  the  dilliculty  of  breathing  and  an  acute  fever  of  a  sthenic 
type  from  the  outset,  and  the  other  symptoms  do  not  occur  for  sev- 
eral days,  while  in  influenza  we  have  the  history  of  characteristic 
symjitoms  for  several  da3's  before  the  rapid  breathing  and  dilliculty 
of  respiration  indicate  the  appearance  of  the  complication.  Without 
the  history  it  is  freipiently  difhcult  to  diagnose  a  case  of  influenza  of 
several  days'  standing,  complicated  by  pneumonia,  from  a  case  of 
severe  pneumonia  of  five  or  six  days'  standing,  but  fi"om  a  prognostic 
j)oint  of  view  it  is  inunaterial,  as  the  treatment  of  both  are  identical. 
The  fact  that  other  horses  in  the  same  stable  or  neighborhood  have 
influenza  may  aid  in  the  diagnosis. 

Vrofjiwxh. — Influenza  is  a  serious  disease  chielly  on  account  of  its 
numerous  complications.  Uncomplicated  influenza  is  a  compara- 
tively simple  malady,  and  is  fatjil  in  but  1  to  5  per  cent  of  all  cases. 
In  some  outbreaks,  however,  complications  of  one  kind  or  another 
preponderate;  in  such  instances  the  rate  of  mortality  is  much  in- 
creased. 

AlteratUnm. — The  chief  alteration  of  influenza  (K'curs  in  the  diges- 
tive tract,  and  ctmsists  in  hyperemia,  infiltration,  and  swelling  of  the 
mucous  membrane,  and  especially  of  the  Peyer's  [)atches  near  the 
ileocecal  valve.  The  tissues  throughout  the  Ixxly  are  fouml  stained, 
and  of  a  more  or  less  yellowish  hue.  There  is  always  foimd  a  con- 
gested condition  of  all  the  organs,  muscles,  and  interstitial  ti.ssues  of 
the  l»ody.  The  coverings  of  the  brain  and  spinal  cord  partake  in 
the  congested  and  discolored  condition  of  the  rest  of  the  tissues. 


520  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOBSE. 

Other  alterations  are  dependent  entirely  upon  the  complications. 
If  the  lungs  have  been  affected,  we  find  effusions  identical  in  their 
intimate  nature  with  those  of  simple  pneumonia,  but  they  differ 
somewhat  in  their  general  appearance  in  not  being  so  circumscribed 
in  their  area  of  invasion.  The  alterations  of  meningitis  and  lami- 
nitis  are  identical  with  those  of  sporadic  cases  of  founder  and  inflam- 
mation of  the  brain. 

TreattYbent. — While  the  appetite  remains  the  patient  should  have  a 
moderate  quantity  of  sound  hay,  good  oats,  and  bran;  or  even  a  little 
fresh  clover,  if  obtainable,  can  be  given  in  small  quantities.  It  is 
not  so  imjoortant  that  a  special  diet  shall  be  observed  as  that  the 
horse  shall  eat  a  moderate  quantity  of  nourishing  feed,  and  he  may 
be  tempted  with  any  feed  of  good  quality  that  he  relishes.  He 
should  be  placed  in  a  well-ventilated  box  stall  away  from  other 
horses.  Grass,  roots,  apples,  and  milk  may  be  offered  and,  if  relished, 
allowed  freely.  To  reduce  the  temperature  the  safest  simple  plan 
is  to  inject  large  quantities  of  cold  water  into  the  rectum.  Antipy- 
rene  may  be  used  with  alcohol  or  strychnia.  Derivatives  in  the  form 
of  essential  oils  and  mustard  poultices,  baths  of  alcohol,  turpentine, 
and  hot  water,  after  which  the  animal  must  be  immediately  dried  and 
blanketed,  serve  to  waken  the  animal  from  the  stupor  and  relieve 
the  congestion  of  the  internal  organs.  This  treatment  is  especially 
indicated  when  complication  by  congestion  of  the  lungs,  intestines,, 
or  of  the  brain  is  threatened.  Quinin  and  salicylic  acid  in  1-dram 
doses  will  lower  the  temperature-,  but  too  continuous  use  of  the  for- 
mer in  some  cases  increases  the  depression.  lodid  of  potash  reduces 
the  excessive  nutrition  of  the  congested  organs  and  thereby  reduces 
the  temperature;  again,  this  drug  in  moderate  quantities  is  a  stimu- 
lant to  the  digestive  tract  and  acts  as  a  diuretic,  causing  the  elimina- 
tion of  Avaste  matter  by  the  kidneys.  Small  doses  of  Glauber's 
salt  and  bicarbonate  of  soda,  used  from  the  outset,  stimulate  the 
digestive  tract  and  prevent  constipation  and  its  evil  results. 

In  cases  of  severe  depression  and  weakness  of  the  heart  digitalis 
can  be  used  with  advantage.  At  the  end  of  the  fever,  and  when 
convalescence  is  established,  alcohol  in  one-half  pint  doses  and  good 
ale  in  1-pint  doses  may  be  given  as  stimulants.  To  these  may  be 
added  Idram  doses  of  turpentine. 

In  complications  of  the  intestines  camphor  and  asafetida  are  most 
frequently  used  to  relieve  the  pain  causing  the  colics;  diarrhea  is 
also  relieved  by  the  use  of  bicarbonate  of  soda,  nitrate  of  potash, 
and  drinks  made  from  boiled  rice  or  starch,  to  which  may  be  added 
small  doses  of  laudanum. 

In  complication  of  the  lungs  iodic!  of  potash  and  digitalis  are 
most  frequently  indicated,  in  addition  to  the  remedies  used  for  the 
disease  itself. 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  521 

Founder  occurring  as  a  coniplicaiion  of  inlliionza  is  tliflicult  to  treat. 
It  is,  unfortunately.  frc(|U('ntly  not  rcc(i«rni/.iHl  until  inllanunatory 
chan«;k's  haxc  <;<ino  on  ft)r  isc\eral  days.  If  reco«jjnized  at  once,  l<)«al 
Meeilino;  and  the  use  of  hot  or  cold  water,  as  the  condition  of  the  ani- 
mal nuiy  porniit,  are  most  useful,  hut  in  the  majority  of  ca.ses  the 
stupefied  animal  is  unable  to  be  moved  satisfactorily  or  to  have  one 
foot  lifted  for  local  treatment;  the  only  treatment  c()nsi.sts  in  local 
i)lcodin<r  above  tlie  coronary  bands  and  the  application  of  poultices. 

louring  convalescence  small  doses  of  alkalinesmay  be  kept  up  for  a 
short  time,  but  the  greatest  care  must  be  usi'd,  while  furnishing  the 
aninuil  with  plenty  of  nutritious,  easily  digestible  feed,  not  to  over- 
1<  ud  the  intestinal  tract,  causing  constipation  and  conse<juent  diar- 
rhea. Special  care  mu.st  be  taken  for  several  weeks  not  to  expose  the 
auinuil  to  cold. 

Pirrenfion. — In  order  to  prevent  the  introduction  of  the  disease  it 
is  advisable  to  isolate  newly  purchased  animals  for  at  least  a  week. 
Fuilher,  the  stabling  of  healthy  horses  in  sales  and  feed  stables 
should  aLso  be  guarded  against.  At  the  beginning  of  an  outbreak  the 
tlisease  may  be  checked  by  inunediate  isolation  of  the  affected  horses, 
by  taking  the  temperatures  of  the  healthy  animals,  and  by  tlie  segre- 
gation of  those  showing  a  marked  elevation. 

Bacterial  vaccines  are  now  being  prejiared  for  the  prevention  of  this 
disease  and  also  for  its  cure,  but  to  date  the  results  are  not  convincing 
as  to  the  beneficial  action  of  these  products.  Since  the  cause  of  the 
disease  has  not  yet  been  satisfactorily  determined  it  is  difficidt  to 
conceive  how  immunity  could  be  produced  with  the  aid  of  tlie  germs 
which  enter  into  the  preparation  of  these  products.  The  reports 
would  indicate,  however,  that  vaccines  exert  a  favorable  influence 
upon  the  course  of  the  disease,  probably  preventing  .severe  complica- 
tions which  under  ordinary  conditions  are  the  principal  factors  in 
determining  the  severity  of  the  outbreak. 

CONTAGIOUS  PNEUMONIA. 

SiinonyniJt. — I'Mematous  pneumonia;  stable  )iiieiimonia :  fH]uino  itloin'ormon- 
nionia  ;  Influenza  poctornlis  equoniin  ;  ]>l»'un)iiii<«uni(>iiia  ;  iiilliK-nzal  laii'UiiKiiiia  ; 
Itrust-seuchf   ( German ) . 

Contagious  pleuropnuemonia  is  an  acute  contagious  disease  of 
horses  manifesting  itself  either  as  a  crou])ous  pneumonia  or  a  ))leuro- 
j)neumonia  with  complications  in  the  form  of  sei(»>is  iuliltratioiiv  «if 
the  subcutaneous  tissues  and  tendons. 

Ktlohiini. — Investigators  of  this  disease  incriminated  various  kin<ls 
of  microorganisms  as  the  cause  of  this  affection.  Transmission  ex- 
periments were  usually  negative  with  these  organisms.  This  was  also 
the  case  in  attempts  to  transmit  the  disease  by  feeding  with  affected 
jiarts  of  tlu"   lungs,   intestinal  contents,  and   nasal    discharge;    like- 


522  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

■wise  by  intravenous  or  subcutaneous  injections  of  blood  and  of 
emulsions  made  from  nasal  discharge,  urine,  the  lung,  and  other 
organs. 

The  most  recent  experimental  results  of  Gaffky  and  Liiher  proved 
that  at  least  at  the  beginning  of  the  disease  the  bronchial  secretion 
contains  the  infection.  Upon  killing  horses  affected  with  the  typical 
forms  of  the  disease  on  the  third  or  fourth  day  of  the  affection  the 
air  passages  are  usually  found  to  be  filled  with  a  yellowish,  tena- 
cious, germ-free  secretion  with  which  they  succeeded  in  infecting 
healthy  colts  The  virus  has  not  been  isolated.  The  possibility  of 
its  being  a  protozoan  is  suggested  by  the  above-named  investigators 
through  their  observations  of  round  or  rod-shaped  bodies  in  the 
round  cells  of  the  secretions. 

Two  organisms  were  formerly  especially  considered  to  play  an  im- 
portant part  in  the  cause  of  the  disease,  the  Streptococcus  pyogenes 
equi^  which  has  been  isolated  from  most  cases  of  the  disease,  and  the 
Bacillus  equisepticus^  which  by  some  investigators  was  considered  to 
be  the  cause  of  contagious  pleviropenumonia.  Although  there  is 
no  doubt  as  to  the  presence  of  these  microorganisms  in  most  of  the 
cases,  their  association  with  the  cause  of  this  disease,  however,  is 
now  doubted,  especially  since  attempts  to  transmit  the  disease  with 
pure  cultures  of  these  germs  failed  to  reproduce  the  typical  form 
of  the  disease.  They,  however,  are  of  great  significance  in  connection 
with  the  pathological  changes  occurring  in  connection  with  the  infec- 
tion and  probably  are  the  determining  factor  in  the  course  of  the 
disease.  They  exert  their  action  after  the  animal  has  already  been 
attacked  by  the  true  ^'irus,  and  then  produce  the  inflammatory 
changes  attributed  to  these  secondary  invaders. 

This  disease  is  the  adynamic  pneumonia  of  the  older  veterinarians, 
who  did  not  recognize  any  essential  difference  in  its  nature  from 
an  ordinary  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  except  in  the  profound  seda- 
tion of  the  force  of  the  animal  affected  with  it,  which  is  a  promi- 
nent symptom  from  the  outset  of  the  disease.  Again,  this  same 
prostration  of  the  vital  force  of  the  animal,  combined  with  the 
staggering  movement  and  want  of  coordination  of  the  muscles, 
caused  it  for  a  long  time  to  be  confounded  with  influenza,  with  which 
at  certain  periods  it  certainly  has  a  strong  analogy  of  symptoms, 
but  from  which,  as  from  sporadic  pneumonia,  it  can  be  separated 
very  readily  if  the  case  can  be  followed  throughout  its  whole  course. 

Infectious  pneumonia  is  a  specific  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  ac- 
companied with  interstitial  edema  and  inflammation  of  the  tissues  of 
these  organs  and  a  constitutional  disturbance  and  fever.  It  causes 
a  profound  sedation  of  the  nervous  system,  which  may  be  so  great  as 
to  cause  death.  It  is  sometimes  attended  with  pleurisy,  inflamma- 
tion of  the  heart  or  septic  complications,  which  also  prove  fatal. 


INFECTIOI'S   DISEASES.  523 

Old,  cold,  ilainp.  foul,  iiiicleaii.  ami  liadly  diainod  and  \ eiitiliited 
stables  allow  rapid  dissemination  of  the  disea.se  to  other  horses  in  the 
same  stable  and  aet  as  rich  reseivoiis  for  |>reservin<;  the  contaj^ion, 
whiih  may  be  letaini'd  for  o\er  a  year. 

The  virus  is  but  moderately  volatile,  and  in  a  stable  seems  rather 
to  follow  the  lines  of  the  walls  an«l  iri-e<i;ular  courses  than  the  ilirect 
currents  of  air  and  the  tract^s  of  ventilation.  Prof.  Dieckerhoff 
found  that  the  conta<;ion  of  influen/a  was  leadily  (lillusii)le  throu<xh- 
out  an  entire  stable  anil  through  any  oi)ening  to  other  buildings,  but 
he  also  fouiul  that  the  contagion  of  infectious  pneumonia  is  not  trans- 
mi.ssible  tit  any  great  distance,  nor  is  it  very  dirt'usil)le  in  the  atmos- 
phere. A  brick  wall  8  feet  in  height  served,  in  one  instance,  to  pre- 
vent the  infection  of  other  animals  placed  on  the  opposite  side  from 
a  horse  ill  with  the  disease,  while  others  placed  on  the  same  side 
ami  separated  from  the  focus  of  contagion  only  by  open  bai^s  in  the 
stall  were  infected  and  developed  the  disease  in  its  typical  form. 

Symptotns. — The  .symptoms  differ  .slightly  from  those  of  a  frank, 
fibrinous  pneumonia,  but  not  so  much  by  the  introduction  of  new 
symptoms  as  by  the  want  of  or  absence  of  the  distinct  evidences  of 
local  lesions  which  are  found  in  the  latter  disease.  All  the  pneu- 
monias throughout  the  whole  course  of  the  trouble  are  less  marked 
and  less  clearly'  defined. 

The  symptoms  may  develop  slowly  or  rapidly.  If  slowly,  there  is 
fever  and  the  animal  gives  a  rare  cough  which  resembles  that  of  a 
heavy  horse  affected  with  a  slight  chronic  bronchitis;  it  becomes 
somewhat  dejected  and  dull,  at  times  somnolent,  and  has  a  dimin- 
ished ai)petite.  This  condition  lasts  for  several  days,  or  the  disease 
may  begin  with  high  fever,  and  the  symi)toms  described  below  are 
severe  and  delevop  in  rapid  sequence.  The  respirati(m  increases  to 
24,  30,  or  3G  to  the  minute,  and  a  small,  lunning,  soft  jmlse  attains  a 
rhythm  of  50,  70,  or  even  more  beats  in  the  si.xty  secounds.  The  heail, 
however,  contrary  to  the  debilitated  condition  of  the  pulse,  is  found 
beating  violently  and  tumultuously,  as  it  does  in  anthrax  and  septic 
intoxication.  The  mucous  membranes  of  the  eyes  and  juouth  and  of 
the  genital  organs  are  found  somewhat  edematous,  and  they  rapidly 
assume  a  dirty,  saffion  color,  at  times  apjiroaching  an  ocher,  but  dis- 
tinguishable fi-om  the  similai-  coloiation  in  influenza  by  the  want  of 
the  luster  belonging  to  the  latter  and  by  the  muddy,  dull  tint,  which 
is  characteri.stic  throughout  the  disease. 

Suddenly,  without  the  preliminary  rales  which  precede  grave 
lesions  of  the  lungs  in  other  diseases,  the  blowing  nnirmur  of  pneu- 
monia is  heard  f)ver  a  variable  area  of  the  chest,  usually,  however, 
nmch  more  distinctly  over  the  tiachea  at  the  base  of  the  neck  and 
directly  behind  the  shoulder  on  each  side  of  the  chest.  In  .some  cases 
the  evidence  of  lung  lesion  can  be  detected  only  over  the  trachea. 


524  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOKSE. 

The  lesions  of  the  lungs  may  be  scattered  throughout  both  lungs, 
involving  numerous  small  areas,  or  they  may  be  confined  to  and  more 
or  less  fully  occupy  one  or  two  lobes.  Occasionally  there  is  a  general 
involvement  of  both  lungs.  The  body  temperature  has  now  reached 
104°  or  105°  F.,  or  in  extreme  cases  even  a  degree  higher.  The  de- 
bility of  the  animal  is  great  -without  the  stupefaction  or  evidence  of 
cerebral  trouble,  which  is  constant  with  such  grave  constitutional 
phenomena  in  influenza  or  severe  pneumonia.  The  animal  is  sub- 
ject to  occasional  chills,  and  staggers  in  its  gait.  The  yellow  colora- 
tion of  the  visible  mucous  membrane  is  rendered  pale  by  infiltra- 
tion of  the  liquid  of  the  blood  into  the  tissues:  the  pulse  may  become 
so  soft  as  to  be  almost  imperceptible,  the  heart  movement  and  sounds 
being  at  the  same  time  exaggerated.  The  animal  loses  flesh  rapidly, 
and  dropsies  of  the  extremities,  of  the  under  surface  of  the  belly,  or 
of  the  internal  organs  may  show  themselves. 

Terminations. — These  symptoms  may  gradually  subside  after  five 
to  eight  days,  w^ith  an  improved  appetite  the  inanition  may  cease  and 
the  animal  commence  to  nourish  its  impoverished  blood  and  tissues; 
the  pulse  becomes  stronger  and  the  heart  more  regular  and  less 
tumultuous;  the  mucous  membranes  assume  a  brighter  and  more 
distinct  color;  the  difficulty  of  respiration  is  removed,  and  the  ani- 
mal may  make  a  recovery.  When  death  occurs  it  is  usuall}^  directly 
due  to  heart  failure ;  in  some  cases  it  is  caused  by  asphyxia,  owing  to 
the  great  amount  of  exudation  into  the  lung  tissue,  rendering  its 
further  function  impossible. 

CoTriplications. — The  pulmonary  complications  of  infectious  pneu- 
monia are  secondary  inflammatory  or  necrotic  changes  in  the  lungs 
themselves.  Suppuration  at  times  takes  place  in  the  bronchi  and 
may  extend  to  the  lung  tissue.  In  this  case  mucous  rales  develop 
which  are  most  distinctly  heard  over  the  trachea  and  on  the  sides  of 
the  chest  directly  behind  the  shoulders.  With  the  development  of 
the  mucous  rales,  to  be  heard  on  auscultation,  we  have  a  more  puru- 
lent discharge  from  the  nostrils,  similar  to  that  of  a  chronic  or  sub- 
acute bronchitis.  If  the  inflammation  has  been  of  some  standing, 
cavernous  rales  may  be  heard,  indicating  the  destruction  of  a  con- 
siderable portion  of  lung  tissue  and  the  formation  of  a  cavity.  The 
effects  of  this  more  acute  inflammatory  process  are  not  appreciable  in 
the  general  condition  of  the  animal,  except  to  weaken  it  still  further 
and  add  to  its  debilitated  and  emaciated  cachexia.  Gangrene  some- 
times occurs.  A  sudden  rise  of  the  body  temperature  of  1°  or  2°, 
with  a  more  enfeebled  pulse  and  a  still  more  tumultous  heart,  develop 
simultaneously  with  the  appearance  of  a  discharge  from  the  nostrils. 
This  discharge  is  gray  in  color,  serous  or  watery  in  consistency, 
mixed  with  the  detritus  of  broken-down  lung  tissue,  and  sometimes 
contains  clots  of  blood,  or  in  more  serious  cases  may  be  marked  by 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  5'25 

a  quantity  of  fluid  blood  fioiu  n  luMuonhaofe.  Avhioli  i)roves  fatal. 
The  dischar^'^e  is  fetid  to  tlie  sini'll.  The  animal  oniariates  rapidly. 
On  examination  of  the  lun<is  mucous  rfdes  are  heard  in  the  lar«rer 
bronchi,  cavities  may  be  found  at  any  i)art  of  these  orjrans.  and 
points  of  lobular  )»ni'um<niia  may  l>e  (k'tecteth 

A  very  serious  comi)lication  is  an  inMauimation  of  the  iieait  muscle. 
This  is  shown  by  a  very  weak  muI  rapid  pulse.  <rreat  prostration, 
some  fillin<r  of  the  Innjrs.  This  comi)lication  lu^ai'ly  always  termi- 
nates in  death.  Other  complications  which  may  be  jnentioned  are 
inflamnuition  of  the  kidneys,  blood  poisoning,  congestion  of  the  brain, 
and  inflamnuition  of  the  tendinous  sheaths  and  the  tendfms  of  the 
legs. 

Dlagnosh. — As  fever  is  the  first  symptom  of  infectious  pneumonia, 
it  is  useful  duiing  an  outbi-eak  of  this  disease  to  make  daily  tem])er- 
ature  measurements  of  the  exposed  horses,  so  that  the  tirst  indication 
of  disease  may  be  discovered  and  the  horse  removed  from  contact 
with  those  that  are  sound. 

I'rogiiosls. — The  mortality  in  this  disease  nuiy  be  as  high  as  '2.") 
per  cent,  but  it  is  usually  not  more  than  10  per  cent.  If  there  is 
a  special  tendency  to  complications  of  some  sort,  tlie  mortality  is 
increased. 

Alterations. — At  the  time  of  death  from  infectious  jineumoiiia  we 
fieqiu'ntly  find  septic  changes  and  the  evidences  of  })iitrefaction.  The 
solidification  of  the  lung  tissue  is  found  irregular  in  shape  and  high 
around  the  root  of  the  lungs  and  the  large  bronchi,  and  is  generally 
covered  by  sound  lung  tissue.  The  anterior  lobes  of  the  lungs  are 
usually  entirely  a  fleeted.  The  diseased  portion  appears  of  a  gray- 
yellowish  color,  somewhat  watery,  and  tears  readily.  Matter  is  found 
in  the  air  tubes  which  form  guttei-s  through  the  jellylike  mass  of  the 
diseased  lung.  Abscesses  from  the  size  of  a  nut  to  larger  masses  may 
be  found  throughout  the  lungs.  The  blood  is  dark  in  color,  fluid,  or 
only  clotted  into  soft,  jelly  like  masses.  Masses  of  gangrenous  or 
dead-black  tissue  may  be  present. 

Treatment. — Bleeding  is  not  to  be  used,  because  it  would  only  still 
further  weaken  an  already  enfeebled  animal:  antimony  or  the  alter- 
ants would  inci-ease  the  depression  of  a  too-dei)raved  constitution. 
There  is  in  this  disease  no  acute  congestion  of  a  particular  organ  to 
draw  off  by  dejjletive  measures,  nor  any  violent  blood  current  to  be 
retarded,  for  fear  of  hyperniitrition  of  any  special  part. 

Revulsives  do  good,  as  they  excite  the  nervous  system  and  awiiken 
the  tori)or  of  the  weakened  blood  vessels,  which  aid  in  the  reestab- 
lishment  of  the  functions.  As  in  other  diseases,  mustard  poultices 
may  be  applied  over  the  Indly  and  sides  of  the  chest,  but  caution  must 
be  used  in  the  employment  of  blisters,  as  ugly  ulcers  may  result  from 
their  action  on  a  tissue  of  weakened  vitalitv.     Setons  are  dangerous 


526  DISEASES   OF   THE    HORSE. 

from  the  great  tendency  in  this  disease  to  septic  complications.  Re- 
peated friction  of  the  legs  by  hand-rubbing  and  warmth  by  bandag- 
ing and  by  rubbing  the  surface  of  the  body  with  turpentine  and 
alcohol,  which  is  immediately  to  be  dried  by  rough  towels,  will  excite 
the  circulation  and  stimulate  the  emunctories  of  the  skin. 

Stimulants  are  given  internally  from  the  outset  of  the  disease. 
Turpentine  in  1-dram  doses  regulates  the  heart  and  excites  the  kid- 
neys to  carry  off  waste  matter,  but  if  repeated  too  frequently  may 
disturb  the  already  delicate  digestive  system.  Alcohol  rectifies  the 
latter  danger,  and  is  a  useful  stimulant  to  the  heart  and  digestive 
system,  if  given  with  care  in  small  doses.  It  is  an  antiputrid,  and 
is  especially  indicated  when  septic  complications  and  gangrene  are 
present.  The  aromatics  and  bitter  tonics  are  useful ;  gentian  and  tea 
in  warm  decoction  form  a  useful  menstruum  for  other  remedies. 
Digitalis  is  a  useful  remedy.  Strychnin  and  quinin  may  be  given 
throughout  almost  the  whole  course  of  the  disease.  The  various 
preparations  of  iron  are  astringents  and  excitants  to  the  digestive 
system.  Carbolic  acid  is  an  antiputrid  which  is  of  marked  benefit  in 
edematous  pneumonia;  it  should  be  given  in  small  doses  diluted  in 
alcohol. 

Salicylic  acid  may  be  given  in  1  or  2  dram  doses  every  few  hours. 
It  is  much  used  for  troubles  of  the  serous  membranes,  lowers  the  tem- 
perature, and  is  of  value  in  this  disease  in  preventing  the  exudation 
into  the  tissue  of  the  lungs.  The  alkalines,  as  the  sulphate  and  bicar- 
bonate of  soda,  the  nitrate  of  potash,  and  very  small  doses  of  the 
iodid  of  potash,  should  be  employed  to  regulate  the  digestive  tract, 
the  kidneys,  and  the  other  excreting  glands,  and  to  stimulate  absorp- 
tion of  the  waste  matter. 

The  biological  products  enumerated  under  the  treatment  of  the 
catarrhal  form  of  influenza  are  also  recommended  for  this  disease. 
The  bacterial  vaccines  in  particular  are  being  employed  to  a  great 
extent,  but  the  results  are  not  uniformly  satisfactory,  especially 
with  regard  to  prevention.  They  might,  however,  exert  a  beneficial 
influence  against  an  attack  of  the  secondary  invaders  and  compli- 
cations. A  serum  is  also  being  prepared  especially  for  the  treatment 
of  this  disease,  and  since  this  is  obtained  from  animals  which  have 
been  highly  immunized  against  the  various  organisms  found  in 
association  with  influenza  it  no  doubt  is  beneficial,  especially  when 
the  life  of  the  animal  is  threatened.  Such  serum,  however,  should 
be  used  in  sufficiently  large  doses,  as  repeated  experience  has  proved 
that  small  doses  have  no  beneficial  action  on  the  disease. 

More  recently  salvarsan  is  being  highly  recommended  for  the 
treatment  of  the  pneumonic  form  of  influenza,  and  by  many  inves- 
tigators it  is  considered  as  a  specific  for  this  affection.  A  single 
injection  of  this  preparation  is  supposed  to  result  in  a  rapid  clear- 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  527 

ing  of  the  lungs  and  the  i-ecovery  of  the  animal  is  hastened.  The 
cost  of  this  product,  however,  at  the  present  time,  is  exorl)itant,  and 
it  should  be  considered  only  in  the  treatment  of  very  valuable  ani- 
mals. 

The  same  pioceiluie  as  ;j:iven  for  influenza  should  be  carried  out  in 
the  prevention  of  this  affection. 

The  diet  demands  the  strictest  attention  from  the  outset.  In 
many  of  the  fevers  the  feed  has  to  be  tliminished  in  (luantity  and 
regulated  in  the  (piality  of  its  heat-producing  components  during 
the  acute  part  of  the  disease,  so  as  to  lessen  the  material  for  com- 
bustion in  the  inflamed  organs.  In  edematous  pneumonia,  on  the 
contrary,  all  the  feed  that  can  possibly  be  digested  and  assimilated 
must  be  given.  Choice  must  be  made  of  the  richest  material  which 
can  be  handled  by  the  weakened  stomach  and  intestines  without 
fatiguing  them.  Go(k1,  sound  hay  should  be  chopped  short  and 
dam[)ened  or  partly  boiled;  in  the  latter  ca.se  the  hay  tea  can  be 
reserved  to  use  as  a  drink.  Oats  may  be  preferred  dry  or  in  other 
cases  are  taken  better  scalded;  in  most  cases,  however,  it  is  better 
to  give  slops  of  oatmeal,  to  which  may  be  added  a  little  bran, 
barley  flour,  or  boiled  milk  and  wheat  flour.  Pure  cow's  milk,  not 
too  rich  in  fatty  matter,  may  be  given  alone  or  with  beaten  eggs; 
frequently  the  hoi'se  has  to  be  coaxed  with  the  milk  diluted  with 
several  parts  of  water  at  first,  but  will  soon  learn  to  drink  the  pure 
milk.  Apples  and  carrots  cut  up  raw  or  boiled  are  useful,  and  fresh 
clover  in  small  quantities  will  frecpiently  stimulate  the  appetite.  In 
other  words,  various  feeds  and  combinations  should  be  given  to  the 
horse.  Throughout  the  course  of  the  disease  and  during  convales- 
cence the  greatest  attention  must  be  taken  to  cleaning  the  coat  thor- 
oughly so  as  to  keep  the  glands  of  the  skin  in  working  order,  and 
light,  waim  covering  must  be  used  to  protect  the  animal  from  cold 
or  drafts  of  air. 

STR.\NGLES. 

iiynon\fm». — Dl.steniper ;  <-olt-ill  ;  oiturrtml  fev»,>r  ;  out'  form  of  shii^pinK  ft-ver; 
fehrls  pyo;;enIcu. 

Definition. — Strangles  is  an  infecticMis  disease  of  the  horse,  mule, 
and  ass,  .seen  most  frequently  in  young  animals,  and  usually  leaving 
them  immune  from  future  trouble  of  the  same  kind. 

It  appears  as  a  fever  lasting  for  a  few  days,  and  is  usually  as.soci- 
ated  with  an  ab.sce.ss  formation  of  lymph  glands,  especially  those 
under  the  jaw,  which  have  a  tendency  to  break  on  the  outside.  It 
usually  leaves  the  animal  after  convalescence  perfectly  healthy  and 
as  goo<l  as  it  was  before,  but  sometimes  leaves  it  a  roarer  or  is  fol- 
lowed by  the  development  of  deep-seated  abscesses  which  may  prove 
fatal. 


528  DISEASES   OF   THE   HOBSE, 

Causes. — The  cause  of  strangles  is  infection  by  direct  contact  with 
an  animal  suffering  from  the  disease,  or  indirectly  through  contact 
with  the  discharges  from  an  infected  animal,  or  by  means  of  the 
atmosphere  in  which  an  infected  animal  has  been.  There  are  many 
predisposing  causes  which  render  some  animals  much  more  subject  to 
contract  the  disease  than  others.  Early  age.  which  has  given  it  the 
popular  name  of  colt-ill,  offers  many  more  subjects  than  the  later 
periods  of  life  do,  for  the  animal  can  contract  the  disease  but  once, 
and  the  large  majority  of  adult  and  old  animals  have  derived  an 
immunity  from  previous  attacks.  At  3,  4,  or  5  years  of  age  the  colt, 
which  has  been  at  home,  safe  on  a  meadow  or  in  a  cozy  barnyard,  far 
from  all  intercourse  with  other  animals  or  sources  of  contagion,  is 
first  put  to  work  and  driven  to  the  market  town  or  county  fairs  to  be 
exposed  to  an  atmosphere  or  to  stables  contaminated  by  other  horses 
suffering  from  disease  and  serving  as  infecting  agents.  If  it  fails  to 
contract  it  there,  it  is  sold  and  shipped  in  foul,  undisinfected  railway 
cars  to  dealers'  stables,  equally  unclean,  where  it  meets  many  oppor- 
tunities of  infection.  If  it  escapes  so  far.  it  reaches  the  time  for 
heavier  work  and  daily  contact  on  the  streets  of  towns  or  large  cities, 
with  numerous  other  horses  and  mules,  some  of  which  are  siu-e  to  be 
the  bearers  of  the  germs  of  this  or  some  other  infectious  disease,  and 
at  last  it  succumbs. 

The  period  of  the  eruption  of  the  last  permanent  teeth,  or  the  end 
of  the  period  of  development  from  the  colt  to  an  adult  horse,  at 
which  time  the  animals  usually  have  a  tendency  to  fatten  and  be  ex- 
cessively full-blooded,  also  seems  to  be  a  predisposing  period  for  the 
contraction  of  this  as  well  as  of  the  other  infectious  diseases. 
Thoroughbred  colts  are  very  susceptible,  and  frequently  contract 
strangles  at  a  somewhat  earlier  age  than  those  of  more  humble  origin. 
Mules  and  asses  are  much  less  susceptible  and  are  but  rarely  affected. 
Other  animals  are  not  subject  to  this  disease,  but  there  is  a  certain 
analogy  between  it  and  distemper  in  dogs.  After  exposure  to  infec- 
tion there  is  a  period  of  incubation  of  the  disease,  lasting  from  two 
to  four  days,  during  which  the  animal  enjoys  its  ordinary  health. 

Symptoms. — The  horse  at  first  is  a  little  sluggish  if  used,  or  when 
placed  in  its  stable  is  somewhat  dejected,  paying  but  moderate  atten- 
tion to  the  various  disturbing  surroundings.  Its  appetite  is  somewhat 
diminished  in  many  cases,  while  in  some  cases  the  animal  eats  well 
throughout.  Thirst  is  increased,  but  not  a  great  deal  of  water  is 
taken  at  one  time.  If  a  bucket  of  water  is  placed  in  the  manger  the 
patient  will  dip  its  nose  into  it  and  swallow  a  few  mouthfuls,  allow- 
ing some  of  it  to  drip  back  and  then  stop,  to  return  to  it  in  a  short 
time.  The  coat  becomes  dry  and  the  hairs  stand  on  end.  At  times 
the  horse  will  have  chills  of  one  or  the  other  leg.  the  fore  quarters. 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  529 

or  liind  ({uarters,  or  in  severe  cases  of  tli(>  \\  hole  IkxIv.  -w  illi  treniblinj:^ 
of  the  muscles  and  dryness  of  the  skin. 

If  the  eyes  and  mouth  ai'e  examined  the  memlnaiies  ai-e  found  icd- 
dened  to  a  bri<^ht  rosy  color.  The  \n\hc  is  <iuickened  and  the  breatli- 
ing:  may  be  slightly  accelerated.  At  the  end  of  two  days  a  couj^h 
is  heard  and  a  discliarjre  be<rins  to  come  fi-om  the  nostrils.  Tliis  dis- 
charge is  at  first  watery;  it  then  becomes  thicker,  somewhat  bluish  in 
color,  and  sticky,  and  finally  it  assumes  the  yellowish  color  of  matter 
and  increases  greatly  in  quantity. 

At  the  outset  the  colt  may  sneeze  occasionally  and  a  cou^h  is  heard. 
The  cough  is  at  first  repeated  and  harsh,  but  soon  becomes  softer  and 
moist  as  the  disdiarire  increases.  Acrain,  the  cougli  varies  according 
to  the  source  of  the  discharge,  for  in  light  cases  this  may  be  only  a 
catarrh  of  the  nasal  canals,  or  it  may  be  from  the  throat,  the  wind- 
pipe, or  the  air  tul»es  of  the  lungs,  or  even  from  the  lungs  themselves. 
According  to  the  organ  affected  the  sym]:)toms  and  character  of  cough 
are  similar  to  those  of  a  laryngitis,  bronchitis,  or  lung  fever  caused 
by  ordinary  cold. 

Shortly  after  the  discharge  is  seen  a  swelling  takes  place  under  tho 
jaw,  or  in  the  intermaxillary  space.  This  is  at  first  puffy,  somewhat 
hot  and  tender,  and  finally  becomes  distinctly  so,  and  an  abscess  is 
felt,  or  having  broken  itself  the  discharge  is  seen  dripping  from  a 
small  opening.  "When  the  discharge  from  the  nostrils  has  fully  de- 
veloped the  fever  usually  disappears  and  the  aninud  regains  its  ap- 
petite, unless  the  swelling  is  suflicient  to  interfere  with  the  function 
of  the  throat,  causing  pain  on  any  attempt  to  swallow.  At  the  end 
of  four  or  six  days  the  discharge  lessens,  the  soreness  around  the 
throat  diminishes,  the  horse  regains  its  appetite,  and  in  two  weeks  has 
regained  its  usual  condition.  Old  and  strong  horses  may  have  tho 
disease  in  so  light  a  form  that  the  fever  is  not  noticeable;  they  may 
continue  to  eat  and  perform  their  ordinary  work  as  usual  and  no 
sj'mptom  may  be  seen  beyond  a  slight  discharge  from  the  nose  and  a 
rare  cough,  which  is  not  sufficient  to  worry  any  but  the  most  particu- 
lar owner.  But,  on  the  other  hand,  the  disease  may  assume  a  malig- 
nant form  or  become  complicated  so  as  to  become  a  most  sei'ious 
disease,  and  even  prove  fatal  in  many  cases.  Inflammation  of  the 
iarynx  and  bronchi,  if  excessive,  produce  violent,  harsh  coughing, 
which  may  almost  asphyxiate  the  animal.  The  large  amount  of  dis- 
charge may  be  mixed  with  air  l)y  the  difficult  breathing,  and  tho 
nostrils,  the  front  of  the  animal,  manger,  and  surrounding  objects 
become  covered  with  a  white  foam.  The  inllaujiuation  may  be  in  the 
lung  itself  (lobular  pneumonia)  and  cause  the  animal  to  breathe 
heavily,  heave  at  the  flanks,  and  show  great  distress.  In  this  condi- 
tion marked  symptoms  of  fever  are  seen,  the  appetite  is  lost,  the  coat 
36414°— IG 34  ^ 


530  DISEASES   OP    THE    HOESE. 

is  dry,  the  liorse  stands  back  in  its  stall  at  the  end  of  the  halter  strap 
with  its  neck  extended  and  its  legs  propped  apart  to  favor  breathing. 
This  condition  may  end  by  resolution,  leaving  the  horse  for  some 
time  with  a  severe  cough,  or  the  animal  may  die  from  choking  up  of 
the  lungs  (asphyxia). 

The  swelling  under  the  jaw  may  be  excessive,  and  if  the  abscess  is 
not  opened  it  burrows  toward  the  throat  or  to  the  side  and  causes 
inflammation  of  the  parotid  glands  and  breaks  in  annoying  fistulas  at 
the  sides  of  the  throat  and  even  up  as  high  as  the  ears.  Roaring  may 
occur  either  during  a  moderately  severe  attack  from  inflammation  of 
the  throat  (larynx),  or  at  a  later  period  as  the  result  of  continued 
lung  trouble.  Abscesses  may  develop  in  other  parts  of  the  body,  in 
the  poll,  in  the  withers,  or  in  the  spaces  of  loose  tissue  under  the  arms, 
in  the  fold  of  the  thigh,  and,  in  entire  horses,  in  the  testicles. 

During  the  course  of  the  disease,  or  later,  when  the  animal  seems  to 
be  on  the  road  to  perfect  recovery,  abscesses  may  form  in  tlue  internal 
organs  and  produce  symptoms  characteristic  of  disease  of  those  parts. 

Roaring,  plunging,  wandering  in  a  circle,  or  standing  with  the  head 
wedged  in  a  corner  of  the  stall  indicate  the  collection  of  matter  in  the 
brain.  Sudden  and  severe  lung  symptoms,  without  previous  dis- 
charge, point  to  an  abscess  between  the  lungs,  in  the  mediastinum; 
colic,  which  is  often  continuous  for  days,  is  the  result  of  the  forma- 
tion of  an  abscess  in  some  part  of  the  abdominal  cavity,  usually  in 
the  mesenter}^ 

Pathology. — The  lesions  of  strangles  are  found  on  the  surface  of 
the  mucous  membranes,  essentially  of  the  respiratory  system,  and  in 
the  loose  connective  tissue  fibers  of  the  internal  organs  and  glands, 
and  consist  of  acute  inflammatory  changes,  tending  to  the  formation 
of  matter.  The  blood  is  unaltered,  though  it  is  rich  in  fibrin,  and  if 
the  animal  has  died  of  asphyxia  it  is  found  dark  colored  and  uncoagu- 
lated  when  the  body  is  first  opened.  If  the  animal  has  died  while 
suffering  from  high  fe'»'er  the  ordinary  alterations  throughout  the 
body,  which  are  produced  by  any  fever  not  attended  by  alteration  of 
blood,  are  found. 

Prevention. — Healthy  horses  should  be  separated  from  the  infected 
animals,  and  the  stables  in  which  the  disease  has  occurred  should  be 
thoroughly  disinfected.  Since  the  disease  frequently  occurs  annually 
on  infected  premises,  systematic  disinfection  should  be  practiced  after 
an  outbreak.  The  stables,  as  well  as  all  utensils  which  might  have 
come  in  contact  with  the  infection,  should  be  thoroughly  disinfected. 
By  such  practices  recurrences  of  the  disease  may  be  prevented. 

Treatment. — Ordinary  light  cases  require  but  little  treatment  be- 
yond diet,  warm  washes,  moistened  hay,  warm  coverings,  and  pro- 
tection from  exposure  to  cold.  The  latter  is  urgently  called  for,  as 
lung  complications,  severe  bronchitis,  and  laryngitis  are  often  the 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  531 

results  of  nefjloct  of  tliii-  pivcuution.  11"  the  fever  is  excessive,  the 
horse  may  receive  smnll  (jiiaiitities  of  Glauber's  salt  (handful  three 
times  a  day)  as  a  laxative,  l)i(  arhonate  of  soda  or  niter  in  one-dram 
doses  every  few  hours,  and  small  doses  of  antimony,  iodid  of  j)otash, 
aconite,  or  quinin.  Stt'amin*r  the  head  with  the  vapor  of  warm 
water  poured  over  a  bucket  of  bran  and  hay.  in  which  belladonna 
leaves  or  tar  have  been  placed,  will  allay  the  inflamuuition  of  the 
mucous  membranes  and  trieatly  ease  the  cough. 

The  swellin*;  of  the  tflands  should  i)e  promptly'  treated  by  flaxseed 
poultices  and  baihiiiix  with  warm  \\ater,  and  as  soon  as  there  is  any 
evidence  of  the  formation  of  matter  it  should  be  opened.  Prompt 
action  in  this  will  often  save  serious  complications.  Blisters  and  irri- 
tating liniments  should  not  be  applied  to  the  throat.  When  lung 
complications  show  themselves  the  horse  should  have  mustard  ap- 
plied to  the  belly  and  to  the  sides  of  the  chest.  When  convalescence 
begins  great  care  must  be  taken  not  to  expose  the  animal  to  cold, 
which  may  bring  on  relapses,  anil  while  exercise  is  of  great  advan- 
tage it  must  not  be  turned  into  work  until  the  :iiiim:il  has  entirely 
regained  its  strength. 

liacterial  vaccines  are  now  being  extensively  used  for  the  preven- 
tion and  treatment  of  this  disease.  They  are  prepared  from  the 
sj)ecific  germ  of  the  disease  and  frequently  exert  a  very  beneficial  in- 
fluence. A  serum  is  also  being  prepared  from  horses,  which  is  in- 
jected with  gradually  increasing  doses  of  this  germ.  This  serum  j)OS- 
sesses  consitlerable  curative  value  and  may  prove  especially  valuable 
in  cases  in  which  the  animals  have  failed  to  respond  to  other  forms 
of  treatment,  or  when  vnluabh^  animals  are  affected  with  the  disease. 

PURPURA  HEMORRHAGICA. 

Synonyuift. — Auiisaic!!  ;   iH-u-cIiiiil    l\'v«'r ;   uit»ri>iis   nuiculo.sus. 

Defmtion. — This  disease  is  a  septic  bacterial  intoxication,  acute 
and  infectious  in  character,  and  is  manifested  by  edematous  swell- 
ings of  tlie  subcutaneous  coimective  tissue,  and  hemorrhages  on  the 
mucous  membrane  and  in  the  internal  organs. 

A  previous  attack  of  infliUMi/.a  is  a  c(Mnmon  predispusing  i-ause  of 
this  (lisease,  wjiich  appeals  most  freiiumtly  a  few  weeks  after  con- 
valescence is  established.  It  occurs  more  fre(pu>ntly  in  those  animals 
which  have  made  a  rapid  convalescence  and  are  ajijxirently  per- 
fectly well  than  it  does  in  those  which  have  made  a  slower  recovery. 

Anasarca  conmiences  by  symptoms  which  are  excessively  variable. 
The  local  lesions  may  be  confined  to  a  small  portion  of  the  animal's 
body  and  the  constitutional  phenouiena  be  nil.  The  a|»pearance  and 
gravity  of  the  local  lesions  may  be  so  imlike.  from  difference  of  loca- 
tion, that  they  seem  to  lu'long  to  a  separate  disease,  and  complica- 
tions may  completely  mask  the  original  trouble. 


532  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

In  the  simplest  form  the  first  symptom  noticed  is  a  swelling,  or 
several  swellings,  occurring  on  the  surface  of  the  body — on  the  fore- 
arm, the  leg,  the  under  surface  of  the  belly,  or  the  side  of  the  head. 
The  tumefaction  is  at  first  the  size  of  a  hen's  egg;  not  hot,  little  sen- 
sitive, and  distinctly  circumscribed  by  a  marked  line  from  the  sur- 
rounding healthy  tissue.  These  tumors  gradually  extend  until  they 
coalesce,  and  in  a  few  hours  we  have  swelling  of  the  legs,  legs  and 
belly,  or  the  head,  to  an  enormous  size ;  they  have  always  the  char- 
acteristic constricted  border,  which  looks  as  if  it  had  been  tied  with  a 
cord.  In  the  nostrils  are  found  small  reddish  spots,  or  petechia?, 
which  gradually  assume  a  brownish  and  freqently  a  black  color. 
Examination  of  the  mouth  will  frequently  reveal  similar  lesions  on 
the  surface  of  the  tongue,  along  the  lingual  gutter,  and  on  the 
frsenum.  If  the  external  swelling  has  been  on  the  head,  the  pete- 
chia3  of  the  mucous  membranes  are  liable  to  be  more  numerous  and  to 
coalesce  into  patches  of  larger  size  thdn  when  the  dropsy  is  confined 
to  the  legs.  The  animal  may  be  rendered  stiff  by  the  swelling  of  the 
legs,  or  be  annoyed  by  an  awkward  swollen  head,  which  at  times  may 
be  so  enormous  as  to  resemble  that  of  a  hippopotamus  rather  than 
that  of  a  horse.  During  this  period  the  temperat\ire  remains  nor- 
mal; the  pulse,  if  altered  at  all,  is  only  a  little  weaker;  the  respira- 
tion is  only  hurried  if  the  sw^elling  of  the  head  infringes  on  the 
caliber  of  the  nostrils.  The  appetite  remains  normal.  The  animal 
is  attentive  to  all  that  is  going  on,  and,  except  for  the  sAvelling, 
apparently  in  perfect  health. 

In  from  two  to  four  days,  in  severe  cases,  the  tissues  can  no  longer 
resist  the  pressure  of  the  exuded  fluid.  Over  the  surface  of  the  skin 
which  covers  the  dropsy  we  find  a  slight  serous  sweating,  which 
loosens  the  epidermis  and  dries  so  as  to  simulate  the  eruption  of  some 
cutaneous  disease.  If  this  is  excessive  we  may  see  irritated  spots 
which  are  suppurating.  In  the  nasal  fossse  the  hemorrhagic  spots 
have  acted  as  irritants,  and,  inviting  an  increased  amount  of  blood 
to  the  Schneiderian  membrane,  produce  a  coryza  or  even  a  catarrh. 
We  may  now  find  some  enlargement  and  peripheral  edema  of  the 
lymphatic  glands,  which  are  fed  from  the  affected  part.  The  ther- 
mometer indicates  a  slight  rise  in  the  body  temperature,  while  the 
pulse  and  respiration  are  somewhat  accelerated.  The  appetite  usu- 
ally remains  good.  In  the  course  of  a  few  days  the  temperature  may 
have  reached  102°,  103°,  or  104°  F. 

Fever  is  established,  not  an  essential  or  speci^c  fever  in  any  way, 
but  a  simple  secondary  fever  produced  by  the  dead  material  from  the 
surface  or  superficial  suppuration,  and  by  the  oxidization  and  absorp- 
tion of  the  colloid  mass  contained  in  the  tissues.  The  skin  may  sup- 
purate  or  slough  more  or  less  over  the  areas  of  greatest  tension  or 
wdiere  it  is  irritated  by  blows  or  pressure.     The  great  swelling  about 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  533 

tlie  heiul  may  by  closure  of  the  nostrils  interfere  seriously  with 
breathing.  Internal  edema  may  occur  in  the  throat,  lungs,  or  in- 
testines.    Septicemia,  or  blood  poisoning,  may  result  from  anasarca. 

'reiiiilnations. — The  simple  form  of  the  disease  most  frequently 
terminates  favorably  on  the  eighth  or  tenth  day  by  resolution  or  ab- 
sorption of  the  eft'usion,  with  usually  a  profuse  diuresis,  and  with 
or  without  diarrhea.  The  appetite  remains  good  or  is  at  times 
capricious. 

Death  may  occur  from  mechanical  asphyxia,  produced  by  closure  of 
the  nostrils  or  closure  of  the  glottis.  Metastasis  to  the  lungs  is 
almost  invariably  fatal,  causing  death  by  asphyxia.  Metastasis  to 
the  intestines  may  cause  death  from  pain,  enteritis,  or  hemorrhage. 

Excessive  suppuration,  lymphangitis,  and  gangrene  are  causes  of 
a  fatal  termination  by  exhaustion.  Mortal  exhaustion  is  again  pro- 
ducetl  by  inability  to  swallow  in  cases  of  excessive  swelling  of  the 
head. 

l*eritonitis  ma}'  arise  secondary  to  the  enteric  edema,  or  by  per- 
foration of  the  stonuich  or  intestines  by  a  gangrenous  spot.  Septi- 
cemia terminates  fatally  with  its  usual  train  of  symptoms. 

AJtt rations. — The  essential  alterations  of  anasarca  are  exceedingly 
s^imple;  the  capillaries  are  dilated,  the  lymphatic  spaces  between  the 
fibers  of  the  connective  tissue  are  filled  with  serum,  and  the  coagulable 
portion  of  the  blood  presents  a  yellowish  or  citrine  mass,  jellylike  in 
consistency,  which  has  stretched  out  the  tissue  like  the  meshes  of  a 
sponge.  AVhcre  the  effusion  has  occurred  between  the  muscles,  as  in 
the  head,  these  are  found  dissected  and  separated  from  each  other 
like  those  of  a  hog's  head  by  the  masses  of  fat.  The  surface  of  the 
skin  is  desquamated  and  frequently  denuded  of  the  hair.  Frequently 
there  are  traces  of  suppuration  and  of  ulceration.  The  mucous  mem- 
brane of  the  nose  is  found  studded  with  small,  hemorrhagic  spots, 
sometimes  re<l,  more  fre(jnently  brown  or  black,  often  coalesced  with 
each  other  in  irregular-sized  patches  and  surrounded  by  a  reddish 
zone,  the  product  of  irritation.  If  edema  of  the  intestines  has  oc- 
curred, the  membrane  is  found  four  or  five  times  its  normal  thick- 
ness, reddish  in  color,  with  hemorrhages  on  the  free  surface  Edema 
of  the  lungs  leaves  these  organs  distentled.  The  secondary  alterations 
vary  according  to  the  complications.  There  are  frequently  the  lesions 
of  asphyxia ;  externajly  we  find  ulcers,  abscesses,  and  gangrenous 
spots  and  the  deep  ulcers  resulting  from  the  latter.  The  lymphatic 
cords  and  glands  are  found  with  all  the  lesions  of  lyuiphangitis. 
Again  are  found  the  traces  of  excessive  emaciation,  or  the  lesions  of 
septicemia.  Except  from  the  complications  the  blood  is  not  altered 
in  anasarca, 

/h'af/nosis. — The  diagnosis  of  anasarca  must  ])rincijjally  be  nuide 
from  farcy  or  glanders.     In  anasarca  the  swelling  is  nonsensitive, 


534  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

wliile  sensitive  in  the  acute  swelling  of  farcy.  The  nodes  of  farcy 
are  distinct  and  hard  and  never  circumscribed,  as  in  the  other  dis- 
ease. The  eruption  of  glanders  on  the  mucous  membranes  is  nodu- 
lar, hard,  and  pelletlike.  The  redness  disappears  on  pressure.  In 
case  of  excessive  swelling  of  the  head  in  anasarca,  there  may  occur 
an  extensive  serofibrinous  exudation  from  the  mucous  membranes  of 
the  nose,  poured  out  as  a  semifluid  mass  or  as  a  cast  of  the  nasal 
fossae,  never  having  the  appearance  or  typical  oily  character  which 
it  has  in  glanders.  The  inflammation  of  the  lymphatic  cords  and 
glands  in  anasarca  does  not  produce  the  indurated  character  which  is 
found  in  farcy. 

Prognosis. — While  anasarca  is  not  an  excessively  fatal  disease,  the 
prognosis  must  alwa^^s  be  guarded.  The  majority  of  cases  run  a 
simple  course  and  terminate  favorably  at  the  end  of  8  or  10  days, 
or  possibly,  after  one  to  two  relapses,  requiring  several  weeks  for 
complete  recovery.  Efl'usion  into  the  head  renders  the  prognosis 
much  more  grave  from  the  possible  danger  of  mechanical  asphyxia. 
Threatened  mechanical  asphyxia  is  especially  dangerous  on  accoimt 
of  the  risk  of  blood  poisoning  after  an  operation  of  tracheotomy. 
Edema  of  the  viscera  is  a  most  serious  complication.  The  prognosis 
is  based  on  the  complications,  their  extent,  and  their  individual  grav- 
ity, existing,  as  they  do  here,  in  an  already  debilitated  subject. 

TreatTnent. — The  treatment  of  anasarca  may  be  as  variable  as  are 
the  lesions.  The  indications  are  at  once  shown  by  the  alterations  and 
mechanism  of  the  disease,  which  we  have  just  studied. 

Hygiene  comes  into  play  as  the  most  important  factor.  Oats,  oat- 
and-hay  tea,  milk,  eggs — anything  which  the  stomach  or  rectum  can 
be  coaxed  to  take  care  of — must  be  employed  to  give  the  nutriment, 
which  is  the  only  thing  that  will  permanently  strengthen  the  tissues; 
they  must  be  strengthened  in  order  to  keep  the  capillaries  at  their 
proper  caliber. 

Laxatives,  diaphoretics,  and  diuretics  must  be  used  to  stimulate 
the  emunctories  so  that  they  may  carry  off  the  large  amount  of  the 
products  of  decomposition  which  result  from  the  stagnated  effusions 
of  anasarca.  Of  these  the  sulphate  of  soda  in  small,  repeated  doses, 
the  nitrate  of  potash  and  bicarbonate  of  soda  in  small  quantity,  or 
the  chlorate  of  potash  in  single  large  doses  will  be  found  useful. 
Williams  cites  the  chlorate  of  potash  as  an  antiputrid.  Stimulants 
and  astringents  are  directly  indicated.  Spirits  of  turpentine  serves 
the  double  purpose  of  a  cardiac  stimulant  and  a  powerful,  warm  diu- 
retic, for  the  kidneys  in  this  disease  will  stand  a  wonderful  amount 
of  work.  Camphor  can  be  used  with  advantage.  Coffee  and  tea  are 
two  of  the  diffusible  stimulants  which  are  too  much  neglected  in 
veterinary  medicine;  both  are  valuable  adjuncts  in  treatment  of 
anasarca,  as  they  are  during  convalescence  at  the  end  of  any  grave 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  535 

disease  which  has  tended  to  render  the  patient  anemic.  Dihite  sul- 
phuric and  liydrochloric  acids  are,  perhaps,  the  best  examples  of  a 
combination  of  slimulant,  astiin«j:oiit,  and  tonic  which  can  be  em- 
ployed. The  simple  astrin«;ents  of  mineral  orifrin,  sulphates  of  iron, 
copper,  etc.,  aiv  useful  as  di«:esti\o  tonics;  I  doubt  whether  they  have 
any  constitutional  etlVct.  The  vejjetable  astrin«:ents,  tannic  acid, 
etc.,  have  not  proved  elUcacious  in  my  hands,  lodid  of  potash  in 
small  doses  serves  the  triple  purpose  of  difrestive  tonic,  denutritive 
for  inflanmiantion,  and  diuretic.  Amon«r  tiie  newer  forms  of  treat- 
ment are  ililuted  Luj^ol's  solution  injected  into  the  trachea,  anti- 
streptococcus  serum  and  colloidal  siher  solution  injected  into  the 
circulation.  No  one  but  a  qualified  vetciinarian  ^\()uld  bo  comoetent 
to  apply  these  remedies. 

Kj'terniiJhj. — Spon«rin<r  the  swollen  parts,  especially  the  hvad, 
when  the  swelliui?  occurs  there,  is  most  useful.  The  bath  should  be 
at  an  extreme  of  temperature — either  ice  cold  to  constrict  the  tissues 
or  hot  water  to  act  as  an  emolient  and  to  favor  circulation.  A'inefjar 
may  be  added  as  an  astringent.  When  we  have  exces.sively  denuded 
surfaces,  suppuration,  or  open  wounds,  disinfectants  shouhl  be  added 
to  the  wash. 

In  cases  of  excessive  swelling,  especially  of  the  head,  mechanical 
relief  may  be  recpiired.  Even  in  country  practice,  punctures  of  the 
part  shoulii  be  made  with  the  hot  iron,  as  no  other  disease  so  predis- 
poses to  septic  contamination.  When  mechanical  asphyxia  is  threat- 
ened tracheotomy  may  be  demanded.  AVith  the  first  evidence  of 
dyspnea,  not  due  to  closino:  of  the  nostrils  or  glottis,  or  with  the  first 
pawing  which  gives  rise  to  a  suspicion  of  colic,  a  mustard  plaster 
should  be  applied  over  the  whole  belly  and  chest.  The  .sinapism  will 
draw  tlie  current  of  the  circulation  to  the  exterior,  the  metastasis  to 
the  lungs  or  intestines  is  prevented,  and  the  enfeebled  nervous  system 
is  stimulated  to  renewed  vigor  by  the  perijihend  irritati(^n.  The 
organs  are  encouraged  by  it  to  renewed  functional  activity:  the  local 
infhinunation  produeeil  by  it  favors  al>sorption  of  the  exudation.  The 
objection  to  the  use  of  blistei-s  is  their  nu)re  se>ere  action  and  the 
danger  cf  mortiiication.  Sejjticemia,  when  occurring  as  a  complica- 
tion, requires  the  ordinary  treatment  for  the  putrid  disea.ses.  with 
little  h«)i>e  of  a  gcMMJ  lesidt. 

After  recovery  the  animal  regains  its  ordinary  hialth,  and  there  is 
no  predisposition  to  a  return  of  the  di.sease. 

HORSEPOX,  OR  EQUINE  VARIOLA. 

fiyiinnymK. — Vairiola  iHiuina :  i»u.slulal'  javase;  phlyctenold  herpes. 
Dcfn/fiof}. — Ilorsi'pox  is  a  specific,  infectious  fever  of  tlie  horse, 
attended  by  an  eruption  of  pu.stules,  or  p<;cks,  over  any  part  of  the 
skin  or  on  the  mucous  membranes  lining  the  various  cavities  in  the 


536  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

body,  but  chiefly,  and  often  exclusively,  upon  the  pasterns  and  fet- 
locks. The  eruption  may  commence  upon  the  lips,  or  about  the  nos- 
trils or  eyes. 

This  disease  was  described  by  the  early  Roman  agricultural  writers 
and  by  the  veterinarians  of  the  eighteenth  century.  It  received  its 
first  important  notice  from  the  great  Jenner,  who  confounded  it  with 
grease  in  horses,  since  animals  with  this  disease  are  very  liable  to  have 
the  eruption  of  variola  appear  on  the  fetlocks.  He  saw  these  cases 
transmit  the  disease  to  cattle  in  the  byres  and  to  the  stablemen  and 
milkmaids  who  attended  them,  and  furnish  the  latter  with  immunity 
from  smallpox,  which  led  to  the  discovery  of  vaccination.  Horsepox 
is  also  frequently  mistaken  for  the  exanthemata  attending  some 
forms  of  venereal  disease  in  horses. 

Variola  in  the  horse,  while  it  is  identical  in  principle,  general 
course,  complications,  and  lesions  with  variola  in  other  animals,  is  a 
disease  of  the  horse  itself,  and  is  not  transmissible  in  the  form  of 
variola  to  any  other  animal;  nor  is  the  variola  of  any  other  animal 
transmissible  to  the  horse.  Cattle  and  men,  if  inoculated  from  a  case 
of  horsepox,  develop  A'accinia,  but  vaccinia  from  the  latter  animals 
is  not  so  readily  reinoculated  into  the  horse  with  success.  If  it  does 
develop,  it  produces  the  original  disease. 

Causes. — The  direct  cause  of  horsepox  is  infection.  A  large  num- 
ber of  predisposing  causes  favor  the  development  of  the  disease,  as 
in  the  case  of  strangles,  and  this  trouble,  like  almost  all  contagious 
diseases,  renders  the  animal  which  has  had  one  attack  immune.  The 
chief  predisposing  cause  is  youthfulness.  Old  horses  Avhich  have  not 
been  affected  are  less  liable  to  become  infected  when  exposed  than 
younger  ones.  The  exposure  incident  to  shipment,  through  public 
stables,  cars,  etc.,  acts  as  a  predisposing  cause,  as  in  the  other  infec- 
tious diseases.  The  period  of  final  dentition  is  a  time  which  renders 
it  peculiarly  susceptible. 

Dupaul  states  that  the  infection  is  transmassible  through  the  at- 
mosphere for  several  hundred  yards.  The  more  common  means  of 
contagion  is  by  direct  contact  or  by  means  of  fomites.  Feed  boxes 
and  bridles  previously  used  by  horses  affected  with  variola  are  prob- 
ably the  most  frequent  carriers  of  the  virus,  and  we  find  the  lesions  in 
the  majority  of  cases  developed  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  lips  and 
nostrils.  Coition  is  a  frequent  cause.  A  stallion  suffering  from  this 
disease  may  be  the  cause  of  a  considerable  epizootic,  as  he  transmits 
it  to  a  number  of  brood  mares  and  they  in  turn  return  to  the  farms 
where  they  are  surrounded  by  young  animals  to  which  they  convey 
the  contagion.  The  saddle  and  croup  straps  are  frequent  agents  of 
infection.  The"  presence  of  a  wound  greatly  favors  the  inoculation  of 
the  disease,  which  is  also  sometimes  carried  by  surgical  instruments 
or  sponges.     Trasbot  recites  a  case  in  which  a  set  of  hobbles,  which 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  537 

iiiul  boon  iK<od  on  an  animal  siitl'eiin*;  {vein  variola,  were  used  on  a 
horse  for  a  quittor  operation  and  transmitted  the  disease,  Avhich 
developed  on  the  eilges  of  the  wound. 

Si/mptoms. — There  is  a  period  of  incubation,  after  an  animal  has 
been  exposed,  of  from  five  to  eij:;ht  days,  dnrin<j:  which  there  is  no 
a})preciable  alteration  in  the  health.  This  j)eriod  is  shorter  in  sum- 
mer than  in  winter.  At  the  end  of  this  time  small  nodes  develop  at 
the  point  of  inoculation  and  the  animal  becomes  feverish.  The  horse 
is  dull  and  dejected,  loses  its  appetite,  and  has  a  rou«ih,  dry  coat  with 
the  hairs  on  end.  There  is  moderate  thirst.  The  respirations  are 
somewhat  (piickened  and  the  ])ulse  becomes  rapid  and  full.  The 
body  temperature  is  elevated,  frequently  reaching:  104'^  or  105°  F. 
within  30  or  48  hours  from  the  appearance  of  the  first  symptoms. 

Tiie  visible  mucous  membi-anes,  es}>ecially  the  conjunctiva^  are  of 
a  bri<rht  rosy  red.  In  the  lymphatic,  cold-blooded,  and  more  com- 
mon horses  these  symptoms  of  fever  are  less  marked:  even  with  a 
comparatively  hiiih  tcmperatui-e  the  animal  may  retain  its  appetite 
and  work  comparatively  well,  but  these  cases,  if  worked  and  over- 
heated, are  liable  to  develop  serious  complications. 

At  the  end  of  from  three  and  a  half  to  four  days  the  eruption 
breaks  out,  the  fever  abates,  and  the  general  symptoms  improve. 
The  eruption  in  severe  cases  may  be  generalized:  it  may  be  confined 
to  the  softer  skin  of  the  nose  and  lips,  the  genital  organs,  and  the 
inside  of  the  thighs,  or  it  may  be  localized  in  the  neighborhood  of  a 
wound  or  in  the  irritated  skin  of  a  pair  of  greasy  heels.  It  consists 
of  a  varying  nundjer  of  little  nodes  which,  on  a  mucous  membrane, 
as  in  the  nostrils  or  vagina,  or  on  soft,  unpigmented  skin,  appear  red 
and  feel  at  first  like  shot  under  the  epidermis.  These  nodes  soften 
and  show  a  yellowish  spot  in  the  center  when  they  become  pustules. 
The  epidermis  is  dissolved  and  the  matter  escapes  as  a  viscid  fluid 
at  first  citrine  and  later  cloudy  and  puiulent,  which  dries  rapidly, 
forming  scabs:  if  these  fall  off  or  are  removed  they  leave  a  little  shal- 
low, concave  ulcer  which  heals  in  the  coiu'se  of  five  or  six  days.  In 
the  softer  skin  if  jugmented  the  cicatrices  are  white  and  fre(|uently 
remain  so  for  about  a  year,  when  the  i)igmont  returns.  The  lips  or 
genital  organs  of  a  colored  horse,  if  covered  with  a  number  of  small 
white  sjiots  about  the  size  of  a  ]iea,  will  usually  indicate  that  the 
animal  has  been  alTected  with  the  horsepox. 

At  times  the  pustules  may  become  confluent  and  produce  large, 
superficial,  serpentine  ulcers  on  the  membrane  of  the  nostrils,  around 
the  lips  or  eyelids,  or  on  the  bordei's  of  wounds  and  in  gi'casy  heels; 
in  this  case  the  part  becomes  swollen,  hot,  painful,  and  is  covered 
with  a  profuse  discharge  of  matter.  In  this  form  there  is  frequently 
a  secondary  fever  lastinir  for  a  dav  or  two. 


538  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

In  severe  cases  there  may  be  a  suppurative  adenitis,  or  inflamma- 
tion of  the  lymphatic  glands  which  are  fed  from  the  affected  part. 
If  the  eruption  is  around  the  nostrils  and  lips,  the  glands  between 
the  jaws  (submaxillary)  form  abscesses  as  in  a  case  of  strangles;  if 
the  eruption  is  in  a  pair  of  greasy  heels  abscesses  may  form  in  the 
fold  of  the  groin  (inguinal).  There  may  be  so  much  tumefaction  of 
the  nostrils  as  to  v)roduce  difficulty  in  breathing. 

CovipUcations. — A  case  of  horsepox  may  be  attended  with  various 
complications  of  varying  degrees  of  impoi*tance.  Adenitis,  or  sup- 
puration of  the  glands,  has  just  been  mentioned.  Confluent  erup- 
tions irritate  the  part  and  induce  the  animal  to  rub  the  inflamed  part 
against  the  manger  or  scratch  it  in  other  ways  and  thus  produce 
troublesome  ulcers,  vrhich  may  leave  ugly  scars.  Irritation  of  the 
mucous  membra  me  of  the  nose  causes  severe  coryza  with  purulent 
discharge. 

The  eruption  may  occur  in  the  throat  or  in  the  air  tubes  to  the 
lungs,  developing  an  acute  larjngitis  or  bronchitis.  If  the  animal  is 
exposed  to  cold,  or  worked  so  as  to  engorge  the  lungs  with  blood  at 
the  termination  of  the  specific  fever,  just  when  the  eruption  is  about 
to  localize,  it  may  be  determined  to  the  lungs.  In  this  case  we  have 
a  short,  drj^  cough,  labored  breathing,  the  development  of  a  secondary 
fever  of  some  gravity,  and  all  the  external  symptoms  of  a  pneu- 
monia. This  pneumonia  differs,  however,  from  an  ordinary  pneu- 
monia in  the  symptoms  furnished  by  the  examination  of  the  lungs 
themselves.  In  place  of  a  large  mass  of  the  lung  tissue  being  affected 
the  inflammation  is  disseminated  in  smaller  spots  over  the  entire 
lung. 

Diagnosis. — The  diagnosis  of  horsepox  is  to  be  based  on  the  pres- 
ence of  a  continuous  fever,  with  rosj^  mucous  membranes,  for  several 
days  and  the  appearance  of  the  characteristic  eruption.  If  the 
eruption  is  in  the  nasal  cavities,  marked  by  a  considerable  discharge 
and  attended  with  submaxillary  abscesses,  it  may  be  confounded  with 
strangles.  If  the  throat  is  affected,  it  may  be  confounded  with  an 
angina  (laryngitis  or  pharyngitis),  but  in  the  latter  the  local  trouble 
precedes  or  is  concomitant  with  the  fever,  while  in  the  former  the 
fever  precedes  the  local  trouble  by  several  days.  Yariola  may  be 
confounded  with  bronchitis  or  pneumonia  if  complicated  with  these 
troubles  and  the  eruption  is  absent  from  the  exterior,  but  it  is  of  little 
moment,  as  the  treatment  for  both  is  much  the  same,  ^^lien  the 
eruption  is  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  genital  organs  the  disease  has 
been  mistaken  for  dourine.  In  variola  the  eruption  is  a  tempo- 
rary one;  the  nodes  and  pustules  are  followed  by  shallow  ulcers 
and  rapid  cicatrization  unless  continued  in  the  vagina  or  on  the  penis 
by  the  rubbing  of  the  walls  and  filth  which  accumulates;  there  are 
apt  to  be  pustules  at  other  parts  of  the  body.    In  the  venereal  dis- 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  539 

ease  the  local  trouble  commences  as  a  papule  and  breaks  into  an 
ulcer  without  having  formed  a  pustule.  The  ulcer  has  not  the  con- 
vex rosy  appearance  of  that  of  the  less  serious  discharge;  the  symp- 
toms last  for  a  longer  period,  by  whicli  time  others  aid  in  dif- 
ferentiating the  two.  In  glanders  the  tubercle  is  hard  and,  after 
breaking  into  an  ulcer,  the  indurated  bottom  remains,  grayish  or 
dirty  white  in  color,  ragged,  and  exuding  a  viscous,  oily  discharge. 
There  is  no  disposition  to  suppuraticm  of  the  neighboring  glands. 
In  variola  the  rosy  shallow  ulcer  and  healthy  pus,  with  tlie  acutely 
tumefied  glands,  should  not  be  mistaken,  at  least  after  a  day.  I  have 
seen  in  mules  acute  glanders  which  re([uired  a  day's  delay  to  differ- 
entiate from  strangles;  at  that  time  the  farcy  buds  appeared. 

Prognosis. — The  a\erage  case  of  horsepox  runs  a  course  of  dejec- 
tion, loss  of  appetite,  and  more  or  less  fever  for  about  four  days, 
followed  by  a  rapid  conAalescence,  and  leaves  the  animal  as  well  and 
as  sound  as  before.  If  the  eruption  has  been  excessive  or  confluent, 
the  ulcerations  may  act  as  irritants  and  render  the  animal  unfit  for 
use  for  several  weeks.  Laryngitis,  pharyngitis,  bronchitis,  and  pneu- 
monia in  this  disease  are  not  of  greater  gravity  than  they  are  when 
occurring  from  other  causes.  The  spots  denuded  of  pigment  left 
by  the  pustules  on  the  lips  and  genitals  may  temporarily  depreciate 
the  value  of  the  animal  to  a  slight  degree. 

Treafm^  nt. — As  this  is  a  disease  unattended  by  alterations  of  the 
blood  itself,  although  a  specific  fever,  and  is  of  a  sthenic  tj^pe,  active 
remedies  are  admissible  and  indicated.  The  horse  should  be  placed 
on  a  low  diet  (little  or  no  oats) — bran  mashes,  a  moderate  quantity 
of  good,  sound  hay,  a  few  carrots  or  apples,  which  will  act  as  laxa- 
tives; also  slop  feed.  Barley  flour  is  moie  cooling  for  mashes  than 
bran  or  oatmeal.  AA'ater  may  be  gi\en  as  the  animal  desires  it.  but 
it  should  not  be  cold;  if  a  half  bucketful  of  water  is  kept  in  the 
manger,  the  hoise  will  take  but  a  few  swallows  at  a  time.  One-dram 
doses  of  nitrate  of  potash  or  1-ounce  doses  of  sweet  spirits  of  niter 
are  useful  in  tin*  drinking  water.  If  the  fever  is  high,  the  anti- 
pyretics are  indicated:  Suljihate  of  (piinin  in  1-draui  doses:  iodid 
of  potash  in  1-dram  doses;  infusion  of  pine  t<^)s.  of  jimiper  leaves, 
of  the  aromatic  luM-bs.  or  of  English  breakfast  tea  are  useful  in  the 
later  stages.  If  coiii]ili(;itions  of  the  air  passages  or  bmgs  are 
threatened,  a  large  mustard  ])oultice  should  be  applied  to  the  belly 
and  sides  of  the  chest.  Oxid  of  zinc  ointment  should  \ye  used  on 
confluent  eruptions,  and  if  the  ulceration  is  excessive  it  may  have  to 
be  touched  with  caustic. 

Great  care  must  be  taken  to  keep  the  animal  protected  from  cold 
drafts  of  air  or  other  exjiosure.  Blankets  or  sheets  should  be  used 
on  the  body  and  bandages  on  the  legs.  After  convalescence  is  estab- 
lished, nutritious  feed  of  easy  digestion  and  walking  exercise  are  all 


540  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

that  is  needed,  except  perhaps   a  little   Glauber's  salt  to  preA'ent 
constii:>ation. 

Prophylactic  treatment. — When  horsepox  breaks  out  among  a  large 
number  of  hoi-ses,  especially  on  a  farm  where  there  are  a  number  of 
colts,  it  may  be  assumed  that  the  greater  majority  will  contract  the 
disease,  and  it  is  more  economical  that  they  should  have  it  and  be 
through  with  it  at  once.  If  the  weather  is  moderate,  all  the  animals 
which  have  not  been  affected  can  be  inoculated,  which  will  produce 
the  disease  in  a  mild  form,  with  the  eruption  at  a  point  of  election, 
and  render  the  danger  of  complication  a  minimum  one.  For  inocula- 
tion the  discharge  from  the  pustules  of  a  mild  case  should  be  selected 
and  inoculated  by  scarification  on  the  belly  or  the  under  surface  of 

the  neck. 

ANTHRAX. 

Synonyms:  Carbuncle,  splenic  fevei*,  splenic  apoplexy,  etc.;  cliarbon,  sang  de 
rate  (French)  ;  Miltzbrand   (German). 

Definittan. — Anthrax  is  a  severe  and  usually  fatal  contagious  dis- 
ease, characterized  by  chills,  great  depression  and  stupor  of  the  ani- 
mal, and  a  profound  alteration  of  the  blood.  It  is  caused  by  the 
entrance  into  the  animal's  body  of  a  bacterium,  known  as  the  Bacillus 
anthiYicis^  or  its  spores. 

Practically  all  animals  are  susceptible  to  anthrax.  The  herbivora 
are  especially  susceptible,  in  the  following  order :  The  sheep,  the  ox, 
and  the  horse.  The  guinea  pig.  the  hog,  the  rabbit,  mice,  and  other 
animals  die  quickly  from  its  effects.  Man,  the  dog,  and  other  omniv- 
ora  and  carnivora  may  be  attacked  by  it  in  a  constitutional  form  as 
fatal  as  in  the  herbivora,  but  fortunately  in  many  cases  develop 
from  it  only  local  trouble,  followed  by  recovery. 

Anthrax  has  been  a  scourge  of  the  animals  of  the  civilized  world 
since  the  first  written  history  we  have  of  any  of  their  diseases.  In 
1709-1712  extensive  outbreaks  of  anthrax  occurred  in  Germany, 
Hungary,  and  Poland.  In  the  first  half  of  the  nineteenth  century  it 
had  become  an  extensively  spread  disease  in  Russia,  Holland,  and 
England,  and  for  the  last  century  has  been  gradually  spreading  in 
the  Americas,  more  so  in  South  America  than  here.  In  1861,  in  the 
five  governments  of  Petersburg,  Novgorod,  Olonetz,  Twer,  and  Jaros- 
law,  in  Russia,  more  than  10,000  horses  and  nearly  1^,000  persons  per- 
ished from  the  disease. 

Causes. — The  causes  of  anthrax  were  for  a  long  time  attributed 
entirely  to  climatic  influence,  soil,  and  atmospheric  temperature,  and 
they  are  still  recognized  as  predisposing  factors  in  the  development  of 
the  disease,  for  it  is  usually  found,  especially  when  outbreaks  in  a 
great  number  of  animals  occur,  in  low,  damp,  marshy  countries  dur- 
ing the  warm  seasons.    It  is  more  frequent  in  districts  where  marshy 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  541 

lands  (Irv  out  clminii:  tl'^'  \i*^''\t  <>f  suninicr  :iiul  a.v  then  covcichI  Avitli 
lijrht  rains.  Deciiying:  ve*?etable  matter  seems  most  favoralile  for 
iiom  ishinir  and  presei\  inir  the  virus. 

Tlie  direct  cause  of  antlirax  is  always  infection  of  a  pi'eviously 
.sound  animal,  either  diicitly  I'rc-in  a  diseased  animal  or  through 
vaiious  media  which  contain  excretions  or  the  debris  fioni  the  body 
of  one  previously  infected. 

The  specific  virus  of  anthrax  Avas  first  discovered  by  Davaine  in 
1S.')1.  He  recojxni/ed  microscopic  Ixxlit-s  in  the  foi-m  of  little  rods  in 
the  blood  of  animals  suH"erin«j:  from  anthrax.  It  was  not,  however, 
till  a  quarter  of  a  century  later  that  Pasteur  defined  the  exact  nature 
of  the  bacillus,  the  mode  of  its  propa«ration,  and  its  exact  relatiiiuship 
to  anthrax  as  the  sole  cause  of  the  disease.  In  the  animal  body  the 
bacilli  have  a  tendent\v  to  accumulate  in  the  spleen,  liver,  and  else- 
where, so  that  these  organs  are  nnich  more  virulent  than  tiie  muscles 
(  r  less  vascular  tissues.  When  eliminated  from  the  animal  in  the 
excretions,  or  Avhen  exposed  to  outside  influences  by  the  death  of  the 
animal  and  the  disintetrration  of  the  tissues,  the  body  of  the  rod  is 
destroyed  and  the  spores  only  remain.  These  spores,  v.hich  may  be 
called  the  seeds  of  the  bacilli,  retain  their  vitality  for  a  long  period; 
fhey  resist  ordinary  putrefaction;  they  are  unchanired  by  moisture; 
and  they  are  not  affected  by  moderate  heat.  If  scattered  with  the 
debris  of  a  dead  animal  on  the  surface  of  the  ground,  they  may  re- 
main around  the  roots  of  the  grass  in  a  pasture  or  may  be  washed  to 
tlie  nearest  low-lying  ground  or  marsh.  If  buried  in  the  body  of  an 
animal  dead  fr(^m  anthrax,  they  may  be  washed  deep  into  the  ground, 
and  in  later  years  (in  one  proved  case  17  years)  be  brought  to  the 
surface  and  infect  other  animals.  They  are  frequently  brought  to 
the  surface  of  the  earth,  having  been  swallowed  by  earthworms,  in 
the  bodies  of  which  they  have  been  found. 

This  accounts  for  the  outbreaks  at  the  time  of  the  first  rains  after  a 
dry  season.  During  the  latter  the  earthworm  goes  deep  in  the  ground 
n\  search  of  moisture:  it  finds  the  spore  which  has  been  washed  tliere 
in  past  years,  swallows  it,  and  afterwards  brings  it  to  the  surface. 
The  virus  is  carried  with  the  wool  from  infected  sheep  and  remains  in 
it  thiough  the  process  of  manufacture  into  cloth.  The  spores  remain 
in  the  hides  of  animals  which  have  died  of  anthrax  and  retain  their 
vitality  throughout  months  of  soaking  in  the  tanners'  pits,  the  work- 
ing of  the  harness  maker  or  the  c«)bbler,  and  after  the  oiling  of  the 
completed  lealher.  The  dried  spores  in  the  dust  from  any  of  these 
products  may  be  carried  by  the  at'iiosphere. 

Infecti<m  of  an  animal  takes  place  through  inoculation  or  contact 
of  the  bacillus  or  its  spores  with  an  abraded  surface  or  mucous  mem- 
brane, on  n  sound  animal.  In  an  infected  district  hor.ses  may  eat  with 
impunity  the  rich  pasturage  of  spring  and  early  .summer,  but  when 


542  DISEASES   OF    THE    KOESE. 

grass  gets  low  they  crop  it  close  to  the  ground,  pull  up  the  roots 
around  which  the  virus  may  be  lodged,  and  under  these  conditions 
the  animals  are  more  apt  to  have  abrasions  of  the  lips  or  tongue  by 
contact  with  dried  stubbie  and  the  dirt  on  the  roots;  this  favors  the 
introduction  of  the  germs  into  the  system.  The  virus  may  be  intro- 
duced with  feed  and  enter  the  blood-vessel  system  from  the  stomach 
and  intestines.  If  in  the  dust,  dried  hay,  or  on  the  parched  pasture 
of  late  summer,  the  virus  may  be  inhaled  and  be  absorbed  from  the 
lining  of  the  lungs.  If  in  harness  leather,  it  needs  but  an  abrasion 
of  the  skin,  as  the  harness  rubs  it,  to  transfer  the  spore  from  the 
leather  to  the  circulation  of  the  animal. 

The  writer  saw  a  case  of  anthrax  occur  in  a  groom  from  the  use  of 
a  new  horse  brush.  The  strap  which  passes  over  the  back  of  the  hand 
inoculated  an  abrasion  on  the  knuckle  of  the  first  finger,  and  in 
12  hours  a  "  pustule  "  had  formed  and  the  arm  had  become  infected. 

Symptom's. — The  symptoms  of  anthrax  usually  develop  with  ex- 
treme rapidity.  The  horse  is  dejected  and  falls  into  a  state  of  pro- 
found stupor,  attended  with  great  muscular  weakness.  The  feeble, 
indolent  animal,  if  forced  to  move,  drags  its  legs.  There  are  severe 
chills,  agitation  of  the  muscles,  symptoms  of  vertigo,  and  at  times 
colicky  pains.  The  mucous  membranes  turn  a  deep  ocher  or  bluish- 
red  color.  The  body  temperature  is  rapidly  elevated  to  104°  or 
105'^  F.  The  breathing  is  increased  to  30  or  40  respirations  in  the 
minute  and  the  pulse  is  greatly  accelerated,  but  while  the  arteries 
are  soft  and  almost  imperceptible,  the  heart  beats  can  be  felt  and 
heard,  violent  and  tumultuous.  In  some  cases,  when  inoculation  is 
through  the  skin,  large  subcutaneous  swellings  appear;  these  may 
involve  a  leg,  a  shoulder,  one  side  of  the  body,  or  the  neck  or  head. 
The  swelling  is  at  first  hot  and  painful,  but  afterwards  it  becomes 
necrotic  and  sensation  is  lost.  The  symptoms  last  but  two,  three,  or 
four  days  at  most,  when  the  case  usually  terminates  fatally.  An 
examination  of  the  blood  shows  a.  dark  fluid  which  will  not  clot,  and 
which  remains  black  after  exposure  to  the  air.  After  death  the 
bodies  putrefy  rapidly  and  bloat  up ;  the  tissues  are  filled  with  gases, 
and  a  bloody  foam  exudes  from  the  mouth,  nostrils,  and  anus,  and 
frequently  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  rectum  protrude  from  the 
latter.  The  hairs  detach  from  the  skin.  Congestion  of  all  the  organs 
and  tissues  is  found,  with  interstitial  hemorrhages.  The  muscles  are 
friable  and  are  covered  with  ecchymotic  spots.  This  is  especially 
marked  in  the  heart. 

The  black,  uncoagiilated,  and  incoagulable  blood  shows  an  iri- 
descent scum  on  its  surface,  which  is  due  to  the  fat  of  the  animal  dis- 
solved by  the  ammonia  produced  by  the  decomposed  tissues.  The 
serum  oozes  out  of  every  tissue  and  contains  broken-down  blood, 
which,  when  examined  microscopically,  is  found  to  have  the  red 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  543 

globules  crenated  and  the  leucocytes  granular.  A  liigh  iiower  of  the 
microscope  also  reveals  the  l)acteria  in  the  shape  of  little  rodlike 
bodies  of  hom()y;eneous  texture  with  their  brilliant  hpores. 

The  lymphatic  ganglia  are  increased  four,  five,  six.  or  ten  times 
their  natural  size,  enlarged  by  the  engorgement  of  blood.  The  spleen 
shows  nodulated  black  spots  containing  a  muddy  l)l(M)d.  which  is 
found  teeming  with  the  virus.  This  organ  is  much  enlarged  and  is 
quite  friable.  The  mucous  membranes  of  the  intestines  are  congested 
and  reildish  brown;  the  surface  of  the  intestines  is  in  many  places 
denuded  of  its  lining  membrane,  showing  fi.i-iures  and  hemorrhagic 
spots.  The  liver  has  a  cooked  appearance;  the  kidneys  are  congested 
and  friable;  the  urine  is  red;  the  pleura,  lungs,  antl  the  meninges,  are 
congested,  and  the  bronchi  of  the  lungs  contain  a  bloody  foam. 

Treatment. — Treatment  of  anthrax  in  aninuils  by  medicinal  means 
has  not  proved  satisfactory.  In  cases  of  local  anthrax  an  incision 
of  the  swelling  followed  by  the  application  of  disinfectants  some- 
times cau.sos  good  results.  In  such  cases,  however,  the  danger  of  dis- 
seminating the  infection  from  the  wounds  tends  to  nudce  this  pro- 
cedure inadvisable  unless  great  care  is  taken. 

Good  results  are  obtained  from  the  use  of  serum  in  the  treatment 
of  the  disease-  For  this  purpose  oO  to  100  cubic  centimeters  should 
be  administered  snbcutaneously  or  intravenously.  If  no  improve- 
ment is  noticed  within  24  hours  the  injection  should  be  repeated.  In 
a  number  of  instances  aflorded  to  test  the  curatiAe  value  of  the  serum 
in  cases  of  anthrax  in  man  and  animals  splendid  results  were  ob- 
tained. 

The  prophylactic  treatment  formerly  consisted  in  the  avoidance  of 
certain  fields  and  marshes  which  were  recognized  as  contaminated 
during  the  months  of  August  and  September  and  had  been  occupied 
the  years  in  which  the  outbreaks  usually  occurred.  It  underwent, 
however,  a  revolution  after  the  discovery  by  Pasteur  of  the  possibility 
of  a  prophylactic  inoculation  or  vaccination  which  gi-anted  immunity 
from  future  attacks  of  the  disease  similar  to  that  granted  by  the 
recovery  of  an  animal  from  an  ordinary  attack  of  the  disease. 

This  treatment  con>i.s-ts  in  the  use  of  a  vaccine  which  is  nuule  by  the 
artificial  cultivation  of  the  virus  of  anthrax  in  broth  and  in  the  treat- 
ment of  it  by  means  of  continued  exposure  to  a  high  temperature  for 
a  certain  time,  which  weakens  the  virus  to  such  extent  that  it  is 
capable  of  pr«)ducing  only  a  very  mild  and  not  dangerous  attack  of 
anthrax  in  the  animal  in  which  it  is  inoculated,  and  thus  protects  it 
from  inoctdation  of  a  stronger  virus.  The  production  of  this  virus, 
which  is  carried  on  in  some  countries  at  the  expen.se  of  the  govern- 
ments and  is  furnished  at  a  small  cost  to  the  farmers  in  regions  where 
the  disease  prevails,  in  this  country  is  made  in  i)iivate  laboratories 
only. 


544  DISEASES   OE    THE    IIOESE. 

At  the  present  time  very  good  results  are  being  obtained  with  vac- 
cination consisting  of  an  injection  of  highly  potent  anthrax  serum  on 
one  side  of  the  animal  and  a  vaccine  on  the  other  side.  This  method 
of  treatment  requires  only  a  single  handling  of  the  animals  and 
further  possesses  advantages  over  the  Pasteur  treatment  in  that  it  im- 
mediately makes  animals  immune.  In  the  numerous  applications  of 
this  form  of  treatment  very  good  results  have  been  obtained  and  the 
immunity  produced  thereby  usually  lasts  at  least  one  year.  The  vac- 
cinated animals  should  be  kept  for  a  period  of  ten  days  to  two  weeks 
from  exposure,  since  during  that  period  they  are  at  times  even  more 
susceptible  to  the  disease,  and  therefore  care  should  be  taken  not  to 
reduce  their  vitality. 

Prevention. — In  attempts  to  control  the  disease  it  is  essential,  aside 
from  protective  vaccination,  to  prevent  the  reinfection  of  localities. 
For  this  purpose  it  is  essential,  if  possible,  to  drain  thoroughly  and 
keep  under  cultivation  the  infected  areas  before  animals  are  per- 
mitted to  pasture  on  them.  The  complete  destruction  of  all  anthrax 
carcasses  is  also  very  important.  This  is  best  accomplished  by  burn- 
ing, but  as  this  method  of  disposal  is  impracticable  in  many  locali- 
ties, deep  burial  may  be  found  to  be  better.  Covering  the  carcasses 
within  their  graves  with  quicklime  adds  another  valuable  precaution 
against  further  dissemination  of  the  infection.  No  animal  dying 
from  anthrax  should  ever  be  skinned  or  cut  open,  as  the  blood  from 
these  sources  is  one  of  the  most  dangerous  means  of  spreading  the 
infection,  being  charged,  while  in  the  animal,  with  great  numbers  of 
bacilli,  which  quickly  turn  into  spores  as  soon  as  spread  about  upon 
the  face  of  the  ground.  All  discharges  from  the  body  openings 
should  also  be  burned  or  buried  deeply,  as  they  are  frequently  of  a 
virulent  character. 

GLANDERS  AND  FARCY. 

(Pis.  XL-XLII.) 

Definition. — Let  it  be  understood  at  the  outset  that  glanders  and 
farcy  are  one  and  the  same  disease,  differing  only  in  that  the  first 
term  is  applied  to  the  disease  when  the  local  lesions  predominate  in 
the  internal  organs,  especially  in  the  nostrils,  lungs,  and  air  tubes, 
and  that  the  second  term  is  applied  to  it  when  the  principal  mani- 
festation is  an  outbreak  of  the  lesions  on  the  exterior  or  skin  of  the 
animal.  The  term  glanders  applies  to  the  disease  in  both  forms, 
while  the  term  farcy  is  limited  to  the  visible  appearance  of  external 
trouble  only;  but  in  the  latter  case  internal  lesions  always  exist, 
although  they  may  not  be  evident. 

Glanders  is  a  contagious  constitutional  disease  of  the  genus  Equus 
(the  horse,  ass,  and  mule),  readily  communicable  to  man,  the  dog, 
the  cat,  the  rabbit,  and  the  guinea  pig.    It  is  transmitted  with  diffi- 


U.  o.  uepi.  ui  "K' 


"^^ 


A 


i^ 


:   /-t 


o     ■" 


fjS^] 


4^>. 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


Plate  XLI. 


^     ? 


U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture,  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


PLATE  XLII. 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  545 

culty  to  sheep  aiul  pouts,  and  cattle  seem  to  be  entirely  immune.  It 
runs  a  variable  course  and  usually  produces  the  death  of  the  animal 
alFected  with  it.  It  is  characterized  by  the  formation  of  neoplasms, 
or  nodules,  of  connective  tissue,  which  defjenerate  into  ulcers,  from 
wliich  exude  a  peculiar  discharge.  It  is  accompanied  with  a  variable 
degree  of  fever,  according  to  the  rapidity  of  its  course.  It  is  sub- 
ject to  various  complications  of  the  lymi)hatic  glands,  of  the  lungs, 
of  the  testicles,  of  the  internal  organs,  and  of  the  subcutaneous  con- 
nective tissue. 

Ilistor}/. — Glanders  is  one  of  the  olilest  diseases  of  which  we  have 
definite  knowledire  in  the  history  of  medicine.  Absyitus,  the  (Jreek 
veterinarian  in  the  army  of  Constantine  the  Great,  described  it  with 
considerable  accuracy  and  recognized  the  contagiousness  of  its  chai-- 
acter.  Another  Greek  veterinarian,  A'egctius  Kcnntus.  who  lixed  in 
the  time  of  Theodosius  (381  A.  D.),  described,  under  the  name  of 
"malleus  liumidus,"  a  disease  of  the  horse  characterized  by  a  nasal 
discharge  and  accompanied  by  superficial  idcers.  He  recognized 
the  contagious  properties  of  the  discharge  of  the  external  ulcers,  and 
recommended  that  all  animals  sick  with  the  disease  be  separated  at 
once  with  the  greatest  care  from  the  otheis  and  should  be  pastured 
in  separate  fields,  for  fear  the  other  animals  should  become  affected. 

In  1<)8'2  Sollysel.  the  stable  master  of  Louis  XIV,  published  an 
account  of  glanders  and  farcy,  which  he  considered  closely  related  to 
each  other,  although  he  did  not  recognize  them  as  identical.  He 
admitted  the  existence  of  a  virus  which  conununicated  the  disease 
from  an  infected  animal  to  a  sound  one.  He  called  special  attention 
to  the  feed  troughs  and  water  buckets  as  being  the  media  of  conta- 
gion. He  divided  glanders  into  two  forms — one  malignant  and  con 
tagious  and  the  other  benign — and  he  stated  that  there  was  alwnys 
danger  of  infection. 

Garsiiult  in  1740  said  that  "as  this  disease  is  comnninicated  very 
easily  and  can  infect  in  a  very  short  time  a  i)rcMligi(tus  number  of 
horses  by  means  of  the  discharges  which  may  be  licked  up.  animals 
infected  with  glanders  should  be  destroyed." 

Bourgelat.  the  founder  of  veterinary  schools,  in  his  *"  Klements  of 
Ilippiatry,"  ])ublished  in  1755,  establishes  glanders  as  a  virulent 
disease. 

Extensive  outi)reaks  of  glanders  are  descrribed  as  i)revailing  in  the 
great  armies  of  continental  Europe  and  England  from  time  to  time 
during  the  periods  of  all  the  wars  of  the  last  few  centuries. 

(ilanders  was  imported  into  America  at  the  close  of  the  eighteenth 

century,  and  l>efore  the  end  of  the  first  half  of  the  last  century  had 

K]>read  to  a  considerable  degiw  among  the  horses  of  the  Middle  and 

immediately  adjoining  Southern  States.     This  disease  was  unknown 

36444°— 16 35 


546  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

in  Mexico  until  carried  there  during  the  jSIexican  War  by  the  badly 
diseased  horses  of  the  United  States  Army.  During  the  hrst  half  of 
the  last  century  a  large  body  t)f  veterinarians  and  medical  men 
protested  against  the  contagious  character  of  the  disease,  and  by 
their  opinion  prevailed  to  such  an  extent  against  the  common  opinion 
that  several  of  the  Governments  of  Europe  undertook  a  series  of 
experiments  to  determine  the  right  between  the  contesting  parties. 

At  the  veterinary  school  at  Alfort  and  at  the  farm  of  Lamirault 
in  France  several  hundred  horses  which  had  passed  examination  as 
sound  had  placed  among  them  glandered  horses  under  various  condi- 
tions. The  results  of  these  experiments  proved  conclusively  the  con- 
tagious character  of  the  disease. 

In  1881  Bouchard,  of  the  faculty  of  medicine  in  Paris,  assisted 
by  Capitan  and  Charrin,  undertook  a  series  of  experiments  with 
matter  taken  from  the  farcy  ulcer  of  a  human  being.  They  after- 
wards continued  their  experiments  with  matter  taken  from  horses, 
and  in  1883  succeeded  in  showing  that  glanders  is  caused  by  a 
bacterium  which  is  capable  of  propagation  and  reproduction  of 
others  of  its  own  kind  if  placed  in  the  proper  media.  In  1882  the 
specific  germ  of  glanders  was  fii-st  discovered  and  described  by 
Loeffler  and  Schuetz  in  Germany. 

"When  we  come  to  study  the  etiology  of  glanders,  the  difference  of 
susceptibility  on  the  part  of  different  species  of  animals,  or  even  on 
the  part  of  individuals  of  the  same  species,  and  when  w^e  come  to  find 
proof  of  the  slow  incubation  and  latent  character  of  the  disease  as 
it  exists  in  certain  individuals,  we  understand  how  in  a  section  of 
country  containing  a  number  of  glandered  animals  others  can  seenv  to 
contract  and  develop  the  disease  without  having  apparently  been 
exposed  to  contagion. 

Causes. — The  contagious  nature  of  glanders,  in  no  matter  what 
form  it  appears,  being  to-day  definitely  demonstrated,  we  can  recog- 
nize but  one  cause  for  all  cases,  and  that  is  contagion  by  means  of 
the  specific  virus  of  the  disease.  The  causative  organism  is  known  as 
the  Bacillus  mallei. 

In  studying  the  writings  of  the  older  authors  on  glanders,  and  the 
works  of  those  authors  who  contested  the  contagious  nature  of  the 
disease,  we  find  a  large  number  of  predisposing  causes  assigned  as 
factors  in  the  develoj^ment  of  the  malady. 

Yv^hile  a  virus  from  a  case  of  glanders  if  inoculated  into  an  animal 
of  the  genus  Equus  will  inevitably  produce  the  disease,  we  find  a  vast 
difference  in  the  contagious  activity  of  different  cases  of  glandei*s. 
We  find  a  great  variation  in  the  manner  and  rapidity  of  the  develop- 
ment of  the  disease  in  different  individuals  and  that  the  contagion  is 
much  more  liable  to  be  carried  to  sound  animals  under  certain  circum- 
stances than  it  is  under  others.     Only  certain  species  of  animals  are 


INFECTIOUS    DISEASES.  547 

susceptible  of  contractinf;  the  iliseusf,  ami  while  some  of  the.se  con- 
tract it  as  a  general  constitutional  mahuly,  in  others  it  develops  as 
only  a  local  sore. 

In  acute  "glanders  ihe  conta'^ion  is  found  in  its  most  virulent  form, 
as  is  siiown  bv  the  ine\  itai)K'  infection  of  susce})til)le  animals  inocu- 
lated with  the  disease,  while  the  discharge  from  chronic  semilatent 
glamlers  and  farcy  may  at  times  be  inoculated  with  a  ne<;ati\e  result; 
again,  in  ai-ute  glaiulers,  as  wc  have  a  free  discharge,  a  much  greater 
quantity  of  virus-containing  matter  is  scattered  in  the  neighborhood 
of  an  infected  horse  to  serve  as  a  contagion  to  others  than  is  found 
in  the  small  amount  of  discharge  of  the  chronic  cases. 

The  chances  of  contagion  are  much  greater  when  sound  horses, 
as.ses.  or  mules  are  j^laced  in  the  inunediate  neighborhood  of  glan- 
dered  horses,  drink  from  the  same  bucket,  stand  in  the  next  stall,  or 
work  in  the  same  wagon,  or  are  fed  from  feed  boxes  or  mangers 
which  have  been  impregnated  by  the  .saliva  and  soiled  by  the  dis- 
charge of  sick  animals.  Transmission  occurs  by  direct  contact  of 
the  discharges  of  a  glandered  animal  with  the  tissues  of  a  sound  one, 
either  on  the  exterior,  when  swallowed  mixed  with  feed  into  the 
digestive  tract,  or  when  dried  and  inhaled  as  dust. 

The  stable  attendants  serve  as  one  of  the  most  common  carriers  of 
the  virtis.  Dried  or  fresh  discharges  are  collected  from  the  infected 
animals  in  cleaning,  harnessing,  feeding,  and  by  means  of  the  hands, 
clothing,  the  teeth  of  the  currycomb,  the  sponge,  the  bridle,  and  the 
halter,  and  are  tlms  carried  to  other  animals. 

An  animal  allecteil  with  chronic  glanders  in  a  latent  form  is  moved 
from  one  part  of  the  stable  to  another,  oi-  works  hitched  with  one 
liorse  and  then  with  another,  and  may  be  an  active  agent  in  the 
spreading  of  the  disease  without  the  cau.se  being  recogniz-ed. 

Glanders  is  found  frequently  in  the  most  insidious  forms,  and  we 
recognize  that  it  can  exist  without  being  api)arent:  that  is,  it  may 
affect  a  horse  for  a  long  peri(»d  without  showing  any  symptoms  that 
will  allow  even  the  most  experienced  veterinarian  to  make  a  diag- 
nosis. An  old  gray  mare  belonging  to  a  tavern  keeper  was  reserved 
for  family  use  with  good  caie  and  light  work  for  a  iM'iiod  of  eight 
years,  during  which  time  other  horses  in  the  tavern  stable  were  from 
tinu'  to  time  atfected  with  glanders  without  an  ap|)arent  cause.  The 
mare,  who.s«>  only  trotiiile  was  an  apparent  attack  of  heaves,  was  sold 
to  a  huck.ster  who  jdaced  her  at  hard  work.  Want  of  feed  and  over- 
work and  exposure  rapidly  develo])ed  a  case  of  acute  glanders,  from 
which  the  animal  died,  and  at  the  autopsy  were  found  the  lesions  of 
an  acute  pneumonia  of  glanders  grafted  on  chronic  lesions,  consi.sting 
of  olil  nodules  which  had  undoubtt'cHy  existed  for  years. 

In  a  ca.se  that  once  canje  under  the  care  of  the  writer,  a  coach  horse 
was  examined  for  .soundness  and  passed  as  sound  by  a  prominent 


648  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

veterinarian,  who  a  few  montlis  afterwards  treated  the  horse  for  a 
skin  eruption  from  which  it  recovered.  Twelve  months  afterwards 
it  came  into  the  hands  of  the  writer,  hidebound,  with  a  slight  cough 
and  a  slight  eruption  of  the  skin,  which  was  attributed  to  clipping 
and  the  rubbing  of  the  harness,  but  which  had  nothing  suspicious  in 
its  character.  The  horse  was  placed  on  tonics  and  put  to  regular 
light  driving.  In  six  wrecks  it  developed  a  bronchitis  without  having 
been  specially  exposed,  and  in  two  days  this  trouble  was  follow  ed  by 
a  lobular  pneumonia  and  the  breaking  of  an  abscess  in  the  right  lung. 
Farcy  buds  developed  on  the  surface  of  the  body  and  the  animal  died. 
The  autopsy  showed  the  existence  of  a  number  of  old  glanderous 
nodules  in  the  lungs  which  must  have  existed  previous  to  purchase, 
more  than  a  year  before. 

Public  watering  troughs  and  the  feed  boxes  of  boarding  stables  and 
the  tavern  stables  of  market  towns  are  among  the  most  common 
recipients  for  the  virus  of  glanders,  which  is  most  dangerous  in  its 
fresh  state,  but  cases  have  been  known  to  be  caused  by  feeding  ani- 
mals in  the  box  or  stall  in  which  glandered  animals  had  stood  several 
months  before.  While  the  discharge  from  a  case  of  chronic  glanders 
is  much  less  liable  to  contain  many  active  bacilli  than  that  from  a 
case  of  acute  glanders,  the  former,  if  it  infects  an  animal,  will  pro- 
duce the  same  disease  as  the  latter.  It  may  assume  from  the  outset 
an  acute  or  chronic  form,  according  to  the  susceptibility  of  the  ani- 
mal infected,  and  this  does  not  depend  upon  the  character  of  the 
disease  from  which  the  virus  was  derived. 

The  animals  of  the  genus  Equus — the  horse,  the  ass,  and  the  mule — 
are  those  which  are  the  most  susceptible  to  contract  glanders,  but  in 
these  we  find  a  much  greater  receptivity  in  the  ass  and  mule  than  we 
do  in  the  horse.  In  the  ass  and  mule  in  almost  all  cases  the  period 
of  incubation  is  short  and  the  disease  develops  in  an  acute  form.  We 
find  that  the  kind  of  horse  infected  has  an  influence  on  the  character 
of  the  disease;  in  full-blooded,  fat  horses  of  a  sanguinary  tempera- 
ment, the  disease  usually  develops  in  an  acute  form,  while  in  the 
lymphatic,  cold-blooded,  more  common  race  of  horses  the  disease 
usually  assumes  a  chronic  form.  If  the  disease  develops  first  in  the 
chronic  form  in  a  horse  in  fair  condition,  starvation  and  overwork 
are  liable  to  bring  on  an  acute  attack,  but  when  the  disease  is  inocu- 
lated into  a  debiliated  and  impoverished  animal  it  is  apt  to  start 
in  the  latent  form.  Inoculation  on  the  lips  or  the  exterior  of  the 
animal  is  frequently  followed  by  an  acute  attack,  while  infection  by 
ingestion  of  the  virus  and  inoculation  by  means  of  the  digestive  tract 
is  often  followed  by  the  trouble  in  the  chronic  latent  form. 

In  the  dog  the  inoculation  of  glanders  may  develop  a  constitu- 
tional disease  with  all  the  symptoms  which  are  found  in  the  horse, 
but  more  frequently  the  virus  pullulates  only  at  the  point  of  inocula- 


INFECTKUS   DISEASES,  549 

tion.  i-emainin<x  for  soimo  tiiiu'  as  a  loral  sort*,  ^\hic•ll  may  thrn  Ileal, 
leavin*;  a  perfectly  souiul  animal;  but  while  the  local  sure  is  con- 
tinuing to  ulcerate,  and  specific  virus  exists  in  it,  it  may  be  the  car- 
riei-  of  contajrion  to  other  animals.  In  man  we  find  a  *rreater  recep- 
tivity to  glanders  than  in  the  dog,  and  in  many  unfortunate  cases 
the  virus  spi'eads  from  the  point  of  inoculation  to  the  entire  system 
and  destroys  the  wretched  mortal  by  extensive  ulcers  of  the  face  and 
hemorrhage  or  by  destruction  of  the  lung  tissue:  in  otiier  cases, 
however,  glanders  may  develoji,  as  in  the  dog.  in  local  form  only, 
not  infecting  the  constitution  and  terminaling  in  recovery,  while  the 
specific  ulcer  by  proper  treatment  is  turned  into  a  simple  one.  In 
the  feline  species  glanders  is  more  destructive  than  in  the  dog.  The 
point  of  inoculation  ulcerates  rapidly  and  (he  entire  system  becomes 
infected. 

AVhile  a  student  the  writer  saw  a  lion  in  the  seT\  ice  of  Prof, 
Trasbot.  at  Alfort,  which  had  contracted  the  disease  by  eating  glan- 
dered  meat  and  died  with  the  lung  riddled  with  nodules.  A  litter  of 
kittens  lapped  the  blood  from  the  lungs  of  a  glandered  horse  on  which 
an  autopsy  was  being  made,  and  in  four  days  almost  their  entire 
faces,  including  the  nasal  bones,  were  eaten  away  by  rapid  ulcera- 
tion. Xodules  were  found  in  the  lungs.  A  pack  of  wolves  in  the 
Philadelphia  Zoological  Garden  died  in  10  days  after  being  fed  with 
the  meat  of  a  glandered  horse.  The  rabbit,  guinea  ])ig,  and  mice 
are  especially  suscejitible  to  the  inoculation  of  glanders,  and  these 
animals  are  convenient  witnesses  and  proofs  of  the  existence  of  sus- 
pected cases  of  the  glanders  in  other  animals  by  the  results  of  suc- 
cessful  inoculations. 

The  primary  lesion  in  any  form  is  a  local  point  in  which  occurs 
a  rapid  proliferation  of  the  cell  elements  which  make  up  the  aniuial 
tis.sue  with  formation  of  new  connective  tissue,  with  a  crowding  to- 
gether of  the  elements  nntil  their  own  pressure  on  one  another  cuts  off 
tlie  circulation  and  nutrition,  and  death  takes  place  in  them  in  the 
form  of  ulceration  or  graiigrene.  Following  this  primary  lesion  we 
have  an  extension  of  infection  by  means  of  the  spread  of  the  bacilli 
into  those  tissues  imme<liately'  surrounding  the  first  infected  s)>ot, 
which  are  most  suital'le  for  the  de\('loi)uient  of  simple  inflauimatory 
phenomena  or  the  sj^cific  virus.  The  primary  symptoms  are  the  re- 
sult of  specific  i-eaction  jit  the  point  of  inoculation,  but  at  a  later  time 
the  \irus  is  cariMe<l  l»y  means  of  the  blood  vessels  and  lyiii|)liatic  ves- 
sels to  other  parts  of  the  body  and  becomes  lodged  at  different  places 
and  develops  in  them:  again,  when  the  disease  has  existed  in  the 
latent  form  in  the  lungs  of  the  animal  and  the  virus  is  wakened  into 
action  from  any  cause,  we  have  it  caiiied  to  \  aiious  parts  of  the  body 
and  developing  in  the  most  susceptible  regions  or  organs.  The  points 
of  development  are  most  fie<|ueiitly  deteiiuined  by  the  activity  of  the 


550  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

circulation,  and  the  effects  of  exterior  irritants.  For  example,  if  a 
-horse  which  has  been  so  slightly  affected  with  the  virus  ot  glanders 
that  no  symptoms  are  visible  is  exposed  to  cold,  rain,  or  sleet,  or  by 
the  rubbing  of  the  harness  on  the  body  and  the  irritation  of  mud  on 
the  legs,  the  disease  is  liable  to  develop  on  the  exterior  in  the  form  of 
farcy,  while  a  full-blooded  horse  which  is  employed  at  speed  and  has 
its  lungs  and  respiratory  tract  gorged  with  blood  from  the  extreme 
use  of  these  organs  will  develop  glanders  as  the  local  manifestation 
of  the  disease  in  the  respiratory  tract. 

The  previous  reference  to  the  existence  of  glanders  under  the  two 
forms  more  commonly  differentiated  as  glanders  and  as  farcy,  and 
our  reference  to  the  various  conditions  in  which  it  may  exist  as  acute, 
chronic,  and  latent,  show  that  the  disease  may  assume  several  differ- 
ent phases.  Without  for  a  moment  losing  sight  of  the  fact  that  all 
these  varied  conditions  are  identical  in  their  origin  and  in  their  es- 
sence, for  convenience  of  study  we  may  divide  glanders  into  three 
classes — chronic  farcy,  chronic  glanders,  and  acute  glanders  with  or 
without  farcy. 

CHRONIC  FARCY. 

Symptoms. — In  farcy  the  symptoms  commence  by  formation  of 
little  nodes  on  the  under  surface  of  the  skin,  which  rapidly  infringe 
on  the  tissues  of  the  skin  itself.  These  nodes,  which  are  known  as 
farcy  "  buds  "  and  farcy  "  buttons,"  are  from  the  size  of  a  bullet  to 
the  size  of  a  walnut.  They  are  hot,  sensitive  to  the  touch,  at  first 
elastic  and  afterwards  become  soft;  the  tissue  is  destroyed,  and  in- 
fringing on  the  substance  of  the  sldn  the  disease  produces  an  ulcer, 
which  is  known  as  a  chancre.  This  ulcer  is  irregular  in  shape,  with 
ragged  edges  which  overhang  the  sore ;  it  has  a  gray,  dirty  bottom  and 
the  discharge  is  sometimes  thin  and  sometimes  purulent;  in  either 
case  it  is  mixed  with  a  viscous,  sticky,  yellowish  material  like  the 
white  of  an  e,2:g  in  consistency  and  like  olive  oil  in  appearance.  The 
discharge  is  almost  diagnostic;  it  resembles  somewhat  the  discharge 
which  we  have  :n  greasy  heels  and  in  certain  attacks  of  lymphangitis, 
but  to  the  expert  the  specific  discharge  is  characteristic.  The  dis- 
charge accumulates  on  the  hair  surrounding  the  ulcer  and  over  its 
surface  and  dries,  forming  scabs  which  become  thicker  by  successive 
deposits  on  the  under  surface  until  they  fall  off,  to  be  replaced  by 
others  of  the  same  kind;  and  the  excess  of  discharge  may  drop  on 
the  hairs  below  and  form  similar  brownish  yellow  crusts.  The  farcy 
ulcers  may  retain  their  specific  form  for  a  considerable  time — days 
or  even  weeks — but  eventually  the  discharge  becomes  purulent  in 
character  and  assumes  the  appearance  of  healthy  matter.  The  sur- 
face of  the  gangi'enous  bottom  of  the  ulcer  is  replaced  by  rosy  granu- 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  551 

lations,  the  raL'geil  e(l<ri's  are  Itcxcli'd  oil",  ami  the  chancre  is  turned 
into  a  simple  ulcer  which  rapidly  heals. 

The  farcy  buttons  occui"  most  fre(]uently  on  the  siiles  of  the  lips, 
the  sides  of  the  neck,  the  lower  i)art  of  the  shoulders,  the  inside  of 
the  thighs,  or  the  outside  of  the  legs,  but  may  occur  on  any  part  of 
the  body. 

Wo  have  next  an  irritation  of  the  lymphatic  vessels  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  the  chancres.  Those  become  swollen  and  then  indurated 
and  a])pear  Ijke  ^rreat  ridges  underneath  the  skin;  they  are  hot  to 
the  touch  and  sensitive.  The  cords  may  remain  for  a  considerable 
time  and  then  gradually  disappear,  or  they  may  ulcerate  like  a  farcy 
bud  itself,  forming  elongated,  irregular,  serj^entine  idcers  with  a 
characteristic,  dirty,  gray  bottom  and  ragged  edges,  and  pour  out 
a  viscous,  oily  discharge  like  the  chancres  themselves. 

The  essential  symptoms  of  farcy  are,  as  above  described,  the  button, 
the  chancre,  the  cord,  and  the  discharge.  We  have  in  addition  to 
these  symptoms  a  certain  number  of  accessory  symptoms,  which, 
while  not  diagnostic  in  themselves,  are  of  great  service  in  aiding  the 
diagnosis  in  cases  where  the  eruption  takes  ]ilace  in  small  quantities, 
and  when  the  ulcei"s  are  not  characteristic. 

Epistaxis,  or  bleeding  from  the  nose  without  previous  work  or 
other  apparent  cause,  is  one  of  the  frequent  concomitant  symjitoms 
in  glanders,  and  such  hemorrhage  from  the  nostrils  should  always 
be  regarded  with  .suspicion.  The  animal  with  farcy  frequently  de- 
velops a  cough,  resembling  much  that  which  we  find  in  heaves — a 
short,  dry,  aborted,  hacking  cough,  with  little  or  no  discharge  from 
the  nostrils.  With  this  we  find  an  irregular  movement  of  the  flanks, 
and  on  auscultation  of  the  lungs  we  find  sibilant  or  at  times  a  few 
mucous  nlles.  Another  common  symptom  is  a  sudden  swelling  of 
one  of  the  hind  legs;  it  is  found  suddenly  swollen  in  the  region  of  tho 
cannon,  the  etdai-gement  extending  below  to  the  pastern  and  above 
as  high  as  tiie  stifle.  This  swelling  is  hot  and  i)ainfiil  to  tl»e  touch, 
an«l  renders  the  animal  stiff  and  lame.  On  pressure  with  the  finger 
the  swelling  can  be  indented,  but  the  ])its  so  formed  soon  fill  again  on 
removal  of  the  i)reHfsuie.  In  .severe  cases  we  may  have  ulceration  of 
the  skin,  and  serum  pours  out  from  the  surface,  resembling  the  ooz- 
ing which  we  have  after  a  blistei-  or  in  a  case  of  grease.  This  swell- 
ing is  not  to  be  confounded  with  the  stcx'king  in  lymi)hatic  horses 
or  the  edema  which  we  have  in  chronic  heart  or  in  kidney  trouble, 
as  in  the  last  the  swelling  is  cool,  not  painful,  and  the  pitting  on 
pressure  remains  for  some  time  after  the  latter  is  withdrawn.  It 
is  not  to  be  confounded  with  greasy  heels.  In  these  the  di.sease  com- 
mences in  the  neighborhood  of  the  jnistein  and  gradually  extends 
up  the  leg,  rarely  passing  beyond  the  neighborhood  of  the  hock.    The 


552  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

swollen  leg  in  glanders  almost  invariably  swells  for  the  entire 
length  in  a  single  night  or  within  a?  very  short  period.  When  greasy 
heels  are  complicated  by  lymphangitis  we  have  a  condition  very 
much  resembling  that  of  fai'cy.  The  swelled  leg  in  farcy  is  fre- 
quently followed  by  an  outbreak  of  farcy  buttons  and  ulcers  over  its 
surface.  In  the  entire  horse  the  testicles  are  frequently  swollen  and 
hot  and  sensitive  to  the  touch,  but  they  have  no  tendency  to  suppura- 
tion. The  acute  inflammation  is  rapidly  followed  by  the  specific  in- 
duration, which  corresponds  to  the  local  lesions  in  other  parts  of  the 
body. 

Chronic  farcy  in  the  ass  and  mule  is  an  excessively  rare  condition, 
but  sometimes  occurs. 

CHRONIC  GLANDERS. 

/Symptoms. — In  chronic  glanders  we  find  the  same  train  of  inflam- 
matory phenomena,  varying  in  appearance  from  those  of  chi-onic 
farcy  only  by  the  difi^erence  of  the  tissues  in  which  they  are  situ- 
ated. In  chronic  glanders  there  is  first  the  nodule,  from  the  size  of 
a*  shot  to  that  of  a  small  pea,  which  forms  in  the  mucous  membranes 
of  the  respiratory  tract.  This  may  be  just  inside  the  wings  of  the 
nostrils  or  on  the  septum  which  divides  the  one  nasal  cavity  from 
the  other,  and  may  be  easily  detected,  or  it  may  be  higher  in  the 
nasal  cavities  on  the  turbinated  bones,  or  it  may  form  in  the  larnyx 
itself  or  on  the  surface  of  the  trachea  or  deep  in  the  lungs. 

The  nodules,  which  are  first  red  and  hard  and  consist  of  new  con- 
nective tissue,  soon  soften  and  become  yellow ;  the  yellow  spots  break 
and  we  have  a  small  ulcer  the  size  of  the  preceding  nodule,  which  has 
a  gray,  dirty  bottom  and  ragged  edges  and  is  known  as  a  chancre. 
This  ulcer  pours  from  its  surface  a  viscous,  oily  discharge  similar 
to  that  which  we  have  seen  in  the  farcy  ulcer.  The  irritation  of  the 
discharge  may  ulcerate  the  lining  mucous  membrane  of  the  nose, 
causing  serpentine  gutters  with  bottoms  resembling  those  of  the 
chancres  themselves.  If  the  nodules  have  formed  in  large  numbers, 
we  may  have  them  causing  an  acute  inflammation  of  the  Schneiderian 
membrane,  with  a  catarrhal  discharge  Avhich  may  mark  the  specific 
discharge,  or  that  which  comes  fi'om  the  ulcers  and  resembles  the 
discharge  of  strangles  or  simple  inflammator}^  diseases. 

The  eruption  of  the  ulcers  and  discharge  soon  cause  an  irritation 
of  the  neighboring  lymphatics ;  and  in  the  intermaxillary  space,  deep 
inside  of  the  jaws,  we  find  an  enlargement  of  the  glands,  which  for 
the  first  few  days  may  seem  soft  and  edematous,  but  Avhich  rapidly 
becomes  confined  to  the  glands,  these  being  from  the  size  of  an 
almond  to  that  of  a  small  bunch  of  berries,  exceedingly  hard  and 
nodulated.  This  enlargement  of  the  glands  is  found  high  on  the 
inside  of  the  jaAvs,  firmly  adherent  to  the  base  of  the  tongue.  It  is 
not  to  be  confounded  with  the  puffy,  edematous  swelling,  which  is 


INFECTIOUS    DISEASKS.  O^S 

not  si'piir:it('(|  from  tlu'  ^kiii  iUid  siiliculiiiu'ous  (.-omu'ctix  i'  tissues 
found  in  stnni«rles.  in  liuyn«ritis.  and  in  otluT  simple  inll:iium:it<>r\ 
trouhles. 

These  plands  liear  a  <rii':it  resemlilaiice  t<»  the  iiidiiraled  "rlaiuls 
whicli  we  find  in  coinieetion  with  the  collection  of  pns  in  the  sinnses; 
hilt  in  the  latter  disease  the  <rlands  have  not  the  extreme  n<!didated 
feel  which  they  have  in  glanders.  With  the  jrlands  we  lind  indurated 
conls,  feeling  like  halls  of  tangled  wire  or  twine,  fastening  the  glands 
together. 

The  essential  symptoms  of  glanders  are  the  nodide.  the  chancre, 
the  glands,  and  the  discharge.  With  the  development  of  the  nodules 
in  tlie  respiratory  tract,  according  to  their  niunlier  and  the  amount 
of  eruption  which  they  cause,  we  may  find  a  cough  which  resemltles 
that  of  a  corv/a,  a  laryngitis,  a  hronchitis,  or  a  i)roncho-pneumonia, 
according  to  the  location  of  the  lesions.  In  chronic  glanders  we  find 
the  siime  accessory  symptoms  that  occur  in  chronic  farcy,  the  hemor- 
rhage of  the  nose,  the  swelling  of  the  legs,  the  chronic  cough,  and.  in 
the  entire  horse,  the  swelling  of  the  testicles. 

On  healing,  the  chancres  on  the  mucous  membranes  leave  small, 
whitish,  .star-shaped  scars,  hard  and  indurated  to  the  touch,  and 
which  remain  for  almost  an  indefinite  time.  The  chancres  heal  and 
the  other  local  symptoms  disappear,  with  the  excejition  of  the  en- 
largement of  the  glands,  and  we  find  these  so  diminished  in  .Mze  that 
they  are  scarcely  perceptilde  on  examination.  Din-ing  the  .'juhacute 
attacks,  with  a  minimum  (piantity  (?f  local  trouhles.  in  chronic  glan- 
ders and  in  chronic  farcy  the  animal  rarely  shows  any  degree  of  fever, 
hut  does  have  a  generally  depraved  aj)i)earance:  it  loses  flesh  and  he- 
c«>mes  hidel)ound:  tlie  skin  becomes  dry  and  the  hairs  stand  on  end. 
There  is  a  cachexia,  however,  which  resembles  greatly  that  of  any 
chronic,  organic  trouble,  but  is  not  diagnostic,  although  it  has  in  it 
certain  ajipearances  and  conditions  which  often  lender  the  animal 
suspicious  to  the  eye  of  the  expert  \eterimnian.  while  without  the 
presence  of  local  lesions  he  would  be  unal»le  to  state  on  what  he  has 
based  his  opinion. 

ACUTE   GLANDERS. 

Si/mpfoniJ<. — In  the  acute  form  of  glanders  we  find  the  symptoms 
which  we  have  just  studied  in  chronic  farcy  and  in  chronic  glan- 
ders in  a  more  acute  and  aggravated  foiin.  There  is  a  ra])id  outbreak 
of  nodules  in  the  resjjiratory  tra<t  which  ra]>idly  degenerate  into 
chancres  and  pour  out  a  considerable  discharge  from  the  nostrils. 
There  is  a  cough  of  more  or  less  severity  according  to  the  amoimt  and 
site  of  the  local  eruption.  Over  the  surfac<'  of  the  body  swellings 
occur  which  are  rapidly  followed  by  farcy  butt<ms.  which  in-eak  into 
ulcers;  we  find  the  indurated  cords  and  enlargement  of  thr  lym- 
phatics. 


554  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOKSE. 

Bleeding  from  the  nose,  sudden  swelling  of  one  of  the  hind  legs, 
and  the  swelling  of  the  testicles  are  liable  to  precede  an  acute  eruption 
of  glanders.  As  the  symptoms  become  more  marked  the  animal  has 
difficulty  of  respiration,  the  flanks  heave,  the  respiration  becomes 
rapid,  the  pulse  becomes  quickened,  and  the  temperature  becomes 
elevated  to  103°,  104°,  or  105°  F. 

With  the  other  symptoms  of  an  acute  fever  the  general  appearance 
and  station  of  the  animal  is  that  of  one  suffering  from  an  acute  pneu- 
monia, but  upon  examination,  w^hile  we  may  find  sibilant  and  mucous 
rales  over  the  side  of  the  chest,  and  may  possibly  hear  tuljular  mur- 
murs at  the  base  of  the  neck  over  the  trachea,  we  fail  to  find  the  tubu- 
lar murmur  or  the  large  area  of  dullness  on  percussion  over  the  sides 
of  the  chest  which  belongs  to  simple  pneumonia. 

Diagnosis. — When  there  is  doubt  as  to  the  diagnosis,  the  mallein 
test,  the  inoculation  test,  or  the  complement-fixation  test  may  be  em- 
ployed. The  mallein  test  is  made  by  injecting  mallein  (a  sterilized 
extract  from  a  culture  of  glanders  bacilli)  beneath  the  skin.  If  the 
horse  has  glanders  there  results  a  febrile  reaction  and  a  swelling  at 
the  point  of  injection.  If  the  horse  does  not  have  glanders  the  mal- 
lein has  no  effect  or,  at  most,  it  produces  a  slight  swelling  only  at  the 
point  of  injection.  The  inoculation  test  consists  in  the  inoculation  of 
a  susceptible  animal  (usually  a  guinea  pig)  with  some  of  the  sus- 
pected discharge  from  the  nose  or  a  farcy  ulcer.  If  the  material  is 
properly  used,  and  if  it  contains  bacilli  of  glanders,  the  experimental 
animal  will  develop  the  disease. 

The  eye  test  is  now  universally  accepted  as  a  very  satisfactory 
means  of  diagnosing  glanders.  This  consists  in  dropping  into  an  ej^e 
of  a  suspected  animal  a  specially  prepared  solution  of  mallein,  as  a 
lesult  of  w^hich  in  an  infected  animal  the  inflammation  develops  in 
the  eye,  resulting  in  a  discharge  which  varies  in  intensity  from  a 
mucopurulent  character  to  a  thick,  sticky  pus.  The  eyelids  may  also 
swell  and  many  times  become  glued  together.  The  reaction  usually 
appears  in  from  8  to  20  hours  after  the  introduction  of  the  mallein. 

Neither  of  these  tests  should  be  put  into  use  except  by  a  competent 
veterinarian.  The  complement-fixation  test  is  a  highly  specialized 
laboratory  test  and  can  be  carried  out  only  by  one  versed  in  labora- 
tory technique.     (See  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry  Bulletin  13G.) 

The  post-mortem  examination  of  the  lungs  shows  that  the  pneu- 
monia of  glanders  is  a  lobular,  V-shaped  pneumonia  scattered 
throughout  the  lungs  and  caused  by  the  specific  inflammatory  process 
taking  place  at  the  divergence  of  the  smaller  air  tubes  of  the  lungs. 
In  some  cases  of  acute  glanders  the  formation  of  nodules  may  so  irri- 
tate the  mucous  membrane  of  the  respiratory  tract  and  cause  such  a 
profuse  discharge  of  mucopurulent  or  purulent  matter  that  the  spe- 
cific character  of  the  original  discharge  is  entirelv  masked.     In  this 


INFECTIOUS    DISEASES.  555 

case,  too,  ft)r  ii  few  days  the  submuxillurv  space  may  so  swell  a.s  to 
resemble  the  ecleinatt)iis,  inflainetl  <;l:iii(ls  of  sti  iin<i:les,  eiiuine  variola, 
or  laryngitis.  This  condition  is  especially  liable  to  be  marked  in  an 
acute  outbreak  of  glanders  in  a  drove  of  mules. 

Cases  of  chronic  farcy  and  glanders,  if  not  destroyed,  may  li\e  in 
a  depraved  condition  until  the  animal  dies  from  general  emaciation 
and  anemia,  but  in  the  majority  of  cases,  from  some  sudden  exjjosure 
to  ct)ld,  it  develops  an  acute  pneumonia  or  other  simj)le  inflammatory 
trouble  which  starts  the  latent  disease  and  tlie  animal  has  aciito 
glanders. 

In  the  ass,  mule,  and  plethoric  horses  acute  glanders  usually  termi- 
nates by  lobular  j)neumonia.  In  other  cases  the  general  symptoms 
may  subside.  The  symptoms  of  pneumonia  gradually  disappear,  tho 
temperatuie  lowers,  the  i)nlse  becomes  slowei',  the  ulcers  heal,  leaving 
small,  indurated  cicatrices,  and  the  animal  may  return  to  apparent 
health,  or  may  at  least  be  able  to  do  a  small  amount  of  work  with  but 
a  few  symi^toms  of  the  disease  remaining  in  a  chronic  form.  During 
the  attack  of  acute  glanders  the  inllammation  of  tho  nasal  cavities 
frequently  spreads  into  the  sinuses  or  air  cells,  which  are  found  in  the 
forehead  and  in  front  of  the  eyes  on  either  side  of  the  face,  and  causes 
abscesses  of  these  cavities,  which  may  remain  as  the  only  visible  symj)- 
tom  of  the  disease.  An  animal  which  has  recovered  from  a  ease  of 
acute  glandeis,  like  the  animals  which  are  affected  by  chronic  gland- 
ers and  chronic  farcy,  is  liable  to  be  affected  with  emphysema  of  the 
lungs  (heaves),  and  to  have  a  chronic  cough.  In  this  condition  it 
nuiy  continue  for  a  long  period,  serving  as  a  dangerous  source  of  con- 
tagion, the  more  .so  becau.se  the  slight  <iuantity  of  discharge  does  not 
serve  as  a  warning  to  the  owner  or  driver  as  profu.se  discharge  does 
in  the  more  acute  cases. 

At  the  post-moilem  examination  of  an  aninud  which  has  been  de- 
stroyed or  has  died  of  glanders  we  find  evidences  of  the  various 
lesions  which  we  have  studied  in  the  .symptoms.  In  addition  to  this, 
we  find  nodules  similar  to  those  which  we  have  seen  on  the  exterior 
throughout  the  various  organs  of  the  body.  Nodules  nuiy  be  found 
in  the  liver,  in  the  spleen,  and  in  the  kidneys.  We  may  find  inflam- 
mation of  the  periosteum  of  the  bones,  and  we  have  excessive  altera- 
tions in  the  nuirrow  in  the  interior  of  the  bones  themselves.  Both 
the.se  conditions  during  the  life  of  the  animal  may  have  been  the 
cause  of  the  lainenes.ses  which  were  dillicult  to  diagnose. 

In  one  case  which  came  under  the  observation  of  the  writer,  a  lame 
horse  was  destroyed  and  found  to  lune  a  huge  abs<-ess  of  the  bone  of 
the  aim,  with  old  nodules  of  the  lungs.  When  an  animal  has  died 
innnediately  after  an  attack  of  a  primary,  acute  case  of  glandei-s,  we 
find  siiu\ll  V-.shape«l  spots  of  acute  pneumonia  in  the  lungs.  If  the 
animal  has  nuide  an  apparent  lecovery  from  acute  glander>,  and  in 


656  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

cases  of  chronic  farcy  and  chronic  glanders,  no  matter  how  few  the 
external  and  visible  symptoms  may  have  been,  there  is  a  deposit  of 
nodules — small,  hard,  indurated  nodes — of  new  connective  tissue  to  be 
found  in  the  lungs.  When  these  have  existed  for  some  time  we  maj?^ 
find  a  deposit  of  lime  salts  in  them.  These  indurated  nodules  retain 
the  virus  and  their  power  to  give  out  contagion  for  almost  an  indefi- 
nite time,  and  predispose  to  the  causes  which  we  have  studied  as  the 
common  factors  in  developing  a  chronic  case  into  an  acute  case ;  that 
is,  an  inflammatory  process  wakens  their  vitality  and  produces  a 
reinfection  of  the  entire  animal.  The  blood  of  an  animal  suffering 
from  chronic  glanders  and  farcy  is  not  virulent  and  is  unaltered,  but 
during  the  attack  of  acute  glanders,  while  the  animal  has  fever,  the 
blood  becomes  virulent  and  remains  so  for  a  few  days. 

Treatment, — Almost  the  entire  list  of  drugs  in  the  pharmacopoeia 
has  been  tested  in  the  treatment  of  glanders.  Good  hygienic  sur- 
roundings, good  feed,  with  alteratives  and  tonics,  frequently  amelio- 
rate the  symptoms,  and  often  do  so  to  such  an  extent  that  the  animal 
would  pass  the  examination  of  any  expert  as  a  perfectly  sound  ani- 
mal. "\Miile  in  this  case  the  number  of  nodules  of  the  lungs,  which 
are  invariably  there,  may  be  so  few  as  not  to  cause  sufficient  disturb- 
ance in  the  respiration  as  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  examiner,  yet 
they  exist,  and  will  remain  there  almost  indefinitely,  with  the  constant 
possibility  of  a  return  of  acute  symptoms. 

It  is  probable  that  some  horses  may  recover  from  glanders  if  the 
infection  is  slight,  but  it  will  not  do  to  depend  upon  this  except 
under  the  most  stringent  veterinary  supervision.  With  good  care, 
good  feed,  good  surroundings  and  little  work,  an  animal  affected 
with  glanders  may  live  for  months  or  even  years  in  a  state  of  ap- 
parently perfect  health,  but  with  the  first  deprivation  of  feed,  with 
a  few  days  of  severe  hard  work,  with  exposure  to  cold  or  with  the 
attack  of  a  simple  fever  or  inflammatory  trouble  from  other  causes, 
the  latent  seeds  of  the  disease  break  out  and  develop  the  trouble 
again  in  an  acute  form. 

In  several  celebrated  cases  horses  which  have  been  affected  with 
glanders  have  been  known  to  work  for  years  and  die  from  other 
causes  without  ever  having  had  the  return  of  symptoms:  but  allow- 
ing that  these  cases  may  occur,  thej'  are  so  few  and  far  between,  and 
the  danger  of  infection  of  glanders  to  other  horses  and  to  the  stable 
i'.ttendants  is  so  great,  that  no  animal  which  has  once  been  affected 
with  the  disease  should  be  allowed  to  live  unless  repeated  mallein 
tests  have  shown  him  to  have  become  free  from  taint  of  glanders. 

In  all  civilized  countries,  with  the  exception  of  some  of  the  States 
in  the  United  States,  the  laws  are  most  stringent  regarding  the 
prompt  declaration  on  the  part  of  the  owner  and  attending  veteri- 
narian at  the  first  suspicion  of  a  case  of  glanders,  and  they  allow 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  557 

iiulemnitv  for  tlie  animal.  \\'ln.'n  this  is  doiu'.  in  all  cases  the  animal 
is  (lestioved  and  the  articles  with  which  it  has  been  in  contact  are 
thoroujrhly  disinfected.  AVhen  the  attendants  have  attempted  to 
hide  the  presence  of  the  disea.se  in  a  conmHinity.  |)iniislinient  is  meted 
out  to  the  owner,  attendin«r  veterinarian,  or  other  responsible  paities. 
Several  States  have  passed  excellent  laws  in  repird  to  glanders,  but 
the.se  laws  are  not  always  carried  out  with  the  rigidity  with  which 
they  should  be. 

SPOROTRICHOSIS  (MYCOTIC  LYMPHANGITIS). 
By  John  11.  Moul£k,  V.  M.  D.,  Assistant  Chief,  Bureau  of  Auimtil  Indiistrj/. 

This  disease  has  previously  l)een  known  in  tliis  country  as  ei)izootic 
lymphangitis,  or  pseudo-farcy.  It  is  a  chronic,  contagious  disease, 
particularly  of  eipiines,  caused  by  a  specific  organism,  the  Spoiotri- 
(hiim  nrJirn/'l'ti,,  and  characterized  by  a  su])pui-ative  inflammation  of 
the  subcutaneous  lymph  ves.sels  and  the  neighboring  lymph  glands. 
Owing  to  the  fact  that  this  affection  does  not  spread  as  an  epizootic 
and  that  its  causal  factor  is  a  fungus,  the  name  sporotrichosis  has 
l)een  sugge.stcd. 

The  disease  in  man  was  first  described  by  Schenck  and  by  IVur- 
mann  and  (Touger^)t.  Carougeau  observed  its  occui-rence  among 
horses  and  mules  in  Madagascar,  while  in  the  United  States  it  was 
first  observed  by  Pearson  in  Pennsylvania  in  1007,  although  it  is 
probable  that  it  had  existed  for  many  years  in  various  parts  of  this 
country.  Page  and  Froth ingham  were  first  to  recognize  its  mycotic 
nature  in  the  United  States.  More  recently  Meyer  has  also  made 
valuable  contributions  with  regard  to  the  existence  of  this  affection. 
Its  presence  has  been  definitely  established  in  Ohio,  Iowa,  California, 
and  North  Dakota,  and  there  is  a  probability  of  its  existence  in 
Indiana  and  several  Western  States. 

Barfcrioloffy. — The  sporotrichum  is  2  microns  thick,  cylindrical 
and  segmented,  having  more  "Dr  less  bi-anching  threads,  which  bear 
spores  at  the  end.  In  the  ]ius  they  occur  as  slightly  ovoid  bodies  3  to 
5  microns  long,  which  are  somewhat  pointed  towaid  the  j)()les.  have  a 
sharp  double  contour,  and  only  on  artificial  cultivation  at  a  tempera- 
ture of  over  1^°  do  they  develop  into  the  characteristic  spore-caiiying 
threads. 

The  period  of  incubation  varies  greatly,  extending  from  three 
days  to  four  months,  or  even  longer.  In  artificial  inoculations  with 
pus  through  womuls  in  tbe  skin,  inflammation  and  swelling  of  the 
lymph  vessels  may  be  noticed  in  ten  to  sixty  days:  these  ves.<vls  .show 
in  their  course  a  development  of  hard  nodides.  from  which  absces.ses 
foini. 

Tlie  natural  infection  without  doubt  is  caused  through  superficial 
Mvounds,  such  as  galls,  barbed-wire  cuts,  or  through  various  stable 


558  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

utensils,  harness,  bandages,  insects,  etc.  Solipeds  are  mostl}'  sus- 
ceptible, but  cattle  may  also  be  infected. 

SyTnptoTns. — The  inflammation  of  the  lymph  vessels  is  usually  first 
observed  on  the  extremities,  especially  on  one  or  both  hind  legs;  it 
may  also  appear  on  the  forelegs,  shoulder,  or  neck,  and  more  rarely 
on  the  rump,  udder,  and  scrotum.  The  lesions,  as  a  rule,  develop  in 
the  tissue  adjacent  to  the  place  of  inoculation.  In  the  earh''  stages  of 
the  disease  the  lymph  vessels  appear  very  hard  and  thickened,  and 
along  their  course  hard  nodules  develop,  ranging  in  size  from  a  pea 
to  a  hen's  o^gg.  Later  these  nodules  soften,  burst  spontaneously,  and 
discharge  a  thick,  yellowish  pus.  The  surface  of  the  resulting  ulcers 
or  abscess  cavities  soon  fills  up  with  exuberant  granulations  which 
protrude  beyond  the  surface  of  the  skin,  giving  it  a  fungoid  appear- 
ance. The  affected  extremities  are  considerably  enlarged,  similar 
to  cases  of  simple  lymphangitis.  In  rare  cases  the  mucous  membrane 
of  the  nostrils  may  also  become  affected,  showing  yellowish  flat  ele- 
vations and  ulcerations,  and  these  may  extend  by  metastasis  to  inter- 
nal organs.  In  cases  in  which  the  mucous  membrane  is  affected,  the 
submaxillary  lymph  gland  may  also  become  enlarged  and  suppurate. 

The  constitutional  symptoms  accompanying  this  disease  are  not 
very  marked  and  may  be  altogether  absent.  There  is  usually  only  a 
very  slight  fever,  which  seldom  runs  over  102°  F.  The  appetite  is 
not  impaired  except  in  the  advanced  cases. 

Lesions. — The  anatomical  changes  are  most  marked  in  the  skin  and 
the  subcutaneous  tissues.  They  may  become  2  to  3  inches  thick  and 
indurated  as  the  result  of  fibrous-tissue  formation,  owing  to  the  in- 
flammation present.  On  the  baconlike  cut  surface  suppurative  areas 
and  granulating  sores  may  be  noticed  of  various  sizes,  also  enlarged 
lymph  vessels  filled  with  clotted  lymph  mixed  with  pus.  The  neigh- 
boring lymph  glands  are  usually  enlarged  and  frequently  contain 
suppurating  foci.  Rarely  the  internal  organs  may  show  metastatic 
abscesses. 

Dmgnosis. — The  diagnosis  is  based  on  the  characteristic  appear- 
ance of  the  ulcerations,  which  show  exuberant  .granulation  of  a  bright 
red  color,  inverted  edges,  and  a  thick,  creamy,  glutinous  discharge. 
These  manifestations  differentiate  the  disease  from  glanders,  in  which 
the  ulcers  are  craterlike,  do  contain  exuberant  granulations,  and  the 
discharge  is  of  a  viscous,  oily  character.  The  submaxillary  and 
other  nodes  as  well  as  the  corded  lymphatics  in  glanders  are  more 
firmly  attached  to  the  adjacent  tissues,  and  are  therefore  less  mov- 
able. In  some  chronic  cases  of  sporotrichosis,  however,  the  lesions 
may  closely  resemble  those  of  farcy,  and  in  these  cases  the  micro- 
scopical examination  of  the  pus  will  disclose  the  nature  of  the  affec- 
tion. In  the  pus  the  causative  organism  can  be  easily  seen  in  the  un- 
stained specimen,  and  is  recognized  by  its  size,  shape,  and  highly  re- 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  559 

fractory  double  outline,     rurtheruioie,  the  injection  of  niallein  in 
cases  of  sporotrichosis  will  be  attended  with  ne«jjative  results. 

Tre^tfmeiU. — At  the  onset  of  the  disease  treatment  consists  in  entire 
extirpation  of  the  nodules,  in  case  the  lesions  are  localized.  In 
cases  in  which  the  nodules  have  formed  abscesses,  their  opening  is 
recommended,  followed  by  the  application  of  the  actual  cautery  or  a 
1  to  '2'iO  solution  of  bichloriil  of  mercury.  It  must  l)e  borne  in  mind 
that  the  or«;anism  is  ([uite  resistant  to  antiseptics,  and  the  best  results 
Avill  be  obtained  from  the  application  of  a  solution  of  a  stronjj  anti- 
septic following  the  oj)enin<^  of  the  lesions.  Internally,  potassium 
iodid  is  recommended  in  "J-dram  doses,  dissolved  in  drinking  water, 
twice  a  day. 

In  the  most  favorable  cases  recovery  results  in  from  live  to  seven 
weeks;  as  a  rule,  however,  it  requires  several  months. 

In  order  to  j)revent  the  spreading  of  the  disease  the  affected  ani- 
mals should  be  isolated,  the  products  of  the  disease  .should  be  de- 
stroyed, and  the  stable  should  be  disinfected  with  very  strong  liquid 
disinfectants  in  consideration  of  the  resistance  of  the  causative  or- 
ganism. 

RABIES.  HYDROPHOBIA,  OR  MADNESS. 

Rabies  is  a  contagious  disease,  which  is  usually  transmitted  by  a 
bite  and  by  the  introdtu-tion  of  a  virus  contained  in  the  saliva  of  an 
affected  animal.  It  may,  however,  be  transmitted  in  other  ways.  It 
is  characterized  by  symptoms  of  aberration  of  the  nervous  system 
and  invariably  terminates  fatally.  It  is  accompanied  with  lesions, 
intlammation,  and  degeneration  in  the  central  nervous  .system.  It  is 
a  disease  that  is  most  common  in  the  dog,  but  is  transmitted  to  the 
hoi"se,  either  from  dogs  or  from  any  other  animal  affected  with  it. 
(See  also  remarks  on  page  244.)  As  a  disease  of  the  hor.se  it  ia 
invariably  the  residt  of  the  bite  of  a  rabid  animal,  usually  a  dog. 

Perhaps  lU)  disease  in  medicine  has  been  the  object  of  more  con- 
troversy than  rabies.  Certain  medical  men  of  prominence  have 
even  doubted  its  exi.stence,  and  numy  others  have  claimed  for  it  a 
spontaneous  origin.  The  experience  of  ages,  however,  has  shown 
that  contagion  can  be  proved  in  the  great  majority  of  ca.se.s,  and, 
by  analogy  with  other  contagious  diseases,  we  may  only  believe  that 
the  di'veloj>ment  of  one  case  re<iuires  the  i)reexistence  of  a  case  from 
which  the  virus  has  been  transmitted.  ]*aste»ir  has  fuither  added 
to  our  knowledge  of  the  disea.st;  by  showing  that  a  virus  capable  of 
cultivation  exi.sts  in  the  nervous  system,  especially  in  the  lower 
part  of  the  brain  (medulla  oblongata)  and  in  the  anterior  part  of 
the  spinal  column.  He  ha.->  further  shown  that  that  portion  of  the 
nervous  system  which  contains  the  viru.s.  the  exact  nature  of  which 
has  not  yet  been  <leinonstr:ited,  will  retain  it  for  a  very  long  time 


560  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOBSE. 

if  kept  at  a  very  low  temperature  or  if  left  surrounded  by  carbolic 
acid:  but  if  the  nerve  matter,  which  is  virulent  at  first,  is  exposed 
to  the  air  and  is  kept  from  putrefaction  by  substances  which  will 
absorb  the  surrounding  moisture,  it  will  gradually  lose  its  virulence 
and  become  inoffensive  in  about  fifteen  days.  He  has  also  further 
shown  that  the  action  of  a  w^eak  virus  on  an  animal  will  prevent  the 
development  of  a  stronger  virus,  and  from  this  he  has  formulated  his 
method  of  prophylactic  treatment.  This  treatment  consists  in  the 
successive  inoculation  of  portions  of  the  nerve  matter  containing 
the  virus  from  a  rabid  animal  which  has  been  exposed  to  the  atmos- 
phere for  thirteen  days,  ten  days,  seven  days,  and  four  days,  until 
the  virulent  matter  which  will  produce  rabies  in  any  unprotected 
animal  can  be  inoculated  with  impunity.  A  curious  result  of  the 
experiments  of  Pasteur  is  that  an  animal  which  has  first  been  inocu- 
lated with  a  virus  of  full  strength  can  be  protected  by  subsequent 
inoculations  of  attenuated  virus  repeated  in  doses  of  increasing 
strength. 

Innumerable  attempts  have  been  made  to  discover  the  causative 
agent,  and  investigators  have  announced  the  finding  of  many  of  the 
lower  forms  of  animal  and  Aegetable  life  as  the  pathogenic  factor. 
Among  the  recently  described  causes,  certain  protozoanlike  bodies 
found  in  the  ganglionic  cells  in  1003  by  Negin.  and  termed  Negri 
bodies,  are  of  a  very  suggestive  nature.  Xegri  claims  that  these 
bodies  are  not  only  specific  for  rabies,  but  that  they  are  protozoa  and 
the  cause  of  the  disease.  His  work  has  been  corroborated  by  investi- 
gators in  all  parts  of  the  scientific  world.  An  examination  of  the 
vitality  of  these  bodies  will  show  a  striking  resemblance  to  the 
A'itality  of  an  emulsion  of  the  virulent  tissue.  Thus,  they  have  been 
found  to  be  quite  resistant  to  external  agencies,  such  as  putrefaction, 
drying,  etc.,  and  are  about  the  last  portion  of  the  nerve  cell  to  sur- 
vive the  advance  of  decomposition.  They  are  also  found  in  more 
than  96  per  cent  of  the  cases  of  rabies  examined,  but  have  not  been 
proved  to  exist  in  other  diseases. 

Valenti  states,  as  his  strongest  evidence  of  the  protozoan  nature  of 
the  bodies,  that  the  virus  of  rabies  is  neutralized  in  test  tubes  by 
quinin.  while  no  other  alkaloid  has  this  property.  As  a  result  of  the 
w'ork  performed  in  the  New  York  City  Board  of  Health  laboratory, 
Park  claims  that  Xegri  bodies  are  found  in  animals  before  the  begin- 
ning of  visible  symptoms,  and  evidence  is  given  that  they  may  be 
found  early  enough  to  account  for  the  infectiousness  of  the  central 
nervous  system.  These  bodies  are  now  almost  universally  considered 
as  diagnostic  of  rabies,  and  in  the  pathological  laboratory  of  the 
Bureau  of  Animal  Industry  their  detection  in  the  nerve  cells  of  the 
brain  suffices  for  a  diagnosis  of  rabies  without  animal  inoculations. 
In  case  these  granular  bodies  are  not  found  in  a  suspected  animal, 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  5G1 

the  plexifonu  gang^lion  is  next  exiiinined.  and  should  negative  results 
still  be  obtained,  the  inoculation  of  rabbits  is  then  made  as  a  last 
resort.  It  is  imleed  rare  that  positive  results  are  ()i)taine(l  from  the 
latter  method  after  the  first  two  methods  have  been  nejjative,  but  it 
has  occurred  occasionally  in  cas^s  in  which  the  animal  had  been 
killed  in  the  early  stages  of  the  disease. 

Symptoms. — From  the  moment  of  inoculatidu  by  the  i)ite  of  a 
rabid  dog  or  other  rabid  animal  or  by  other  means,  a  variable  time 
elapses  before  the  development  of  any  symptoms.  This  time  may  be 
eight  days  or  it  may  be  several  months;  it  is  usually  about  four 
weeks.  The  first  symptom  is  an  ii-ritation  of  the  original  wound. 
This  wound,  which  may  have  healed  completely,  commences  to  itch 
until  the  horse  rubs  or  bites  it  into  a  new  sore.  The  horse  then  be- 
comes ii-i'itable  and  vicious,  and  it  is  especially  susceptible  to  moving 
objects,  excessive  light,  noises,  the  entrance  of  an  attendant,  or  any 
other  disturbance  will  cause  the  patient  to  be  on  the  defensive.  It 
apparently  sees  imaginary  objects;  the  slightest  noise  is  exaggerated 
into  threatening  violence;  the  api)roach  of  an  attendant  or  another 
animal,  especially  a  dog,  is  interpreted  as  an  assault  and  the  horse 
will  strike  and  bite.  The  violence  on  the  part  of  the  rabid  horse 
is  not  for  a  moment  to  be  confounded  with  the  fury  of  the  same 
animal  suffering  from  meningitis  or  any  other  trouble  of  the  brain. 
But  in  rabies  there  is  a  volition,  a  ]iremeditated  method,  in  the  at- 
tacks which  the  animal  will  make,  which  is  not  found  in  the  other 
diseases.  Between  the  attacks  of  fury  the  animal  may  become  calm 
for  a  varial)le  ]K'riod.  The  writer  attended  a  case  in  which,  after  a 
violent  attack  of  an  hour,  the  horse  was  sulliciently  calm  to  be  walked 
10  miles  and  only  developed  violence  again  an  hour  after  being 
placed  in  the  new  stable.  In  the  i^eriod  of  fury  the  horse  will  bite 
at  the  reopened  original  wound;  it  will  rear  and  attempt  to  bieak 
its  halter  and  fastenings;  it  will  bite  at  the  woodwork  and  sur- 
rounding objects  in  the  stable.  If  the  animal  lives  long  enough  it 
shows  paralytic  symptoms  and  falls  to  the  ground,  unable  to  use 
two  or  more  of  its  extremities,  but  in  the  majority  of  cases  in  its 
excesses  of  violence  it  does  physical  injury  to  itself.  It  breaks  its 
jaws  in  biting  at  the  manger  or  fractures  other  bones  in  throwing 
itself  on  the  ground  and  dies  of  hemorrhage  or  internal  injuries. 
At  times  thioughoiit  the  couise  of  the  disease  there  is  an  excessive 
sensibility  of  the  skin  which,  if  irritated  by  the  touch,  will  bring 
on  attacks  of  violence.  Throughout  the  coui*se  of  the  disease  the 
animal  may  have  ajipetite  and  desire  watei-.  but  on  attempting  to 
swallow  has  a  s])asm  of  the  throat  which  renders  the  act  impo.>;sible. 
This  latter  condition,  which  is  common  in  all  rabid  animals,  has 
given  the  disease  the  name  of  hydrophobia  (fear  of  water). 
36444°— 16 36 


562  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

In  a  case  under  the  care  of  the  writer  a  horse,  four  weeks  after 
being  bitten  on  the  forearm  bj^  a  rabid  dog,  developed  local  irrita- 
tion in  the  healed  wound  and  tore  it  with  its  teeth  into  a  large  ulcer. 
This  was  healed  by  local  treatment  in  10  days,  and  the  horse  was  kept 
under  surveillance  for  more  than  a  month.  On  the  advice  of  an- 
other practitioner  the  horse  was  taken  home  and  put  to  work ;  within 
3  days  it  developed  violent  symptoms  and  had  to  be  destroyed. 

Diagnosis. — The  diagnosis  of  rabies  in  the  horse  is  to  be  made  from 
the  various  brain  troubles  to  which  the  animal  is  subject;  first  by  the 
history  of  a  previous  bite  of  a  rabid  animal  or  inoculation  by  other 
means ;  second,  by  the  evident  volition  and  consciousness  on  the  part 
of  the  animal  in  its  attacks,  offensive  and  defensive,  on  persons, 
tmimals,  or  other  disturbing  surroundings.  The  irritation  and  re- 
opening of  the  original  wound  or  point  of  inoculation  is  a  valuable 
factor  in  diagnosis.  Diagnosis  after  death  may  be  made  by  micro- 
scopic examination  for  Negri  bodies  or  by  the  inoculation  of  rabbits, 
as  already  mentioned. 

Hecoverj^  from  rabies  may  be  considered  as  a  question  of  the  cor- 
rectness of  the  original  diagnosis.    Rabies  is  always  fatal. 

Treatment. — Xo  remedial  treatment  has  ever  been  successful.  All 
the  anodynes  and  anesthetics,  opium,  belladonna,  bromid  of  potash, 
ether,  chloroform,  etc.,  have  been  used  without  avail.  The  pro- 
phylactic treatment  of  successive  inoculations  is  being  used  on 
human  beings,  and  has  experimentally  proved  efficacious  in  dogs,  but 
would  be  impracticable  in  the  horse  unless  the  conditions  were  quite 
exceptional. 

DOURINE. 

By  John  E.  Mohlee,  V.  M.  D.,  Assistant  Chief,  Bureau  of  Animal  Industrij. 

Dourine  (also  known  as  maladie  du  coit,  equine  syphilis,  covering 
disease,  breeding  paralysis)  is  a  specific  infectious  disease  affecting 
under  normal  conditions  only  the  horse  and  ass,  transmitted  from 
animal  to  animal  by  the  act  of  copulation,  and  due  to  an  animal 
parasite,  the  Trypanosoma  equiperdum. 

Historij. — It  is  described  as  having  existed  as  early  as  1796  in  the 
Eastern  Hemisphere,  and  was  more  or  less  prevalent  in  several  of 
the  European  countries,  including  France,  Germany,  Austria,  and 
Switzerland,  during  the  first  half  of  the  nineteenth  century.  Its 
presence  was  recognized  for  the  first  time  in  the  United  States  in 
1886,  when  an  outbreak  occurred  in  Illinois.  Since  then  the  existence 
of  the  disease  has  been  observed  at  irregular  intervals  in  numerous 
other  States,  including  Nebraska,  Iowa,  Montana,  Wyoming,  New 
Mexico,  North  Daktoa,  and  South  Dakota. 

Symptoms. — There  are  many  variations  in  the  symptoms  of  dourine, 
and  this  is  particularly  true  of  the  disease  as  it  occurs  in  this  coun- 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  503 

tr}".  Two  distinct  stages  may  be  noted  which  vary  somewhat  from 
those  described  in  textbooks,  but  probably  no  more  than  coukl  be 
exijccted  when  ilill'ercnces  of  climatic  comlitions  and  methods  of 
haniUing  are  taken  into  consideration. 

The  first  sta<re  chiefly  concerns  the  sexual  orjLjans  and  therefore 
dillcis  somewhat  in  the  male  and  female.  In  the  second  stage  the 
symptoms  indicating  an  alFection  of  the  nervous  system  are  moi*e 
prominent  and  are  not  dependent  upon  the  sex  of  the  animal. 

Following  a  variable  i)eriotl  of  incubation  of  frt)m  8  days  to  2 
months,  there  is  seen  in  the  stallion  an  irritation  and  swelling  about 
the  jH'nis  and  sheath.  In  a  few  days  small  vesicles  or  blisters  may 
appear  on  the  penis,  which  later  l)reak,  dischai'ging  a  yellowish, 
serous  fluid  and  having  irregular,  raw  ulcers.  The  ulcers  show  a 
tendency  to  heal  rapidly,  leaving  .scars  which  are  j^eruianent.  There 
may  be  more  or  less  continuous  drij)ping  froui  the  uretha  of  a  yel- 
lowish, serouslike  fluid.  Stallions  may  show  great  excitement  when 
brought  in  the  vicinity  of  mares,  but  service  is  often  impossible  be- 
cause of  the  fact  that  a  complete  erection  of  the  penis  does  not  occur. 

In  the  mare  the  first  symptoms  may  be  so  slight  as  to  be  overlooked. 
The  disea.se,  being  the  result  of  copulation,  usually  begins  with  in- 
flammation of  the  vulva  and  vagina.  Thei-e  may  be  a  muco-purulent 
discharge,  which  may  be  slight  or  profuse  in  quantity,  agglutinating 
the  hairs  of  the  tail.  The  mare  may  appear  uneasy  and  urinate 
fre<iuently.  Vesicles  may  appear  on  the  external  vulva  and  mucous 
membrane  of  the  vulva  and  vagina  which  later  rupture  and  form 
ulcers.  On  the  dark  skin  of  the  exteinal  vulva  the  scars  resulting 
from  healing  of  the  ulcers  are  white,  more  or  less  circular  in  outline, 
from  one-eighth  to  half  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  pitlike.  This  depig- 
mentation of  the  skin  about  the  external  genitals  is  permanent. 

I'rticarial  eruptions  or  phujues  which  break  out  over  various  parts 
of  the  body  are  a  frequent  symptom  seen  in  animals  of  either  sex. 
These  are  shari)ly  defined  and  edematous  swellings  of  the  skin  about 
the  size  of  a  half  dollar  or  may  be  even  larger.  The  usual  locations  of 
these  plaques  are  the  croup,  belly,  and  neck. 

The  intensity  of  the  symptoms  mentioned  which  are  significant 
of  the  early  stage  of  the  disease  may  vary  to  a  wide  extent  and  in 
many  instances  be  so  mild  as  to  escape  the  attention  of  any  but  the 
most  careful  observer.  They  commonly  disai>pear  after  a  brief 
period.  The  apparent  recovery,  however,  is  not  permanent,  for  such 
animals  after  a  period  of  varial)le  length  manifest  constitutional  or 
nervous  symjitouis.  These  may  not  appear  for  several  months  or 
even  years.  They  consi.st  of  a  general  nervous  disorder  with  stagger- 
ing, swaying  gait,  especially  in  the  hind  limbs.  The  animal  generally 
becomes  emaciated,  the  abdouien  assuming  a  tucked-uj)  api>earance. 
The  first  indication  of  paralysis  will  l)e  noted  in  traveling,  when  the 


564  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

animal  fails  to  pick  up  one  of  the  hind  feet  as  freely  as  the  other, 
or  both  may  become  affected  at  the  same  time,  at  which  time  knuck- 
ling is  a  common  symptom.  Labored  breathing  is  occasionally  noted. 
When  the  paralysis  of  the  hind  limbs  starts  to  appear  the  disease 
usually  progresses  rapidly.  The  horse  goes  down,  is  unable  to  rise, 
and  dies  in  a  short  time  from  nervous  exhaustion.  The  appetite 
usually  remains  good  up  to  the  last. 

Although  a  case  of  dourine  may  now  and  then  recover,  as  a  rule 
the  disease  is  present  in  the  latent  stage.  Bad  weather,  exposure, 
insufficient  feed,  and  complicating  diseases  like  influenza,  distemper, 
or  in  fact  any  condition  which  tends  to  lower  the  vitality  of  the  ani- 
mal, may  hasten  the  termination  of  the  disease. 

Diagnosis. — The  complement-fixation  test  furnishes  by  far  the 
most  reliable  means  of  diagnosis  and  is  especially  valuable  in  a 
chronic  affection  of  this  character,  when  the  symptoms  manifested 
are  variable  and  frequently  so  obscure  as  to  escape  observation.  This 
is  a  laboratory  test  requiring  special  facilities  and  the  services  of  a 
trained  bacteriologist. 

Treatment. — Little  benefit  can  be  obtained  from  medicinal  treat- 
ment, nor  is  such  treatment  desirable  in  this  country,  where  the 
disease  has  existed  only  in  restricted  areas,  and  where  sanitary  con- 
siderations demand  its  prompt  eradication. 

INFECTIOUS  ABORTION  IN  MARES. 

Infectious  abortion  (also  known  as  contagious  abortion,  epizootic 
abortion,  enzootic  abortion,  slinking  of  colts)  is  a  disease  of  mares 
which  from  a  specific  cause  results  in  the  premature  expulsion  of 
the  fetus  and  its  membranes  from  the  uterus.  It  is  characterized  by 
an  inflammatory  condition  of  the  female  reproductive  organs. 

The  contagious  nature  of  the  disease  had  not  been  recognized 
until  recently,  the  disease  being  principally  attributed  to  various 
conditions,  such  as  traumatic  influences,  various  infectious  diseases, 
spoiled  feed,  drugs,  and  other  factors.  Ostertag  was  the  first  to 
study  premature  births  in  mares,  attributing  as  the  cause  of  the  same 
a  streptococcus,  which  he  was  supposed  to  have  been  able  to  use 
successfully  in  artificially  producing  abortion,  either  by  inoculations 
or  feeding.  His  findings  could  not  be  substantiated  by  other  inves- 
tigators. 

The  earliest  appearance  of  the  disease  in  this  country  was  in  1886, 
at  which  time  it  caused  considerable  damage  to  the  horse-breeding 
industry  in  the  Mississippi  Valley.  Smith  and  Kilbourne  investi- 
gated an  outbreak  in  Pennsylvania  in  1893,  at  which  time  they 
incriminated  another  germ  belonging  to  the  paratyphus  B  group 
as  the  causative  factor  of  the  disease.     These  findings  have  been  sub- 


INFhX'TlOL'S   DISEASES.  565 

sequently  substantiated  !)>'  many  investigators  abroad,  as  well  as  in 
this  eoiintry.  notably  so  by  l)e  Jon<x,  Dassonville,  and  Kiviore,  and  by 
(io<kI  ami  Meyer.  More  reeently  very  valuable  infoiination  was 
contributed  to  our  laiowledge  on  this  disease  by  Schofield,  of  Canada, 
espeeially  with  re«;ard  to  the  bioloj^ieal  tests  for  diaj^nosis.  (lood 
sug:<;jesteii  "liacUIus  <if>ortirics  i  >/ a i n u.s- ■'  as  the  name  for  the  specific 
orjianisni. 

The  causative  ajjent  of  this  disease  is  not  identical  with  the  «;erni 
causin«;f  alxirtion  in  cattle.  It  exerts  its  action,  however,  in  a  similar 
manner,  and  appears  to  have,  under  certain  conditions,  a  predilec- 
tion for  the  genital  organs  of  the  nuue,  where  it  induces  certairj 
morbid  changes  whereby  a  premature  exjiulsion  of  the  fetus  is  the 
result.  The  germ  is  usually  present  in  the  fetal  membranes  and  also 
in  the  aborteil  fetus.  Mares  nuiy  harbor  the  infection  without  dis- 
closing any  apparent  ill  eflects.  It  appears  to  exert  its  influence 
mainly  upon  the  female  genital  organs,  where  it  may  induce  an  in- 
llammatory  condition  of  the  uterus. 

The  infected  animals  may  carry  the  fetus  through  the  nornuil 
period  of  pregnancy,  giving  birth  to  either  a  normal  or  a  weak  colt, 
or  again  abortion  may  take  place  at  any  time  during  pregnancy, 
mostly,  however,  from  the  sixth  to  the  ninth  mcmth. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  suggestive  of  abortion  are  frequently 
entirely  absent.  At  times  the  abortion  may  be  ushered  in  by  symp- 
toms of  colicky  pains,  restlessness,  and  periodical  straining;  these, 
however,  are  by  no  means  constant,  especially  if  the  abortion  takes 
place  in  the  early  months  of  pregnancy.  The  genital  organs  are 
usually  swollen,  showing  a  mucous  discharge.  Immediately  before 
abortion  the  symptoms  are  more  aggravated.  Following  abortion  the 
discharge  is  more  characteristic,  being  of  a  dark-brown  color,  some- 
times even  bloody,  and  contains  streaky  or  flaky  pus.  The  fetal  mem- 
branes in  all  cases  are  not  expelled  with  the  aborted  fetus,  but  there 
is  a  tendency  toward  retention  of  these  membranes,  which  frequently 
has  serious  consequences  upon  the  health  of  the  animal.  At  times 
it  becomes  necessary  to  resort  to  manual  removal  of  the  afterbirth, 
and  the  inflamnuition  of  the  uterus  and  a  chronic  discharge  usually 
follow  such  conditions.  The  expelled  fetuses,  as  a  rule,  die  soon 
after  the  abortion,  and  if  the  expulsion  has  taken  place  at  a  time  close 
to  its  fidl  term  the  fetu.^s  are  usually  poorly  developed  and  subject 
to  various  kinds  of  digestive  and  septic  disorders.  The  fetuses  do  not 
disclose  any  particular  abnornuil  appearance  on  external  examin- 
ation; in  nuiny  cases,  however,  the  post-mortem  examination  reveals 
inflammntory  changes  of  various  organs. 

The  method  of  infection  has  not  yet  been  satisfactorily  established: 
nevertheless  it  is  essential  that  we  con.sider  as  the  principal  mode  of 
infection  the  ways  which  have  been  proved  for  the  contagious  abor- 


566  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOKSE. 

tion  in  cattle.  These  are  especially  by  ingestion ;  that  is,  by  taking  up 
the  germs  with  the  feed,  water,  or  other  means,  which  ha\e  become 
contaminated  with  the  germs.  The  infection  through  the  genital 
organs  is  probably  not  so  frequent,  but  in  this  regard  the  stallion  no 
doubt  plays  an  important  role  in  the  spreading  of  the  disease.  Scho- 
field  considers  this  method  of  infection  as  the  principal  source  of 
spreading  the  disease. 

It  must  be  considered  that  in  infected  stables  the  germs  may  be 
present  throughout  the  premises,  and  by  keeping  animals  which  have 
aborted  in  such  stables  a  contamination  of  feed  and  utensils  may  con- 
tinually take  place,  since  the  aborted  mares  usually  discharge  a  con- 
siderable quantity  of  material  which  is  often  heavily  charged  with  the 
germs.  The  germ  is  taken  up  by  the  body  with  the  feed  or  water, 
passing  from  the  intestines  into  the  blood,  and  from  there  is  carried 
to  the  genital  organs,  where  it  finds  suitable  conditions  for  its  de- 
velopment. Milk  from  an  infected  mare  may  also  contain  the  germ, 
and  colts  may  become  infected  by  sucking  the  milk  of  infected 
mothers.  In  such  instances  the  infection  may  remain  dormant  until 
the  colt  develops  and  becomes  pregnant,  when  the  organism,  finding 
a  condition  suitable  for  its  development,  produces  the  disease. 

On  the  other  hand,  stallions  used  in  covering  infected  mares  may 
be  carriers  of  the  germs,  and  when  used  for  the  breeding  of  healthy 
animals  may  in  this  manner  readily  transmit  the  disease  to  them. 

Diagnosis. — Contagious  abortion  may  be  diagnosed  by  the  changes 
which  occur  in  the  fetal  membranes,  and  also  in  the  expelled  feces. 
In  order,  however,  to  substantiate  a  diagnosis  with  certainty,  demon- 
stration of  the  germ  by  miscroscopical  examination  is  necessary. 
The  occurrence  of  frequent  abortions  among  the  mares  in  a  stable  is 
also  an  additional  evidence  of  the  contagious  character  of  the  mal- 
ady. It  must  be  considered  that  at  times  infected  mares  may  carry 
the  fetus  to  full  maturity,  in  which  case  the  diagnosis  is  possible  only 
by  blood  examinations  in  a  laboratory. 

Infected  animals  usually  abort  only  once;  however,  in  a  certain 
proportion  of  cases  they  may  abort  even  two,  three,  or  four  times  in 
succession. 

Animals  which  establish  a  tolerance  for  the  infection,  and  carry 
the  fetus  to  full  maturity,  may  nevertheless  remain  a  source  of  dan- 
ger for  spreading  the  disease. 

The  tests  used  in  laboratories  for  the  diagnosis  are  the  agglutina- 
tion and  complement-fixation  tests,  by  which  the  disease  may  be  diag- 
nosed from  a  sample  of  blood  from  a  suspected  animal.  Such  tests, 
however,  have  to  be  confined  to  the  laboratories,  which  are  equipped 
for  such  work. 

Treatment  and  'prevention. — Medicinal  treatment  is  usually  of  no 
avail,  and  all  efforts  should  be  directed  toward  the  prevention  of  the 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  567 

disease.  Various  metliciiial  ajjents  havo  hren  lecoiniuoiuK'il  and  aie 
beinp:  exploited  for  the  tri'atmeiit,  but  to  the  present  time  no  sjitis- 
factory  evidence  has  been  established  as  to  their  merits.  Bacterial 
vaccines  prepared  from  the  specific  or«;anism  have  been  given  limited 
trials,  but  to  date  they  can  not  be  considered  as  entirely  satisfactory, 
since  it  will  refpiire  considerable  experience  with  them  before  their 
usefulness  can  be  definitely  established. 

The  prevention  should  consist  largely  in  sanitary  measures  di- 
rected towarel  the  disinfection  of  premises  and  animals.  (For  a 
method  for  disinfection  of  premises  see  article  under  that  heading.) 

The  following  procedure  is  advised  for  the  disinfection  of  ani- 
mals: To  prevent  a  stallion  from  carrying  the  infection  from  a  dis- 
eased mare  to  a  healthy  one  the  sheath  and  the  penis  should  be  dis- 
infected with  a  solution  of  ^  per  cent  of  compound  cresol  solu- 
tion, lysol,  or  trikresol,  or  a  1  per  cent  carbolic  acid  or  1  to 
1,000  potassium  permanganate  solution  in  warm  water.  For  this 
purpose  it  is  advisable  to  use  a  soft-rubber  tube  with  a  large  funnel 
attached  to  one  end,  or  an  oi'dinary  syringe  and  tube  would  serve  the 
purpose.  The  tube  should  be  inserted  into  the  sheath,  and  the  fore- 
skin held  with  the  hand  to  prevent  the  immediate  escape  of  the  fluid. 
Tn  addition  to  this  the  hair  of  the  belly  and  inner  side  of  the  thighs 
should  be  sponged  with  an  antiseptic.  This  disinfection  should  in- 
variably precede  and  follow  every  service. 

With  regard  to  the  mares,  a  period  of  three  months  should  elapse 
between  abortion  and  a  subsequent  breeding,  and  especially  if  there 
is  any  evidence  of  a  discharge  the  breeding  of  the  animal  should  not 
be  undertaken.  The  mare  showing  signs  of  abortion  should  be  imme- 
diately isolated  and  the  fetus  and  membranes  should  be  burned. 
The  fetus  should  never  l)e  dragged  across  a  barnyard  or  stable,  but 
should  be  removed  by  other  means  by  which  the  contamination  of 
the  premises  may  be  prevented.  The  stall  in  which  the  animal 
aborted  should  be  thoroughly  disinfected  and  the  genital  organs  of 
the  mare  washed  daily  with  a  disinfectant.  The  antiseptic  washing 
recommended  for  the  treatment  of  the  stallions  prior  to  and  after 
breeding  should  be  also  used  for  the  iriigation  of  the  uterus  of  mares 
which  have  aborted.  This  treatment  should  be  continued  daily  until 
all  evidence  of  discharge  has  ceased.  The  isolation  of  the  animal 
should  be  carried  out  for  at  least  one  month  after  the  evidence  of  a 
discharge  has  ceased. 

By  carefully  and  persistently  carrying  out  the  sanitary  measures 
it  may  be  possible  to  control  and  finally  eradicate  the  disease. 

NAVEL  ILL  OF  COLTS. 

Navel  ill  of  colts  is  also  known  as  joint  ill,  omphalophlebitis, 
septic  arthritis  of  sucklings,  and  jiyosepticemia  of  the  newly  born. 


568  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

The  unfavorable  outlook  after  the  appearance  of  the  disease,  to- 
gether with  the  fact  that  the  disease  when  present  requires  the  atten- 
tion of  a  veterinarian,  demands  that  the  breeder  concern  himself 
with  its  prevention. 

The  disease  is  caused  by  a  microorganism  and  several  bacteria  have 
been  suspected  of  being  responsible.  Every  one  of  the  suspected 
organisms  is  found  abundantly  in  manure  and  objects  contaminated 
with  manure.  The  infective  material  gains  entrance  into  the. colt 
through  the  open  umbilical  cord  as  a  result  of  its  coming  into  contact 
with  litter,  floors,  or  discharges  from  its  dam  contaminated  by  one 
of  the  organisms  which  cause  the  trouble.  There  are  cases  on  record 
in  which  the  infection  has  taken  place  before  birth,  and  while  some 
investigators  assert  that  this  method  is  the  principal  mode  of  infec- 
tion still,  in  a  large  number  of  cases,  the  prophylactic  measures 
adopted  to  guard  against  the  infection  through  the  navel  cord  have 
given  good  results.  Since  infection  before  birth  can  not  be  controlled 
satisfactorily,  we  are  justified,  for  all  practical  purposes,  in  pre- 
venting navel  ill  by  guarding  against  the  infection  through  the  cord 
at  birth  or  soon  afterwards. 

Cleanliness  of  stables  where  pregnant  mares  are  kept  must  be  in- 
sisted upon.  This  is  especially  necessary  where  outbreaks  of  navel 
ill  have  been  known  to  exist.  Mares  in  the  last  stages  of  gestation 
should  be  placed  in  a  box  stall  which  has  previously  been  cleaned 
and  disinfected.  The  bedding  should  be  frequently  renewed  and  the 
external  genitals  and  neighboring  tissues  should  be  kept  clean  and 
disinfected  with  a  2  per  cent  solution  of  carbolic  acid  or  1  per  cent 
liquor  cresolis  compositus,  or  any  other  reliable  disinfecting  agent. 
Operations  for  opening  abscesses  and  removal  of  afterbirths  from 
cows  should  not  be  executed  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  mares  in  an 
advanced  stage  of  pregnancy. 

The  foal  when  dropped  should  be  placed  on  clean  bedding.  In 
any  event  the  cord  of  the  foal  should  be  washed  in  a  disinfect- 
ant solution  and  tied  at  about  1^  inches  from  the  navel  with 
a  band  or  string  which  has  previously  been  soaked  in  a  disinfectant 
solution.  With  a  sharp  pair  of  scissors  the  navel  cord  is  then  sev- 
ered about  one-half  inch  below  the  band  and  again  disinfected. 
The  ligature  should  not  be  tightened,  however,  until  pulsation  of 
the  vessels  in  the  cord  has  ceased.  The  stump  of  the  cord  is  then 
painted  with  strong  carbolic-acid  solution,  tincture  of  iodin,  or  a 
mixture  of  equal  parts  of  tincture  of  iodin  and  glycerin.  The 
stump  should  be  washed  daily  with  a  disinfectant  and  either  painted 
with  iodin  mixture  or  carbolic  acid  or  dusted  with  some  reliable 
antiseptic  healing  powder.  After  five  days  the  parchmentlike  dried 
stump  may  be  cut  off  and  the  navel  wound  washed  with  a  disin- 
fectant solution  and  dusted  with  pow^der  until  healed. 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  5G9 

The  cases  of  navel  ill  resiiltinf?  from  infection  before  birth  can  not 
well  he  g^uanled  a<;aini;t.  liy  keeping  mares,  advanced  in  pre«i:nancy, 
in  j^ood  physical  condition,  the  fetus  will  he  expelled  imiiied lately 
upon  the  openings  of  the  uterine  cavity. 

Once  the  infection  of  the  navel  cord  has  set  in,  the  cord  sIkjuM  not 
be  li<;ated  hut  should  i)e  washed  in  a  disinfectant  solution  and  a 
veterinarian  called  for  the  subsequent  treatment. 

INFECTIOUS  ANEMIA  OR  SWAMP  FEVER. 

liy  .loHN  K.  ^loili.KK,  V.  M.  !>.,  As.sixtant  Chief,  JiiiDnu  of  Aiiiiiial  ] ndiislrii. 

Infectious  anemia  of  horses,  known  also  by  a  number  of  other 
names,  as  swamp  fever,  American  surra,  malarial  fever,  typhoid 
fever  of  horses,  the  unknown  disease,  no-name  disease,  i)lains  paraly- 
sis, and  ix'rnicious  anemia,  has  recently  been  the  subject  of  much  in- 
vestijjation.  The  cause  of  the  disease  has  now  been  definitely  deter- 
mined as  an  invisible  virus,  which  is  capable  of  j^assinj;  throu«j:h  the 
pores  of  the  finest  porcelain  filters,  like  the  infection  of  foot-and- 
mouth  disease,  rinderpest,  hog  cholera,  and  similar  diseases.  The 
disease  is  most  prevalent  in  low-lying  and  badly  drained  sections 
of  the  country,  although  it  has  been  found  on  marshy  pastures  dur- 
ing wet  seasons  in  altitudes  as  high  as  7,500  feet.  Therefore  proper 
drainage  of  infected  ])astures  is  indicated  as  a  preventive.  It  is 
also  more  prevalent  during  wet  years  than  in  dry  seasons.  It  usually 
makes  its  appearance  in  June  and  increases  in  frequency  until  Oc- 
tober, although  the  chronic  cases  may  be  seen  in  the  winter,  having 
been  contracted  thuing  the  waini  season. 

Cause. — It  has  been  conclusively  proved  that  infectious  anemia  is 
produced  by  an  invisible  filterable  organism  which  is  transmissible 
to  horses,  mules,  and  asses  by  subcutaneous  inoculation  of  blood  se- 
rum. The  virus  which  is  present  in  the  blood  may  be  transmitted  to 
a  number  of  equines  in  a  series  of  inoculations  by  injecting  either  the 
whole  blooil,  the  delibrinated  blood,  or  the  blood  serum  which  has 
been  passed  through  a  fine  Pasteur  filter,  thus  eliminating  all  the 
visible  forms  of  organismal  life,  including  bacteria,  tryjianosoma, 
I)ii-oplasma,  etc.  This  virus  has  also  been  found  to  be  active  in  the 
carcass  of  an  affected  animal  24  hours  after  death. 

Following  the  injection  of  the  infectious  priniiple  there  is  a  peiiod 
of  incubation  which  may  extend  fiom  ten  days  to  one  and  one-half 
months,  at  the  end  of  which  time  the  onset  of  the  disease  is  mani- 
fested by  a  rise  of  temperatui-e.  If  uncomplicated,  the  infection  runs 
a  chronic  lour.se,  terminating  in  death  in  from  two  months  to  one 
and  onedialf  years,  or  even  longer.  The  probability  of  the  virus 
being  spread  by  an  inteiinedi;ite  host,  sinh  as  (lies.  nio;^(|uiioes,  inter- 
nal parasites,  etc.,  is  now  receiving  careful  investigation. 


570  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

From  experiments  already  conducted  it  appears  that  this  disease, 
formerly  supposed  to  be  confined  to  Manitoba  and  Minnesota,  is 
more  or  less  prevalent  in  Kansas,  Nebraska,  Colorado,  Wyoming, 
Montana,  North  Dakota,  Virginia,  Texas,  and  New  York.  It  also 
occurs  in  Europe,  having  been  reported  in  Germany  under  the  name 
of  infectious  anemia  and  in  France  as  infectious  typho-anemia. 

Sym,2?toms. — The  disease  is  characterized  by  a  progressive  perni- 
cious anemia,  remittent  fever,  polyuria,  and  gradual  emaciation  in 
spite  of  a  voracious  appetite.  It  begins  to  manifest  itself  by  a  dull, 
listless  appearance  and  by  general  weakness,  the  animal  tiring  very 
easily.  This  stage  is  followed  closely  by  a  staggering,  swaying,  un- 
certain gait,  the  hind  legs  being  mostly  affected.  There  is  also  noted 
a  weakness  and  tenderness  in  the  region  of  the  loins,  and  at  the  same 
time  the  pulse,  though  weak,  stringy,  and  intermittent,  increases  in 
rapidity  and  may  run  as  high  as  70,  The  temperature  may  rise  to 
103°  F.  or  higher,  remaining  high  for  several  days,  and  then  drop- 
ping to  rise  again  irregularl}^  Toward  the  end  of  the  disease  the 
temperature  occasionally  remains  persistently  high.  The  horse  may 
improve  for  a  time,  but  usually  this  improvement  is  followed  by  a 
more  severe  attack  than  the  first.  Venous  regurgitation  is  sometimes 
noticed  in  the  jugular  before  death.  The  quantity  of  urine  passed  is 
enormous  in  some  cases.  Death  finally  occurs  from  exhaustion  or 
syncope. 

The  blood  shows  a  slight  decrease  in  the  number  of  white  blood 
cells,  while  there  is  a  gradual  but  marked  diminution  of  red  cor- 
puscles, the  count  running  as  low  as  2,000,000  per  cubic  milluneter, 
the  normal  count  being  7,000,000.  If  the  blood  is  drawn  from  such 
an  animal,  the  resulting  red  clot  will  be  about  one-fifth  of  the  amount 
drawn.  Occasionally  a  slow  dripping  of  blood-tinged  serum  from 
the  nostrils  is  observed  as  a  result  of  this  very  thin  blood  oozing 
from  the  mucuous  membranes.  Petechise,  or  small  hemorrhagic 
points,  are  sometimes  noticed  on  the  nictitating  membrane  and  con- 
junctiva, while  paleness  of  the  visible  mucous  membranes  of  the 
nose  and  mouth  is  usually  in  evidence,  although  they  may  have  a 
yellow  or  mahogany  tinge.  Often  a  fluctuating,  pendulous  swelling 
may  appear  on  the  lower  lip,  point  of  elbow,  sheath,  legs,  under  the 
belly,  or  on  some  other  pendent  portion,  especially  late  in  the  disease, 
which  is  indicative  of  poor  circulation,  thinning  of  the  blood,  and 
consequent  loss  of  capillary  action. 

Lesions. — After  death  the  carcass  is  found  to  be  very  much  ema- 
ciated and  anemic,  the  visible  mucosa  being  very  pale.  This  marked 
absence  of  adipose  tissue  makes  the  skinning  of  the  animal  a  difficult 
task.  Subcutaneous  and  intermuscular  edema  and  hemorrhages  are 
frequently  observed,  although  in  many  cases  it  is  remarkable  to  see 
how  few  macroscopic  lesions  may  be  present.     The  predominating 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  571 

and  most  constant  lesion  is  probably  the  petechia^,  so  often  obsei\etl 
in  the  muscle  or  on  the  serous  membranes  of  the  heart.  The  heart 
is  u^enerally  enlarged  and  may  be  the  cmly  orjjan  to  sliow  evidence  of 
diFease.  In  other  cases  the  lungs  may  be  studded  with  petechia',  with 
a  serous  exudate  present  in  the  thoracic  cavity.  In  addition  to  the 
j)etechiie  already  noted,  the  pericardial  sac  generally  contains  an 
increased  quantity  of  fluid.  The  abdominal  cavity  may  show  peri- 
tonitis and  a  hemorrhagic  condition  of  the  intestines,  which  probably 
result  from  overfeeding  in  consequence  of  the  ravenous  appetite. 
The  liver,  although  usually  normal,  sometimes  presents  a  few  areas 
of  degeneration.  The  spleen  is  at  times  found  to  be  eidarged  and 
covered  with  petechia\  The  kidneys  may  ap[)ear  normal  or  anemic 
and  flaccid,  but  microscopically  they  usually  show  a  chronic  paren- 
chynuitous  degeneration.  The  lymph  glands  may  he  enlarged  and 
hemorrhagic. 

Diagno»i8. — The  diagnosis  of  the  disease  is  not  difficult,  especially 
in  advanced  stages.  The  insidious  onset,  remittent  fever,  progiessive 
emaciation  and  anemia,  unimpaired  or  ravenous  appetite,  staggering 
gait  and  polyuria  are  a  train  of  symptoms  which  make  the  disease 
sufficiently  characteristic  to  differentiate  it  from  other  diseases  af- 
fecting horses  in  this  country.  The  peculiar  relapsing  type  of  fever, 
the  great  reduction  in  the  number  of  red  blood  cells,  and  the  absence 
of  eosinophila  are  sufficient  to  differentiate  it  from  the  anemias  pro- 
duced by  internal  parasites,  while  it  may  be  readily  distinguished 
from  surra  by  the  nonsusceptibility  of  cattle  and  by  the  great  ease 
with  which  the  trypanosoma  may  be  found  in  the  latter  affection. 

Prognonis. — The  prognosis  of  the  disease  is  very  unfavorable. 
Veterinarians  in  different  sections  of  the  country  where  it  is  preva- 
lent report  a  mortality  of  T.')  per  cent  or  even  higher.  Recovery 
takes  place  only  when  treatment  is  begun  early  or  when  the  animal 
has  a  long  convalescent  period. 

Treatnunt. — The  treatment  of  the  disease  has  so  far  been  far  from 
satisfactory.  The  iodid,  permanganate,  and  carbonate  of  potash 
have  been  used.  Arsenic,  axytol,  quinin,  and  silver  preparations 
have  been  suggested,  but  all  have  been  unifr»rmly  without  success. 
Intestinal  antiseptics  have  been  resorted  to,  and  the  results  are 
encouraging  but  not  altogether  satisfactory.  Symptomatic  treat- 
ment seems  to  be  the  most  dependable.  For  instance.  Davison,  of 
this  bureau,  was  able  to  reduce  greatly  tiie  mortality  from  this 
affection  by  giving  an  antipyretic  of  40  grains  of  quinin.  2  drams 
of  acetanilid.  and  30  grains  of  powdered  nux  vomica  four  times 
daily.  In  the  late  .stages,  with  weak  heart  action,  alcohol  should 
be  substituted  for  acetanilid.  Cold-water  sponge  baths  may  be  given, 
and  in  addition  fre<|uent  (•o|)ious  injections  of  cold  water  per  rectum, 
which   hati  a   beneficial  effect   in   reducing  the  temperature  and   in 


572  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

stimulating  peristalsis  of  the  bowels,  which,  as  a  result  of  the  disease, 
show  a  tendency  to  become  torpid  during  the  fever.  Purgatives, 
on  account  of  their  debilitating  effect,  should  not  be  given  unless 
absolutely  necessary,  but  laxatives  and  easily  digested  feeds  should 
be  given  instead.  Not  infrequently  a  dirty  yellowish  tinge  of  the 
visible  mucous  membranes  has  been  observed,  in  which  cases  20 
grains  of  calomel  in  from  2  to  4  drams  of  aloes  in  a  ball,  or  2-dram 
doses  of  fluid  extract  of  podophyllin,  may  be  given.  Following  the 
subsidence  of  the  fever,  a  tonic  should  be  administered,  composed  of 
the  following  drugs  in  combination : 

Arsenious  acid grams_-      2 

Powdered  uux  vomica do 28 

Powdered  cincliona  bark do: 85 

Powdered  gentian  root do 110 

These  should  be  well  mixed  and  one-half  teaspoonful  given  to  the 
affected  animal  at  each  feed. 

As  in  the  case  of  all  other  infectious  diseases,  the  healthy  should 
be  separated  from  the  sick  horses  and  thorough  disinfection  of  the 
infected  stables,  stalls,  litter,  and  stable  utensils  should  be  carried  out 
in  order  to  prevent  the  recurrence  of  the  disease.  As  a  disinfectant 
the  compound  solution  of  cresol,  carbolic  acid,  or  chlorid  of  lime 
may  be  used,  by  mixing  6  ounces  of  any  one  of  these  chemicals  with 
1  gallon  of  water.  One  of  the  approved  coal-tar  sheep  dips  may  also 
be  used  to  advantage  in  a  5  per  cent  solution  (6  ounces  of  dip  to  1 
gallon  of  water).  The  disinfectant  solution  should  be  applied  lib- 
erally to  all  parts  of  the  stable,  and  sufficient  lime  may  be  added  to 
the  solution  to  make  the  disinfected  area  conspicious. 

Investigations  are  now  in  progress  Avith  a  view  of  producing  a 
vaccine  or  serum  that  will  protect  horses  that  have  been  exposed 
to  the  disease. 

SURRA. 

By  Ch.  Wardell  Stiles,  Ph.  D. 
Professor  of  Zoology,  United  States  Public  Health  Service, 

Surra  is  not  known  to  occur  in  the  United  States,  but  it  is  more  or 
less  common  in  the  Philippine  Islands  and  India.  It  is  caused  by 
a  microscopic,  flagellate  animal  parasite,  Imown  as  Trypanosoina 
evcmsi,,  20  to  34  /x  long  by  1  to  2  ju,  broad,  which  lives  in  the  blood 
and  destroys  the  red  blood  corpuscles.  In  general  the  disease  is  very 
similar  to  and  belongs  in  the  same  general  class  with  tsetse-fly  dis- 
ease, or  nagana,  of  Africa  and  mal  de  caderas,  of  South  America. 

Surra  is  a  wet-weather  disease,  occurring  chiefly  during  or  imme- 
diately after  heavy  rainfalls,  floods,  or  inundations. 

Surra  attacks  especially  horses,  asses,  and  mules,  but  it  may  occur 
in  carabao,  camels,  elephants,  cats,  and  dogs,  and  has  been  trans- 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  573 

mitted  to  cattle,  biiflfaloes,  sheep,  goats,  rabbits,  guinea  pigs,  rats, 
and  monkeys.  Xo  birds,  reptiles,  aniphiMn  (frogs,  etc.),  or  fish  are 
known  to  .sutler  from  it.  It  attacks  lioth  male  and  female  animals, 
young  and  old.  Australian  breeds  of  hoi*ses  and  white  iuul  gray 
mules  are  said  to  i>e  more  susceptible  than  animals  of  othei-  breeds 
and  color. 

Surra  in  equines  and  camels  is  said  to  be  an  invariably  fatal  di?^ 
ease,  but  cattk'  occasionally  recover  from  it.  Thei-e  is  no  histoi'V  of 
a  definite  onset  of  the  disease,  and  the  condition  is  juogressive, 
usually  with  a  number  of  relapses.  The  period  of  incubation  may 
vary  somewhat;  in  exjjerimental  cases  it  is  from  2  to  75  (usually 
6  to  8)  days,  according  to  conditions.  The  duration  varies  with 
the  species  of  animal  attacked,  their  age,  and  general  condition.  The 
average  duration  in  the  horse  is  reported  at  less  than  two  months, 
though  some  cases  may  terminate  fatally  in  less  than  one  to  two 
weeks. 

Meth-rxl  of  infection. — All  evidence  now  available  seems  to  indi- 
cate that  surra  is  strictly  a  wound  disease,  namely,  that  the  parasite 
may  enter  the  body  only  through  a  wound  of  some  kind.  Appar- 
ently by  far  the  most  common  method  is  through  wounds  produced 
by  biting  fiies  wJiose  mouth  parts  are  moist  with  the  infected  blood 
of  some  animal  bitten  by  the  same  flies  immediately  before  biting 
the  healthy  animal.  Crows  may  also  transmit  the  infection  by  peck- 
ing at  sores  on  a  diseased  animal,  soiling  their  beaks  with  blood, 
and  transferring  this  infected  blood  to  a  healthy  animal.  Likewise, 
if  a  scratch  is  made  on  a  horse  and  then  infected  blood  is  rubbed 
on  the  scratch,  the  horse  will  become  diseased.  If,  in  experiment, 
infected  blood  is  fed  to  a  healthy  animal,  the  latter  jnay  contract 
surra  in  case  it  has  an  abraded  or  wounded  spot  in  the  mouth ;  but 
if  no  part  of  the  lining  of  the  alimentary  canal  is  Avounded,  infec- 
tion does  not  take  place.  Thus  dogs  and  cats  may  contract  the  dis- 
ease by  wounding  the  lining  of  the  mouth  (as  with  splinters  of  bone) 
while  feeding  on  the  carcasses  of  surra  subjects.  All  available 
evidence  indicates  that  under  normal  conditions  of  pregnancy  the 
disease  is  not  transmitted  from  mother  to  fetus. 

There  is  a  popular  view  that  surra  may  be  contracted  by  drinking 
stagnant  water  and  by  eating  grass  and  other  vegetation  grown  upon 
land  subject  to  inundation,  but  there  is  no  good  experimental  evi- 
dence to  support  this  view.  Probably  the  correct  intoi-pretation  of 
the  facts  cited  in  sujiport  of  this  theory  is  that  biting  fiies  are  numer- 
ous around  stagnant  water  and  in  inundated  pastures;  hence,  that 
a  great  number  of  possible  transmitters  of  the  disease  are  present 
in  these  places. 


574  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOESE. 

Symptoms} — The  invasion  of  this  disease  when  contracted  natu- 
rally is  usually  marked  by  symptoms  of  a  trivial  character ;  the  skin 
feels  hot,  and  there  may  be  more  or  less  fever;  there  is  also  slight 
loss  of  appetite,  and  the  animal  appears  dull  and  stumbles  during 
action;  early  a  symptom  sometimes  appears  which  may  be  the  first 
intimation  of  the  animal's  indisposition,  and  which,  as  a  guide  to 
diagnosis,  is  of  great  importance;  it  is  the  presence  of  a  general  or 
localized  urticarial  eruption.  If  the  blood  is  examined  microscop- 
ically, it  may  be  found  to  present  a  normal  appearance ;  but  in  the 
majority  of  cases  a  few  small,  rapidly  moving  organisms  will  be 
observed,  giving  to  the  blood,  as  it  passes  among  the  corpuscles,  a 
peculiar,  vibrating  movement,  which  if  once  observed  will  not  easily 
be  forgotten.  If  the  parasite  has  not  been  discovered  in  the  blood 
for  several  days,  the  symptoms  mentioned  above  may  be  the  only 
ones  noticed,  and,  as  a  rule,  when  treated  with  febrifuges,  the  horse 
quickly  improves  in  health  and  the  appetite  returns.  This  condition 
does  not  last  for  more  than  a  few  days,  when  the  animal  is  again 
observed  to  present  a  dull  and  dejected  appearance,  and  on  exami- 
nation well-marked  sjniiptoms  are  found;  the  skin  is  hot,  the  tem- 
perature more  or  less  elevated — 101.7°  to  101°  F. ;  the  pulse  full  and 
frequent — 56  to  64  beats  a  minute;  the  visible '  mucous  membranes 
may  appear  clean,  but  the  conjunctival  membranes,  especially  those 
covering  the  membrana  nictitans,  are  usually  the  seat  of  dark-red 
patches  of  ecchymosis,  varying  in  size  in  different  animals.  There 
is  more  or  less  thirst  and  slight  loss  of  appetite ;  the  animal  eats  its 
grain  and  green  grass,  but  leaves  all  or  a  portion  of  the  hay. with 
which  it  has  been  supplied.  At  the  same  time  there  are  slight 
catarrhal  symptoms  present,  including  lacrimation  and  a  little 
mucous  discharge  from  the  nostrils.  Occasionally  at  this  period  of 
the  disease  the  submaxillary  glands  may  be  found  enlarged  and  per- 
haps somewhat  tender  on  manipulation.  One  symptom  is  markedly 
absent,  namely,  the  presence  of  rigors  or  the  objective  sign  of  chilli- 
ness. In  addition,  it  will  be  noted  that  there  is  some  swelling  and 
edema  of  the  legs,  generally  between  the  fetlock  and  the  hock,  which 
pits  but  is  not  painful  on  pressure,  and  in  case  of  horses  there  may 
be  also  some  swelling  of  the  sheath  at  this  stage  of  the  disease. 
When  the  fever  and  concomitant  symptoms  have  declared  themselves 
for  a  short  period,  one  thing  becomes  especially  noticeable  in  every 
animal  attacked,  namely,  the  rapidity  with  which  it  loses  flesh.  If 
the  blood  has  been  examined  microscopically  during  the  second 
period  of  fever,  at  first  a  few  parasites  will  have  been  observed  in 
it,  which  day  by  day  increase  in  number  and  reach  a  maximum, 
where  they  remain  for  a  varying  period,  or  at  once  suddenly  or 

i  This  summary  of  symptoms  is  based  upon  work  by  Lingard. 


INFECTIOUS  DISEASES.  575 

gradually  disappear  during  the  period  of  apyrexia.  After  the  fever 
and  the  accompanying  symptoms  have  for  the  second  time  been 
l)resent  for  a  few  days — the  period  varying  from  one  to  six — the 
animal  is  found  to  have  lost  the  dull,  dejected  appearance  and  to 
look  bright.  The  temperature  has  fallen  and,  in  some  cases,  has 
attained  normal  or  even  subnormal  limits.  The  visible  nuicous  mem- 
branes are  clean,  and  the  conjunctival  petechia}  begin  to  fade;  the 
pulse,  however,  will  be  found  to  be  weak  and  thready  in  character, 
but  the  appetite  excellent,  and,  in  fact,  if  it  were  not  for  the  loss  of 
flesh  and  slight  edema  of  the  legs,  there  would  be  little  to  show  that 
the  animal  was  sick.  Unfortunately,  however,  this  condition  does 
not  continue  for  any  great  length  of  time,  for  again  the  temperature 
is  elevated ;  in  the  course  of  a  few  hours  the  thermometer  registers 
a  still  higher  degree,  the  animal  is  dull  and  dejected,  and  by  the 
following  ilay  the  visible  mucous  membranes  present  a  yellow  tinge; 
large  ecchymoses,  dark  in  color,  appear  on  the  conjunctival  mem- 
branes, the  action  of  the  heart  is  irritable,  the  pulse  full  and  quick, 
or  at  times  intermittent,  and  regurgitation  may  be  observed  in  the 
jugulars,  the  breathing  is  quickened,  and  the  individual  respirations 
are  shallow.  On  watching  an  animal  in  this  condition  it  may  be 
noticed  that  it  takes  seven  or  eight  very  short  inspirations,  followed 
by  a  much  more  prolonged  and  sonorous  one;  at  the  same  time  the 
breathing  is  more  abdominal  than  thoracic  in  character.  On  exami- 
nation of  the  legs  it  will  be  found  that  the  swelling  and  edema  havo 
increased  considerably,  and  that  on  the  under  surface  of  the  abdo- 
men, where  previously  it  was  confined  to  the  sheath,  it  has  now  com- 
menced to  spread  forward  along  the  subcutaneous  tissue  between  the 
skin  and  the  muscles.  During  the  whole  of  this  time  the  appetite 
will  have  varied  little,  and  the  evacuations  will  be  only  slightly,  if 
at  all,  altered  in  character.  In  the  blood  a  repetiti(.)n  of  the  i)revious 
events  takes  place,  the  parasites  make  their  appearance  and  increase 
to  a  maximum  and  again  suddenly  or  gradually  disappear,  according 
to  the  length  of  the  fever  period.  These  periotls,  alternating  with 
and  without  fever,  may  go  on  for  a  considerable  time.  The  pro- 
gress of  the  disease  is  variable  and  greatly  depends  upon  the  con- 
dition of  the  animal  attacked,  the  weak  one  succumi)ing  very  rapidly, 
but  each  return  of  the  fever  brings  with  it,  as  a  rule,  an  increase  in 
the  severity  of  the  symptoms.  There  is  increased  yellowness  of  the 
membranes,  fresh  crops  of  petechia"  on  the  conjunctiva,  a  collection 
of  gelatinous  material  at  the  inner  angle,  which  at  times  becomes  red 
in  color  from  an  admixture  of  blood,  and  which  on  microsco|)ic  ex- 
amination is  found  to  contain  a  varying  number  of  the  surra  para- 
sites; increased  swelling  and  edema  of  the  extremities  and  abdomen, 
which  now  extends  between  the  fore  limbs  and  uj)  the  chest.    During 


576  DISEASES   OF    THE   HOESE. 

this  time  the  wasting  has  been  steadily  progressive,  especially  of  the 
muscles  of  the  back  and  those  surrounding  the  hip  joinr  and  the 
glutei. 

Toward  the  termination  of  the  disease  it  will  be  noticed  that  an 
animal  is  disinclined  to  move,  and  when  made  to  do  so  there  is 
manifest  loss  of  power  over  the  hind  quarters,  somewhat  simulating 
a  slight  partial  paralysis,  and  the  hind  quarters  of  the  animal  reel 
from  side  to  side.  In  connection  with  this  it  may  be  noted  that 
frequently  there  is  paralysis  of  the  sphincter  ani  and  a  dilated 
condition  of  the  anus.  These  symptoms  taken  together  point  to  some 
interference  with  the  normal  functions  of  the  spinal  cord  in  the  lower 
dorsal  and  lumbar  regions,  and  are  probably  owing  to  pressure 
caused  by  an  exudation  within  the  spinal  membranes.  In  many 
cases  shortly  before  death  the  heart's  action  becomes  exceedingly 
violent,  shaking  the  whole  frame  at  each  beat,  so  that  the  sound  can 
be  heard  at  some  distance  from  the  animal.  In  some  of  these  cases 
the  animal  may  suddenly  drop  dead;  in  others  the  emaciation  and 
wealaiess  become  so  pronounced  that  it  falls  to  the  ground,  and, 
after  a  short  struggle,  succumbs  to  the  disease.  In  other  cases, 
again,  the  animal  falls  to  the  ground  and  appears  to  be  suffering 
from  acute  pain,  struggles  violently,  sweat  covers  the  body,  and  res- 
piration is  very  hurried.  The  struggles  soon  exhaust  the  patient's 
strength,  and  for  a  time  it  lies  quiet;  soon,  however,  the  struggles 
commence  again,  continuing  until  death  occurs.  In  some  cases  the 
appetite  is  voracious. 

The  symptoms  of  the  disease  as  observed  in  experimentally  inocu- 
lated animals  are  as  follows :  Twenty- four  hours  after  the  subcutane- 
ous injection  of  a  small  quantity  of  surra  blood,  in  the  great  majority 
of  caseS;  a  small  circumscribed  and  somewhat  raised  swelling  is 
noticed  at  the  seat  of  the  inoculation.  After  forty-eight  hours  the 
tumor  has  increased  in  size  and  is  accompanied  with  some  edema :  it 
presents  a  certain  amount  of  tension  of  the  parts  involved,  and  is 
generally  tender  on  manipulation.  These  conditions  continue  to  in- 
crease, until  by  the  fourth  day  the  tumor  may  measure  3  or  4  inches 
in  one  direction  by  2  or  3  in  the  other,  and  raised  to  the  extent  of  an 
inch  or  an  inch  and  a  half  above  the  surrounding  tissues,  or  in  some 
cases  the  tumor  presents  an  almost  circular  form  throughout.  It  will 
be  also  found  that,  if  the  tumor  is  firmly  grasped,  it  is  not  fixed,  but 
can  be  lifted  up  from  the  subcutaneous  tissue.  According  to  the 
nature  and  quantity  of  the  inoculated  blood,  these  symptoms  rapidly 
present  themselves,  and  either  attain  a  maximum  or  are  retarded 
until,  varying  from  the  fourth  to  the  thirteenth  day,  the  tumor  at 
the  seat  of  inoculation  will  be  found  to  have  lost  a  certain  amount 
of  its  tension  and  tenderness.  From  this  date  the  swelling  and 
edema  gradually  begin  to  grow  less,  until  finally,  after  a  period  of 


INFECTIOUS   DISEASES.  577 

10  to  14  (lays,  the  only  sign  left  of  the  former  swelling  is  a  slight 
thickening  of  the  skin  over  the  point  of  the  injection;  but  at  the 
moment  when  the  tension  and  temleniess  of  the  parts  at  the  seat 
of  inoculation  become  suddenly  decreased  a  symptom  of  the  utmost 
clinical  impt)rtance  takes  place,  namely,  at  that  moment  the  parasitic 
of  surra  enters  tlic  blood  of  the  general  circulation. 

The  temperature  on  the  day  of  inoeulatiim,  and,  in  fact,  for  several 
days  afterwards,  may  remain  normal  in  character,  there  being  oidy 
a  few  degices  dillcrence  between  tbi'  morning  antl  evening  observa- 
tions. In  other  eases  there  may  be  a  slight  rise  from  the  iirst  even- 
ing, and  a  gradual  i)rogressive  rise  until  the  swelling  at  the  .seat  of 
inoculation  .slu)ws  signs  of  reduction  in  size,  when  the  temperature 
generally  takes  a  decided  rise  again,  and  ma}'  attain  104°  or  105.8°  F. 
This  elevation  will  last  a  varying  ])eriod  of  from  two  to  six  days, 
and  on  the  day  following  its  ont>et  the  ordinary  symptoms  of  fever 
will  be  noticed,  and  in  addition  there  will  be  petechia}  on  the  con- 
jinictival  membranes,  lacrinuition,  a  slight  mucous  discharge  from 
the  nose,  and  in  severe  ca.ses  some  edema  of  the  lower  portion  of  the 
legs,  and  perhaps  of  the  sheath  in  horses.  At  the  termination  of  the 
period  of  fever  the  temperature  Mill  be  found  to  have  fallen  to  nor- 
mal or  nearly  so;  the  animal  will  present  a  brighter  aspect,  and 
there  is  every  appearance  of  its  return  to  health;  in  a  few  days, 
however,  the  animal  again  appears  didl  and  half  asleep;  the  tem- 
perature is  elevated,  a  relapse  takes  place,  and  a  repetition  of  all  the 
symptoms  in  the  primary  paroxysm,  including  the  reappearance  of 
the  parasite,  is  observed. 

Diaynos'is. — A  diagnosis  may  also  be  established  by  the  comple- 
ment-fixation or  agglutination  tests  with  the  sera  from  suspected 
animals.  This,  however,  can  bo  carried  out  only  in  laboratories  and 
requires  special  facilities  for  its  execution. 

Treatment. — No  s;itisfactorv  treatment  is  known.  Intravenous  in- 
jections of  Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic  give  temporary  relief,  but  re- 
lapses occur.  In  view  of  the  great  ec(>n(»mic  importance  of  this 
disease,  it  would  not  l>e  advisable  to  attempt  to  treat  any  sporadic 
ca.ses  should  they  wcur  in  this  country.  On  the  contrary,  the  animals 
should  be  slaughtered  immediately  and  their  carcasses  promptly 
burned. 

36444°— ir 37 


578  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

OSTEOPOROSIS  OR  BIGHEAD. 

By  John  R.  Mohlek,  V.  M.  D.,  Assistant  Chief,  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry. 

Osteoporosis  is  a  general  disease  of  the  bones  which  develops  slowly 
and  progressively  and  is  characterized  by  the  absorption  of  the  cal- 
careous or  compact  bony  substance  and  the  formation  of  enlarged, 
softened,  and  porous  bone.  It  is  particularly  manifest  in  the  bones 
of  the  head,  causing  enlargement  and  bulging  of  the  face  and  jaws, 
thereby  giving  rise  to  the  terms  "  bighead '"  and  "  swelled  head," 
which  are  applied  to  it.  The  disease  affects  horses,  mules,  and  asses 
of  all  ages,  classes,  and  breeds,  and  of  both  sexes,  and  is  found  under 
all  soil,  dietetic,  and  climatic  conditions.  It  may  occur  in  sporadic 
form,  but  in  certain  regions,  such  as  South  Africa,  Australia,  Mada- 
gascar, India,  Hawaii,  and  in  this  countr}^  it  seems  to  be  enzootic, 
several  cases  usually  appearing  in  the  same  stable  or  on  the  same 
farm,  and  numerous  animals  being  affected  in  the  same  district.  In 
the  United  States  the  disease  has  been  found  in  all  the  States  bordei- 
ing  the  Delaware  River  and  Chesapeake  Bay,  in  some  of  the  New- 
England  States,  and  in  many  of  the  Southern  States,  especially  in 
low  regions  along  the  coast.  In  Europe  the  disease  appears  to  be 
quite  rare,  and  is  usually  described  as  a  form  of  osteomalacia,  a  dis- 
ease which  is  not  uncommon  among  cattle  of  that  continent.  The 
opinion  that  bighead  is  only  a  form  of  osteomalacia,  however,  can  not 
be  accepted,  nor  can  the  infrequency  of  the  former  among  European 
horses  and  the  frequency  of  the  latter  among  other  live  stock  be  con- 
ceded on  the  argument  which  has  been  presented,  namely,  that  the  bet- 
ter care  which  horses  receive  prevents  them  from  becoming  affected. 
In  the  Southwest,  where  osteomalacia,  or  creeps,  has  not  infrequently 
been  observed  among  range  cattle  by  the  writer,  no  case  of  osteo- 
porosis of  the  horses  using  the  same  range  has  been  noted,  although 
the  latter  animals  are  given  no  more  attention  than  the  cattle. 

The  appropriate  treatment  of  osteomalacia  in  cattle  is  so  effective 
that  if  osteoporosis  were  a  similar  manifestation  of  disease  a  similar 
line  of  treatment  should  prove  equally  efficacious.  However,  this  is 
not  the  fact.  On  the  other  hand,  the  occurrence  of  osteomalacia  on 
old,  worn-out  soil,  or  on  land  deficient  in  lime  salts,  or  from  eating 
feed  lacking  in  these  bone-forming  substances,  or  drinking  water 
with  a  lime  deficiency,  is  in  perfect  accord  with  our  knowledge  of  the 
disease.  But  osteoporosis  may  occur  on  rich,  fertile  soil,  in  the  most 
hygienic  stables,  and  in  animals  receiving  the  best  of  care  and  of 
bone-forming  feeds  with  a  proper  amount  of  mineral  salts  in  the 
drinking  water. 

(Umse. — The  cause  of  this  disease  still  remains  obscure,  although 
various  theories  have  been  advanced,  some  entirely  erroneous,  others 


INFECTIOUS   DISK.\SKS.  57i> 

more  or  less  plausible;  but  none  of  thtiu  has  been  established.  Thus 
the  Idea  tliat  feedin*^:  fodder  and  ceieals  poor  in  niiniMal  salts  and 
gra/.in«>j  in  i)asturos  where  the  soil  is  poor  in  lime  and  phosphates  will 
lause  the  disease  has  been  entirely  ilisproveil  in  many  instances. 
Others  have  considered  that  the  disease  starts  as  a  muscular  rheuma- 
tisui  w  liiiii  is  followed  by  an  inflammatory  condition  of  the  bones, 
terminating  in  osteoporosis.  The  idea  that  the  disease  is  contagious 
has  been  advanced  by  numy  writers,  although  no  causative  agent  has 
l>een  isolated.  Numerous  experiments  h:i\e  been  nuide  by  inoculating 
the  blood  of  an  atfected  horse  into  normal  horses  without  results.  A 
piece  of  bone  taken  by  Pearson  from  the  diseased  lower  jaw  of  a  colt 
was  transplantetd  into  a  cavity  made  for  it  in  the  jaw  of  a  normal 
hoi*se,  but  without  reproducing  the  disease.  Petione  believes  that  the 
Microrocrufi  lu'frip'cann  causes  osteomahu-ia  in  man  as  a  result  of  its 
producing  nitrous  acid,  which  dissolves  the  calcareous  tissues,  and 
when  injected  into  dogs  in  pure  culture  a  similar  disease  is  produced. 
It  is  probable  that  if  this  work  is  confirmod  a  somewhat  similar  causa- 
tive factor  will  be  discovered  for  osteoporosis. 

Elliott  considers  the  latter  disease  to  be  of  microbic  origin,  the 
result  of  climatic  conditions,  and  divides  the  island  of  Hawaii  into 
tw«>  districts,  in  one  of  which  the  rainfall  is  l.'iO  inches  annually, 
where  bighead  is  very  prevalent,  and  the  second  of  which  is  dry  an<l 
rarely  visited  by  rain,  where  the  disease  is  unknown.  Kemoval  of 
^inimals  from  the  wet  to  the  dry  district  is  followed  by  inunetliate 
improvement  and  frequently  by  recovery.  In  the  wet  district  hor.ses 
in  both  good  and  bad  stables  take  the  disease,  but  in  the  dry  districts 
no  unfavorable  or  uniiygienic  surroundings  produce  the  aliection.  As 
both  native  and  imported  horses  are  equally  susceptible,  there  is  no 
indication  of  an  acquired  imnumity  to  be  observed. 

Theiler  has  recently  stated  that  his  experiments  in  transfusing 
blood  from  diseased  to  normal  horses  were  negative,  and  has  sug- 
gested that  the  causative  agent  may  be  transmitted  by  an  interme- 
diate host  oidy,  as  in  the  case  of  Texas  fever.  He  draws  attention  to 
this  method  of  spreading  East  African  coast  fever,  although  blood 
inoculations,  as  in  osteoporosis,  are  always  without  result.  We  know 
that  coast  fever  is  infectious,  and  that  it  can  not  be  transmitted  by 
blood  inoculations,  but  is  conveyed  with  remarkable  ea.se  by  ticks 
from  diseased  cattle.  That  the  cause  has  not  been  observed  may  lie 
accounted  for  by  its  being  invisible  even  to  the  high  magnification  of 
the  microscope. 

On  some  farms  and  in  s<^)me  stables  bighead  is  (|uite  |)revalent.  a 
nunjber  of  cases  following  one  after  another.  On  one  farm  of  Thor- 
oughbreds in  Pennsylvania  all  the  yearling  colts  and  some  of  the 
aged  horses  were  affected  during  one  year,  and  on  a  similar  farm 
in  Virginia  a  large  proportion  of  the  horses  for  several  vears  were 


580  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOBSE. 

diseased,  although  the  cows  and  sheep  of  this  farm  remained  un- 
affected. 

Symptoms. — The  commencement  of  the  disease  is  usually  unob- 
served b}^  the  owner,  and  those  symptoms  which  do  develop  are  gen- 
erally not  well  marked  or  are  misleading  unless  other  cases  have  been 
noted  in  the  vicinity.  Until  the  bones  become  enlarged  the  symp- 
toms remain  so  vague  as  not  to  be  diagnosed  readily.  The  disease 
may  be  present  itself  under  a  variety  of  symptoms.  If  the  bones  of 
the  hock  become  affected,  the  animal  will  first  show  a  hock  lameness. 
If  the  long  bones  are  involved,  symptoms  of  rheumatism  will  be  the 
first  observed,  while  if  the  dorsal  or  lumbar  vertebrae  are  affected 
indications  of  a  strain  of  the  lumbar  region  are  in  evidence.  Prob- 
ably the  first  symptom  to  be  noticed  is  a  loss  of  vitality  combined 
with  an  irregular  appetite  or  other  digestive  disturbance  and  with 
a  tendency  to  stumble  while  in  action.  These  earlier  symptoms,  how- 
ever, may  pass  unobserved,  and  the  appearance  of  an  intermittent 
or  migratory  lameness  without  any  visible  cause  may  be  the  first  sign 
to  attract  attention.  This  shifting  and  indefinite  lameness,  involv- 
ing first  one  leg  and  then  the  other,  is  ver}'^  suggestive,  and  is  even 
more  important  when  it  is  associated  with  a  tendency  to  lie  down 
frequently  in  the  stall  and  the  absence  of  a  desire  to  get  up,  or  the 
presence  of  evident  pain  and  difficulty  in  arising. 

About  this  time,  or  probably  before,  swelling  of  the  bones  of  the 
face  and  jaw,  which  is  almost  constantly  present  in  this  disease,  v/iir 
be  observed.  The  bones  of  the  lower  jaw  are  the  most  frequently 
involved,  and  this  condition  is  readily  detected  with  the  fingers  by 
the  bulging  ridge  of  the  bone  outside  and  along  the  lower  edge  of  the 
molar  teeth.  A  thickening  of  the  lower  jawbone  maj^  likewise  be 
identified  by  feeling  on  both  sides  of  each  branch  at  the  same  time 
and  comparing  it  with  the  thinness  of  this  bone  in  a  normal  horse. 
As  a  result  mastication  becomes  difficult  or  impossible  and  the  teeth 
become  loose  and  painful.  The  imperfect  chewing  which  follows 
causes  balls  of  feed  to  form  which  drop  out  of  the  mouth  into  the 
manger.  Similar  enlargements  of  the  bones  of  the  upper  jaw  may  be 
seen,  causing  a  widening  of  the  face  and  a  bulging  of  the  bones  about 
midway  between  the  eyes  and  the  nostrils.  In  some  cases  the  nasal 
bones  also  become  swollen  and  deformed,  which,  together  with  the 
bulging  of  the  bones  under  the  eyes,  gives  a  good  illustration  of  tin 
reason  for  the  application  of  the  term  bighead. 

Other  bones  of  the  body  will  undergo  similar  changes,  but  these 
alterations  are  not  so  readily  noted  except  by  the  symptoms  they 
occasion.  The  alterations  of  the  bones  of  the  spinal  column  and  the 
Imibs,  while  difficult  of  observation,  are  nevertheless  indicated  by 
the  reluctance  of  the  animal  to  get  up  and  the  desire  to  remain 
lying  for  long  periods  of  time.    The  animal  easily  tires,  moves  less 


INFECTlorS    DISKASES.  .  581 

rapidl}',  and  if  urged  to  go  faster  may  sustain  a  fracture  or  ha\e  a 
ligament  torn  from  its  l)ony  attaehments,  especially  in  the  lower 
bones  of  the  leg.  An  atleeted  horse  weighing  1,U00  pounds  was  seen 
by  the  writer  to  fracture  the  large  |>astern  bone  from  rearing  during 
halter  exercise. 

The  animal  becoujes  poor  in  llesli,  the  coat  is  rough  and  luslerless, 
j.nd  the  skin  tight  and  harsh,  producing  a  condition  termed  ''hide- 
bound," with  considerable  "  tucking  up  ''  of  the  al)domcn.  The  horse 
fchows  a  short,  stilted,  choppy  gait,  which  later  becomes  stiller  and 
more  re.stricted,  while  on  standing  a  positi(m  simidating  that  in 
founder  is  assinned,  with  a  noticeable  dr(»p  to  the  croup.  The  animal 
at  this  .stage  usually  lies  down  and  remains  recumbent  for  several 
days  at  a  time.  lied  sores  frequently  arise  and  fractures  are  not 
uncotiuuon  in  conse<|uence  of  attempts  to  arise,  which  complications, 
in  addition  to  emaciation,  result  in  death. 

The  disease  may  exist  in  this  manner  for  variable  |>eriods  extend- 
ing from  two  or  three  montlis  to  two  years.  The  t<?rmination  of  the 
disease  is  uncertain  at  be-st,  but  is  likely  to  i>e  favorable  if  treatment 
and  a  change  of  feed,  water,  and  location  is  adopteil  in  the  early 
stages  of  the  malady. 

LiHion.s. — As  has  been  stated,  the  bones  are  the  principal  tissues 
involved.  The  nutrition  of  the  bone  is  disturbed,  as  is  indicated  by 
the  diminished  density  or  rarefacticm  of  the  bony  substances,  the 
increase  in  the  size  oi-  widening  of  the  Haversian  canal  and  the 
medullary  cavity,  and  the  enlargement  of  the  network  of  spaces  in 
the  spongA'  tis.sue,  the  absorptive  changes  following  tlie  course  of  the 
Haversian  system.  In  this  process  of  ab.sorption  there  are  formed 
within  the  sub.stance  of  the  bone  areas  of  erosion,  indentatioiLs,  or 
hollow  spaces  of  ii-regular  shape.  These  spaces  increa.se  in  si/.e  and 
become  confluent,  causing  an  apjiearance  resembling  some  varieties 
of  coral.  The  affected  bone  may  be  readily  incised  with  a  knife,  the 
cut  .surface  appearing  linely  porous.  This  i^orous  area  is  soft,  pli- 
able, and  yields  easily  to  the  pressure  of  the  finger.  It  has  been 
shown  by  chemical  analysis  that  the  bone  of  an  osteoj)orotic  horse, 
when  compared  with  that  of  a  nornial  horse,  shows  a  reduction  in 
the  amotmt  of  fat.  phosphoi-ic  acid,  lime,  and  soda,  but  a  slight  in- 
crea.se  in  organic  matter  and  silicic  acid.  The  bones  lose  their  yel- 
lowish-white appearance,  becoming  gray  and  brittle.  The  a  fleeted 
1  ones  may  Im-  those  of  any  region  or  portion  of  the  body,  liesides 
the  change  already  noted  in  the  Ixines  of  the  face,  the  ends  of  the 
long  bones,  such  as  the  ribs,  are  involved,  and  may  be  sectioned, 
though  not  so  readily  as  the  facial  bones.  The  bones  <if  the  vertebrir 
are  al.^^o  frequently  involved,  necessitating  great  care  in  casting  a 
horse,  as  the  writer  has  .seen  several  ca.s(\s  of  broken  backs  in  cnsting 
such    animals   for  <)ther  oj^erations.     The   marrow   and   cancellated 


582  .DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

tissue  of  the  long  bones  may  contain  hemoiihages  and  soft  gelatinous 
material  or  coagulated  fibrin.  The  internal  organs  are  usually  nor- 
mal, but  a  catarrhal  condition  of  the  gastrointestinal  tract  may  be 
noted  as  the  result  of  the  improper  mastication,  resulting  from  the 
enlargement  of  the  jaws  and  soreness  of  the  teeth. 

Treatment. — The  affected  animal  should  be  immediately  placed 
under  new  conditions,  both  as  to  feed  and  surroundings.  If  the 
horse  has  been  stal)le  fed,  it  is  advisable  to  turn  it  out  on  grass  for 
two  or  three  months,  preferably  in  a  higher  altitude.  If  the  disease 
has  been  contracted  while  running  on  pasture,  place  the  animal  in 
the  stable  or  corral.  In  the  early  stages  of  the  disease  beneficial 
results  have  followed  the  supplemental  use  of  lime  given  in  the 
drinking  water.  One  peck  of  lime  slaked  in  a  cask  of  water  and 
additional  water  added  from  time  to  time  is  satisfactory  and  can  be 
provided  at  slight  expense.  This  treatment  may  be  supplemented  by 
giving  a  tablesj^oonful  of  powdered  bone  meal  in  each  feed,  with  free 
access  to  a  large  piece  of  rock  salt,  or  the  bone  meal  may  l^e  given 
with  four  tablespoonfuls  of  molasses  mixed  with  the  feed.  Feeds 
containing  mineral  salts,  such  as  beans,  cowpeas,  oats,  and  cotton- 
seed meal,  may  prove  beneficial  in  replenishing  the  bony  substance 
that  is  being  absorbed.  Cottonseed  meal  is  one  of  the  best  feeds  for 
this  purpose,  but  it  should  be  fed  carefully.  The  animal  should  not 
be  allowed  to  work  at  all  during  the  active  stage  of  the  disease,  nor 
should  it  be  used  for  breeding  purposes. 


HORSESHOEING. 

liy  John  W.  Adams,  A.  15..  V.  M., 

ProfCHHur  of  Surf/cry  and  Lecturer  on  Shoeing,  Veterinary  l)t  partment, 

I'nirersitii  of  Pennsylvania. 

I5u(l  and  iiulitTerent  shoeing;  so  frecjiK'ntly  loads  to  diseases  of  the 
feet  and  in  irre<xularities  of  <j:ait.  ^vhi(•h  may  render  a  hoise  nnservice- 
able,  that  it  has  been  thou<;ht  appropriate  to  conclude  this  hook  with 
a  brief  chapter  on  the  principles  involved  in  shoeing;  healthy  hoofs. 

In  unfolding:  this  subject  in  the  limited  space  at  my  disposal,  T  can 
only  hope  to  <;ive  the  intelli<j;ent  horse  owner  a  suHicient  number  of 
facts,  based  on  experience  and  upon  the  anatomy  and  physiology  of 
the  foot  and  leg.  to  enable  him  to  a\oid  the  more  serious  conse- 
<iuences  of  improper  shoeing. 

Let  us  first  examine  this  vital  mechani.sm,  the  foot,  and  learn  some- 
thing of  its  structure  and  of  the  natural  movements  of  its  component 
paits,  that  we  may  be  prepared  to  recognize  deviations  from  the 
normal  and  to  apply  the  proper  corrective. 

GROSS  ANATOMY  OF  THE  FOOT. 

d'ls.   XXXII-XNXIV  I 

The  bones  of  the  foot  are  four  in  niimbei-,  three  of  which — the 
long  pastern,  .short  pastern,  and  coftin  bone,  placed  end  to  end — form 
a  continuous  sti-aight  column  passing  downward  and  forward  from 
the  fetlock  joint  to  the  ground.  A  small  accessory  bone,  the  navic- 
ular, or  ''shuttle.'*  bone,  lies  crosswise  in  the  foot  between  the  wings 
of  the  coftin  bone  and  forms  a  part  of  the  joint  surface  of  the  latter. 
The  .short  pastern  projects  about  l.l  inches  above  the  hoof  and  ex- 
tends about  an  e<|Ual  distance  to  it.      (.""^ee  also  l)age  3'J."».) 

The  pastern  and  the  coflln  bone  are  held  together  by  strong  fibrous 
cords  passing  between  each  two  bones  and  place<l  at  the  sides  .so  as 
not  to  interfere  with  the  forward  and  l)ackward  movement  of  the 
bones.  The  joints  are  therefore  hinge  joints,  though  imperfect, 
because,  while  the  chief  movements  are  those  of  extension  and  flexion 
in  a  single  plane,  some  slight  rotation  and  lateral  movements  are 
possible. 

683 


584  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

The  bones  are  still  further  bound  together  and  supported  by  three 
long  fibrous  cords,  or  tendons.  One,  the  extensor  tendon  of  the  toe, 
passes  doAvn  the  front  of  the  pasterns  and  attaches  to  the  coffin  bone 
just  below  the  edge  of  the  hair;  when  pulled  upon  by  its  muscle  this 
tendon  draws  the  toe  forward  and  enables  the  horse  to  place  the  hoof 
flat  upon  the  ground.  The  other  two  tendons  are  placed  behind  the 
pasterns  and  are  called  flexors,  because  they  flex,  or  bend,  the  pas- 
terns and  coffin  bone  backward.  One  of  the  tendons  is  attached  to 
the  upper  end  of  the  short  pastern,  while  the  other  passes  down 
between  the  heels,  glides  over  the  under  surface  of  the  navicular 
bone,  and  attaches  itself  to  the  under  surface  of  the  coffin  bone. 
These  two  tendons  not  only  flex,  or  fold  up,  the  foot  as  the  latter 
leaves  the  ground  during  motion,  but  at  rest  assist  the  suspensory 
ligament  in  supporting  the  fetlock  joint. 

The  foot-axis  is  an  imaginary  line  passing  from  the  fetlock  joint 
through  the  long  axes  of  the  two  pasterns  and  coffiin  bone.  This 
imaginary  line,  which  shows  the  direction  of  the  pasterns  and  coffin 
bone,  should  always  be  straight — that  is,  never  broken,  either  forward 
or  backward  when  viewed  from  the  side,  or  inward  or  outward  when 
observed  from  in  front.  Viewed  from  one  side,  the  long  axis  of  the 
long  pastern,  when  prolonged  to  the  ground,  should  be  parallel  to 
the  line  of  the  toe.  Viewed  from  in  front,  the  long  axis  of  the  long 
pastern,  when  prolonged  to  the  ground,  should  cut  the  hoof  exactly  at 
the  middle  of  the  toe. 

Raising  the  heel  or  shortening  the  toe  not  onh^  tilts  the  coffin  bone 
forward  and  makes  the  hoof  stand  steeper  at  the  toe,  but  slackens  the 
tendon  that  attaches  to  the  under  surface  of  the  coffin  bone  (perforans 
tendon),  and  therefore  allows  the  fetlock  joint  to  sink  downward  and 
backward  and  the  long  pastern  to  assume  a  more  nearlj'^  horizontal 
position.  The  foot-axis,  viewed  from  one  side,  is  now  broken  for- 
ward ;  that  is,  the  long  pastern  is  less  steep  than  the  toe,  and  the  heels 
are  either  too  long  or  the  toe  is  too  short.  On  the  other  hand,  raising 
the  toe  or  lowering  the  heels  of  a  foot  with  a  straight  foot-axis  not 
only  tilts  the  coffin  bone  backward  and  renders  the  toe  more  nearly 
horizontal,  but  tenses  the  perforans  tendon,  which  then  forces  the  fet- 
lock joint  forward,  causing  the  long  pastern  to  stand  steeper.  The 
foot-axis,  seen  from  one  side,  is  now  broken  backward — an  indication 
that  the  toe  is  relatively  too  long  or  that  the  heels  are  relatively  too 
low. 

The  elastic  tissues  of  the  foot  are  preeminently  the  lateral  cartilages 
and  the  plantar  cushion.  The  lateral  cartilages  are  two  irregularly 
four-sided  plates  of  gristle,  one  on  either  side  of  the  foot,  extending 
from  the  wings  of  the  coffin  bone  backward  to  the  heels  and  upward  to 
a  distance  of  an  inch  or  more  above  the  edge  of  the  hair,  where  they 
may  be  felt  by  the  fingers.     When  sound,  these  plates  are  elastic  and 


Hons'-^s  HOEING.  585 

yield  readily  to  moderate  liniriT  pressure,  l)Ut  from  various  causes 
may  underj^o  ossifieatidn,  in  which  condition  they  arc  hard  and  un- 
yielding:. The  plantar  cushion  is  n  \ved<2:e-shaped  mass  of  toujxh, 
elastic,  fibro-fatty  ti.ssue  fillinj;  all  the  space  between  the  lateral  car- 
tilaires,  forminir  the  fleshy  heels  and  the  tle>^hy  fi-ojr.  and  servincj  as  a 
builVr  to  dispcr.se  shock  when  the  f(~ot  is  .set  to  the  jjiound.  It  ex- 
tends forward  underneath  the  navicidar  l)one  and  perforans  tendon, 
and  protects  these  structures  from  injurious  pressure  fr(^m  below. 
Instantaneous  photoirraphs  sliow  that  at  speed  tlie  horse  sets  the 
heels  to  the  jjround  beftn-e  other  parts  of  the  foot — conclusive  proof 
that  the  function  of  this  toujrh.  elastic  structure  is  to  dissipate  and 
render  harndess  violi-nt  impact  of  the  foot  with  the  ^jround. 

The  horn-producinjr  membrane,  or  "  quick,"  as  it  is  commonly 
termed,  is  merel}'  a  downward  ]>rolonf!;ation  of  the  "derm,"  or  true 
skin,  and  may  bo  conveniently  called  the  pododerm  (foot  skin).  The 
pododerm  closely  invests  the  coffin  bono,  lateral  cartilages,  and 
plantar  cushion,  much  as  a  sock  covers  the  human  foot,  and  is  itself 
covered  by  the  horny  cajisule,  or  hoof.  It  differs  from  the  external 
skin,  or  hair  skin,  in  having  no  sweat  or  oil  glands,  but,  like  it,  is 
richly  sui)i)lied  with  blood  vessels  and  sensitive  nerves.  And,  just 
as  the  derm  of  the  hair  skin  proiluces  upon  its  outer  surface  layer 
upon  layer  of  horny  cells  (epiderm).  which  protect  the  sensitive  and 
vascular  derm,  .so,  likewise,  in  the  foot  the  i)od<Klorm  produces  (jver 
its  entire  surface  soft  cells,  which,  pushed  a\\ay  by  more  recent  cells 
tonning  beneath,  lose  moisture  by  evaporation  and  are  rapidly  trans- 
formed into  the  corneous  material  which  wo  call  the  hoof.  It  is 
proper  to  regard  the  hoof  as  a  greatly  thickened  opidorm  having 
many  of  the  qualities  possessed  by  such  epidermal  structures  as  hair, 
fcathei-s,  nails,  claws,  etc. 

The  functions  of  the  pododei-m  are  to  jn'odnce  tlio  hoof  niid  to  unite 
it  firmly  to  the  foot. 

There  are  five  ])art.s  of  the  pododern,  easily  distinguishable  when 
the  ho(  f  has  been  removed,  namely:  (1)  '1  he  ]iorioplic  i)and,  a  nar- 
row ridge  from  one-sixteenth  to  one-eighth  of  an  inch  wide,  running 
along  the  edge  of  the  hair  from  one  heel  aiound  the  too  to  the  other. 
This  band  i)roduces  the  perioplic  horn,  the  thin  varnishlike  layer  of 
glistening  horn,  which  forms  the  surface  of  the  wall  or  ''crust,"  and 
whose  purpose  seems  U>  be  to  retard  evaporation  of  moisture  from 
the  wall.  (2)  The  coronary  band,  a  prominent  lloshy  cornice  encir- 
cling the  foot  just  below  and  parallel  to  the  perioplic  band.  At  the 
heels  it  is  reflected  forward  along  the  sides  of  the  fleshy  fi'og.  to  bo- 
come  lost  near  the  apex  of  this  latt«M-  structure.  The  coronet  i)ro- 
duces  the  mid<lle  layer  of  tin-  wall,  and  the  reflexed  portions  produce 
the  "bars,"  which  are.  therefore,  to  Ih>  regarded  merely  as  a  turning 
forward  of  the  wall.     (.3^  The  fleshy  leaves.  rtOQ  to  <500  in  number, 


586  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

parallel  to  one  another,  running  downAvard  said  forward  from  the 
lower  edge  of  the  coronary  band  to  the  margin  of  the  fleshy  sole. 
They  produce  the  soft,  light-colored  horny  leaves  which  form  the 
deepest  layer  of  the  wall,  and  serve  as  a  strong  bond  of  union  between 
the  middle  layer  of  the  wall  and  the  fleshy  leaves  with  which  they 
dovetail.  (4)  The  fleshy  sole,  which  covers  the  entire  under  surface 
of  the  foot,  excepting  the  fleshy  frog  and  bars.  The  horny  sole  is 
]>roduced  by  the  fleshy  sole.  (5)  The  fleshy  frog,  which  covers  tlie 
under  surface  of  the  plantar  cushion  and  produces  the  horny  frog. 

The  horny  box  or  hoof  consists  of  wall  and  bars,  sole  and  frog. 
The  wall  is  all  that  part  of  the  hoof  which  is  visible  when  the  foot  is 
on  the  ground  (see  fig.  8).  As  already  stated,  it  consists  of  three  lay- 
ers— the  periople,  the  middle  layer,  and  the  leafy  layei-. 

The  bars  (see  fig.  le)  are  forward  prolongations  of  the  wall,  and 
are  gradually  lost  near  the  point  of  the  frog.  The  angle  between  the 
wall  and  a  bar  is  called  the  "buttress."  Each  bar  lies  against  the 
horny  frog  on  one  side  and  incloses  a  wing  of  the  sole  on  the  other, 
so  that  the  least  expansion  or  contraction  of  the  horny  frog  separates 
or  approximates  the  bars,  and  through  them  the  lateral  cartilages  and 
the  walls  of  the  quarters.  The  lower  border  of  the  wall  is  called  the 
'"  bearing  edge,*'  and  is  the  surface  against  which  the  shoe  bears.  By 
dividing  the  entire  lower  circumference  of  the  wall  into  five  e(iual 
])art,  a  toe,  two  side  walls,  and  two  quartei-s  will  be  exhibited.  The 
•'  heels,"  strictly  speaking,  are  the  two  rounded  soft  prominences  of 
the  plantai'  cushion,  lying  one  above  each  quarter.  The  outer  wall  is 
usually  more  slanting  than  the  inner,  and  the  mo/e  slanting  half  of  a 
hoof  is  alirai/s  the  thicker.  In  front  hoofs  the  wall  is  thickest  at  the 
toe  and  gradually  thins  out  toward  the  quarters,  where  in  some  horses 
it  may  not  exceed  one-fourth  of  an  inch.  In  hind  hoofs  there  is  much 
less  difference  in  thickness  between  the  toe,  side  walls,  and  quarters. 
The  horny  sole,  from  which  the  flakes  of  old  horn  have  been  removed, 
is  concave  and  about  as  thick  as  the  wall  at  the  toe.  It  is  rough,  un- 
even and  often  covered  by  flakes  of  dead  horn  in  process  of  being 
loosened  and  cast  off.  Behind  the  sole  presents  an  opening  into  which 
are  received  the  bars  and  horny  frog.  This  opening  divides  the  sole 
into  a  body  and  two  wings. 

The  periphery  of  the  sole  unites  with  the  lower  border  of  the  wall 
and  bars  through  the  medium  of  the  white  line,  which  is  the  cross 
section  of  the  leafy  horn  layer  of  the  wall  and  of  short  plugs  of  horn 
which  grow  down  from  the  lower  ends  of  the  fleshy  leaves.  This 
white  line  is  of  much  importance  to  the  shoer,  since  its  distance  from 
the  outer  border  of  the  hoof  is  the  thickness  of  the  wall,  and  in  the 
white  line  all  nails  should  be  driven. 

The  frog,  secreted  by  the  pododerm  coxering  the  plantar  cushion 
or  fatty  frog,  and  presenting  almost  the  same  form  as  the  latter,  lies 


iionsKsnoKiNd.  r)87 

as  a  soft  and  very  elaslii-  wedjjf  betwft'ii  the  bars  iiiul  between  the 
edges  of  the  sole  just  in  front  of  the  bars.  A  broad  and  sliaUow  de- 
pression in  its  center  diviiK's  it  into  two  branches,  which  diverge  as 
they  i)ass  backward  into  the  horny  bulbs  of  the  heel.  In  fiont  of  the 
luidille  cleft  the  two  i)iiinches  unite  to  foiui  the  body  of  the  fi'og, 
which  entls  in  the  point  of  the  fiog.  The  bar  of  a  bar  shoe  shouhl 
rest  on  the  branches  of  the  frog.  In  unshod  hoofs  the  bearing  edge 
of  the  wall,  the  sole,  frog,  and  bars  aiv  all  on  a  level;  that  is.  the 
under  surface  of  the  hoof  is  perfectly  flat,  and  each  of  these  structuies 
assists  in  beaiing  the  boily  weight. 

With  respect  to  solidity,  the  ditlerent  parts  <tf  the  hoof  vary 
widely.  The  middle  layer  of  the  wall  is  hardei-  and  more  tenacious 
than  the  sole,  foi*  the  lattei*  ciumbles  away  nr  pa.^ses  otf  in  larger  or 
smaller  flakes  on  its  undei-  surface,  while  no  such  spontaneous  short- 
ening of  the  wall  occurs.  The  white  line  and  the  frog  are  .soft-hoin 
structures,  and  differ  from  haid  hom  in  that  their  hoin  cells  do  not 
under  natural  conditions  become  hard  and  h(»rnlike.  They  are  very 
elastic,  absorb  moistuie  rapidly,  and  as  I'eadily  dry  out  and  become 
hard,  brittle,  and  easily  fissured.  Horn  of  good  (|uality  is  fine 
grained  and  tough,  while  bad  horn  is  coarse  graint'd  and  either 
mellow  and  friable  or  hard  and  brittle.  .Ml  horn  is  a  j^oor  con- 
ductor of  heat,  and  the  harder  (drier)  the  hoiii  the  more  slowly 
does  it  transmit  extremes  of  tt'inperatme. 

THE  PHYSIOLOGICAL  MOVEMENTS  OF  THE  HOOF. 

A  hoof  while  supporting  the  body  weight  has  a  different  form,  and 
the  .structures  inclosed  within  the  hoof  have  a  different  position  than 
when  not  bearing  weiglit.  Since  the  amount  of  weight  borne  by  a 
foot  is  continually  changing.  :md  the  i-elations  of  internal  pressure 
are  continuously  \arying,  a  foot  is.  from  a  physiological  viewj^oint. 
never  at  I'est.     The  most  nniiked  changes  of  form  of  the  hoof  occur 

when  the  foot  U'ars  the  git-atest  weight,  iia ly.  at  the  time  of  the 

greatest  des<-ent  of  the  fetloclv.  Hriefly,  tlies(>  changes  of  form  are: 
(1)  \i\  expansion  (u-  widening  of  the  whole  back  half  of  the  foiU 
from  the  coronet  to  the  lower  edge  of  the  <iii:irter^.  This  expansion 
varies  between  one-fiftieth  and  one-twelfth  of  an  inch.  ('2)  A  nar- 
n)wing  of  the  fiont  half  of  the  foot,  measured  at  the  c(U'onet.  (3)  A 
sinking  of  the  heels  and  a  flattening  of  the  wings  of  the  sole.  The.M' 
changes  are  more  marked  in  the  half  of  the  foot  that  bears  the 
gieater  weight. 

The  changes  of  form  occur  in  the  following  ordei  .  When  the  foot 
is  set  to  the  ground  the  body  weight  is  transmitted  through  the  bones 
and  .sensitive  an<l  horny  leaves  to  the  wall.  The  coflin  Ixme  and 
navicular  bone  sink  a  little  and  rotate  backward.     M  the  suuu-  time 


588  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

the  short  pastern  sinks  backward  and  downward  between  the  lateral 
cartilages  and  presses  the  perforans  tendon  upon  the  plantar  cushion. 
This  cushion  being  compressed  from  aboA'e  and  being  unable  to 
expand  downward  by  reason  of  the  resistance  of  the  ground  acting 
against  the  horny  frog,  acts  like  any  other  elastic  mass  and  expands 
toward  the  sides,  pushing  before  it  the  yielding  lateral  cartilages  and 
the  wall  of  the  quarters.  This  expansion  of  the  heels  is  assisted  and 
increased  by  the  simultaneous  flattening  and  lateral  expansion  of  the 
resilient  horny  frog,  which  crowds  the  bars  apart.  Of  course,  when 
the  lateral  cartilages  are  ossified,  not  only  is  no  expansion  of  the 
quarters  possible,  but  frog  pressure  often  leads  to  painful  compres- 
sion of  the  plantar  cushion  and  to  increase  of  lameness.  Frog  pres- 
sure is  therefore  contraindicated  in  lameness  due  to  sidebones  (ossi- 
fied cartilages).  Under  the  descent  of  the  coffin  bone  the  horny  sole 
sinks  a  little;  that  is,  the  arch  of  the  sole  around  the  point  of  the 
frog  and  the  wings  of  the  sole  become  somewhat  flattened.  All  these 
changes  of  form  are  most  marked  in  sound  unshod  hoofs,  because 
in  them  ground  pressure  on  the  frog  and  sole  is  pronounced;  they 
are  more  marked  in  fore  hoofs  than  in  hind  hoofs. 

The  movement  of  the  different  structures  within  the  foot  and  the 
changes  of  form  that  occur  at  every  step  are  indispensable  to  the 
health  of  the  hoof,  so  that  these  elastic  tissues  must  be  kept  active  by 
regular  exercise,  with  protection  against  drying  out  of  the  hoof. 
Long-continued  rest  in  the  stable,  drying  out  of  the  hoof,  and  shoeing 
decrease  or  alter  the  physiological  movements  of  the  hoof  and  some- 
times lead  to  foot  diseases.  Since  these  movements  are  complete  and 
spontaneous  onlj^  in  unshod  feet,  shoeing  must  be  regarded  as  an  evil, 
albeit  a  necessary  one,  and  indispensable  if  we  wish  to  keep  hoi-ses 
continuously  serviceable  on  hard,  artificial  roads.  However,  if  in 
shoeing  we  bear  in  mind  the  structure  and  functions  of  the  hoof  and 
apply  a  shoe  whose  branches  have  a  wide  and  level  bearing  surface, 
so  as  to  interfere  as  little  as  may  be  with  the  expansion  and  contrac- 
tion of  the  quarters,  in  so  far  as  this  is  not  hindered  by  the  nails,  we 
need  not  be  apprehensive  .of  trouble,  provided  the  horee  has  reason- 
able work  and  his  hoofs  proper  care. 

GROWTH  OF  THE  HOOF. 

All  parts  of  the  hoof  grow  downAvard  and  forward  with  equal 
rapidity,  the  rate  of  growth  being  largely  dependent  upon  the 
amount  of  blood  supplied  to  the  pododerm,  or  "  quick."  Abundant 
and  regular  exercise,  good  gi'ooming,  moistness  and  suppleness  of  the 
hoof,  going  barefoot,  plenty  of  good  feed,  and  at  proper  intervals 
removing  the  overgrowth  of  hoof  and  regulating  the  bearing  surface, 
by  increasing  the  volume  and  improving  the  quality  of  the  blood 


HORSESHOEING.  589 

flowing  into  the  podotleini,  favor  the  rapid  gi'owtli  of  lioi  ii  of  jjood 
ciuality;  while  hick  of  exercise,  dryness  of  the  horn,  and  excessive 
k'njrtli  of  the  hocf  hinder  growth. 

The  average  rate  of  growth  is  about  one-thinl  of  an  inch  a  month. 
Hind  hoofs  grow  faster  than  foix'  hoofs  and  tnishod  ones  faster  than 
shod  ones.  The  time  reijuired  for  the  horn  to  grow  from  the  coronet 
to  the  ground,  though  infhienced  to  a  slight  degree  by  the  precited 
conditions,  vjiries  in  jn'oportion  to  the  distance  of  the  coronet  from 
Uie  ground.  At  the  tw,  depending  on  its  height,  the  horn  giows 
down  in  11  to  13  months,  at  the  side  wall  in  6  to  8  months,  and  at  the 
heels  in  3  to  5  months.  We  can  tlius  estimate  with  tolerable  accu- 
racy the  time  recjuireil  for  the  disiippear-mce  of  such  defects  in  the 
hoof  as  cracks,  clefts,  etc. 

Irregular  growth  is  not  infrequent.  The  almost  invariable  cause 
of  this  is  an  improper  distribution  of  the  body  weight  over  the 
hoof — that  is,  an  unbalanced  foot.  Colts  running  in  soft  pasture  or 
confined  for  long  periods  in  the  stable  are  frecpiently  allowed  to  grow 
hoofs  of  excessive  length.  The  long  toe  becomes  "dished" — that  is, 
concave  from  the  coronet  to  the  ground — the  long  quarters  curl  for- 
ward and  inward  and  often  completely  cover  the  frog  and  lead  to 
contraction  of  the  heels,  or  the  whole  hoof  bends  outward  or  inward, 
and  a  crooked  foot,  or,  even  worse,  a  crooked  leg,  is  the  result  if  the 
long  hoof  be  allowed  to  exert  its  powerful  and  abnormally'  directed 
leverage  for  but  a  few  months  u})on  young  plastic  bones  and  tender 
and  lax  articular  ligaments.  All  colts  are  not  foaled  with  straight 
legs,  but  failure  to  regulate  the  length  and  l)earing  of  the  hoof  may 
make  a  straight  leg  crooked  and  a  crooked  leg  worse,  ju.st  as  intelli- 
gent care  during  the  gi'owing  period  can  greatly  imi)rove  a  con- 
genitall)'^  crooked  limb.  If  breeders  were  more  generally  cognizant 
of  the  power  of  overgrown  and  unbalanced  hoofs  to  divert  the  lower 
bones  of  young  legs  from  their  proper  direction,  and,  therefore,  to 
cause  them  to  be  moved  improperly,  with  loss  of  speed  and  often  with 
injury  to  the  limbs,  we  might  hope  to  see  fewer  knock-kneed,  bow- 
legged,  *'  splay-footed,"  "  pigeon-toed,"  cow-hocked,  interfering,  and 
paddling  horses. 

If  in  shortening  the  hoof  one  side  wall  is,  from  ign<u-ance,  left  too 
long  or  cut  down  too  low  with  relation  to  the  other,  the  foot  will  be 
unbalaiu'ed,  and  in  traveling  the  long  section  will  touch  the  groun<l 
lirst  and  will  continue  U,  do  .so  till  it  hiis  been  reduced  to  its  proper 
level  (length)  by  the  increased  wear  which  will  take  place  at  this 
point.  While  this  occurs  rapidly  in  unshod  hoofs,  the  shoe  prevents 
wear  of  the  h(M)f,  though  it  is  itself  more  ra{)idly  worn  away  beneath 
the  high  (long)  side  than  elsewhere,  so  that  by  the  time  the  shoe  is 
worn  out  the  tread  of  the  shoe  may  be  flat.  If  this  mislake  be  re- 
peat-ed  from  month  to  month,  the  part  of  the  wall  left  too  high  will 


590 


DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 


grow  more  rapidly  than  the  low  side  whose  pododerm  is  relatively 
anemic  as  a  result  of  the  greater  weight  falling  into  this  half  of  the 
hoof,  and  the  ultimate  result  will  be  a  "  w  ry,"  or  crooked  foot. 

THE  CARE  OF  UNSHOD  HOOFS. 

The  colt  should  have  abundant  exercise  on  dry  ground.  The  hoofs 
will  then  wear  gradually,  and  it  will  only  be  necessary  from  time  to 
time  to  regulate  any  imeven  wear  with  the  rasp  and  to  round  off  the 
sharp  edge  about  the  toe  in  order  to  prevent  breaking  away  of  the 
wall. 

Cv)lts  in  the  stable  can  not  wear  down  their  hoofs,  so  that  every 
four  to  six  Aveeks  tliey  should  be  rasped  down  and  the  lower  edge  of 

the  wall  Avell  rounded  to  pre- 
vent chipping.  The  soles  and 
clefts  of  the  frog  should  be 
picked  out  every  few  days 
and  the  entire  hoof  washed 
clean.  Plenty  of  clean  straw 
litter  should  be  provided. 
Hoofs  that  are  becoming 
''  awry  "  should  have  the  wall 
shortened  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  straighten  the  foot- 
axis.  Tliis  will  ultimately 
produce  a  good  hoof  and  will 
inii:)rove  the  position  of  the 
limb. 


Fig.  1. — Gi-ound  .suiface  of  a  right  fore  boof  of 
the  regular  form  :  a,  a,  wall ;  a-a,  the  toe ; 
a-b,  the  side  walls ;  b-d,  the  quarters ;  c,  v, 
the  bars  ;  d,  d,  the  buttress  ;  e,  lateral  cleft  of 
the  frog ;  f,  body  of  the  sole  ;  o,  (/',  g",  leafy 
layer  (white  line)  of  the  toe  and  bars;  h, 
body  of  the  frog:  i,  i,  liranches  of  the  frog: 
1-,  k,  horny  bulbs  of  the  heels  ;  J,  middle  cleft 
of  the  frog. 


CHARACTERISTICS  OF  A 
HEALTHY  HOOF. 

A  healthy  hoof  (figs.  1  and 
«)  is  equalW  warm  at  all 
parts,  and  is  not  tender  under 
pressure  with  the  hands  or 
moderate  compression  Avith  pincers.  The  coronet  is  soft  and  elastic 
at  all  points  and  does  not  project  beyond  the  surface  of  the  wall. 
The  wall  (fig.  8)  is  straight  from  coronet  to  ground,  so  that  a 
straightedge  laid  against  the  Avail  from  coronet  to  ground  parallel 
to  the  direction  of  the  horn  tubes  Avill  touch  at  every  point.  The 
Avail  should  be  covered  with  the  outer  varnishlike  layer  (periople) 
and  should  shoAV  no  cracks  or  clefts.  Every  hoof  shoAvs  "  ring  for- 
mation," but  the  rings  should  not  be  strongly  marked  and  should 
always  run  parallel  to  the  coronary  band.  Strongly  marked  ring- 
formation  over  the  entire  Avail  is  an  evidence  of  a  Aveak  hoof,  but 


HOHSK.SlH>KlNt; 


bin 


when   limited   lo   a    l^ail   ot"   tUe    wall    i>  evidence   of   previous   local 

inrianiniation.     The  hulhs  of  the  heels  should  he  full,  rounded,  and 

of  e<iual  height.     The  sole   (lig.  1)  shouhl  he  well  hollowed  out,  the 

white  line  solid,  the    froir  well  developed,  ihc   middle  cleft   of  the 

ivit'^  hroad  anil  shallow,  the  spaces  between  the  hai^  and  the  fro^'  wide 

and  shallow ,  the  bars  straijijht 

from  the  buttress  toward  the 

point    of    the    fro«r.    :»'>d    the 

buttre:>ses    themsehes    so    fai- 

apart  us  not  to  press  a<;ainst 

the  branches  of  the  fioji.     A 

hoof   can    not   be   consitlered      - 

healthy  if  it  presents  redilish 

discoloreil  horn,  cracks  in  the 

wall,  white  line,  bars,  or  fro<r.        y,,..   J.— IMir   m    i..tv   i.,!    <,i    n.^-ulur    form   in 

thrush   of  the   froir.  contrac-  r.^uiar  stmuUnj:  i)ositi..ii. 

tion  or  displacement  of  the  heels.     The  lateral  (  arlila<r<'s  sliouhl  yield 

reailily  to  finirer  pressure. 


V ARIOrS  FORMS  OF  HOOFS. 

As  anion*?  a  thousand  human  faces  nt»  two  are  alike,  so  among  :in 
e^ual  number  of  horses  no  two  have  hoofs  exactly  alike.  A  little 
.«tudy  of  different  forms  soon  shows  us.  however,  that  the  form  of 
every  hoof  is  dependent  in  great  measure  on  the  direction  of  the  two 

pastern  bones  as  viewed  from 
in  fi'ont  oi-  behind,  or  from 
one  side:  and  that  all  h(M)fs 
fall  into  three  clas.ses  when 
we  \  iew  them  from  in  front 
and  three  classes  when  we  ob- 
serve them  in  i)rolile.  Inas- 
uMich  as  the  ft»rm  of  eveiy 
f<K)t  iletermines  the  i)eculi- 
-     ■  ~  arities*  of  the  sluH*  that  is  iK'st 

ii'it..  .1. — Pair  of  foro  fi.t  of  hasi-  wiii.-  f.inu  In      adapted  to  it,  no  one  who  is 
too-wwe  «tnndinK  posuion.  iiriiorant    of.    or    who    disre- 

gards the  natural  form  of.  a   hoof  can  ho|)e  tf)  understand   physio- 
logical sluK'ing. 

FORMS  OF  FEET  VIEWED  FROM  IN   FRONT   AND  IN  PROFILE. 

Whether  a  liorM-V  leei  \>v  ob.MTved  Irom  in  fr<int  or  fiom  U'hind, 
their  form  corre.sponds  to.  or  at  lea.st  resembles,  either  that  of  the 
i-egular  position  (tig.  '2).  the  base- wide  or  toe  wide  j^osition  (fig.  ^l. 
or  the  base-narrow  position   (fig.  \). 


592 


DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 


By  the  direction  of  the  imaginary  line  passing  through  the  long 
axes  of  the  two  pasterns  (figs.  2,  4,  5)  we  determine  whetiier  or  not 
the  hoof  and  pasterns  stand  in  proper  mutual  relation. 

In  the  regular  standing  position  (fig.  2)  the  foot-axis  runs  straight 
downward  and  forward;  in  the  base-wide  position  (fig.  3)  it  runs 
obliquely  downward  and  outward,  and  in  the  base-narrow  position 
(fig.  4)  it  runs  obliquely  downward  and  inward. 

Viewing  the  foot  in  profile,  we  distinguish  the  regular  position 
(fig.  ^)l)  and  designate  all  forward  deviations  as  acute-angled  (long 
toe  and  low  heel,  fig.  5a) ,  and  all  deviations  backward  from  the  regu- 
lar (steep  toe  and  high  heel,  fig.  5c;)  as  steep-toed,  or  stumpy.    When 

the  body  weight  is  evenly 
di&lributed  over  all  four 
limbs,  the  foot-axis  should 
be  straight;  the  long  pas- 
tern, short  pas-tern,  and 
wall  at  the  toe  should  have 
the  same  slant. 

A  front  hoof  of  the  ref/- 
ular  stmuling  position. — 
The  outer  wall  is  a  little 
more  slanting  and  some- 
what thicker  than  the  inner.  The  lower  border  of  the  outer  quarter 
describes  the  arc  of  a  smaller  circle — that  is,  is  more  sharply  bent 
than  the  inner  quarter.  The  weight  falls  near  the  center  of  the  foot 
and  is  evenly  distributed  over  the  whole  bottom  of  the  hoof.  The 
toe  forms  an  ande  with  the  ground  of  45^  to  50°  and  is  parallel  to 


Fig.  4.— Pair  of  fore  feet  of  base-narrow  form  in  toe-narrow 
standing  position. 


Fig.  5. — a.  Side  view  of  an  acut.^-angled  fore  foot  (shod)  ;  h,  side  view  of  a  regular  fore  foot, 
showin.tr  the  most  desirable  decree  of  obliquity  (34°)  ;  c.  side  view  of  a  stumpy,  or  "  up- 
right," fore  foot ;  obliquity  above  50°.  In  a,  b,  c,  note  particularly  the  relation  between 
the  length  of  the  shoe  and  the  overhanging  of  the  heels.  Note  also  the  toe  roll  of  the 
shoes. 

the  direction  of  the  long  pastern.  The  toe  points  straight  ahead,  and 
when  the  horse  is  moving  forward  in  a  straight  line  the  hoofs  are 
picked  up  and  carried  forward  in  a  line  parallel  to  the  middle  line 
of  the  body,  and  are  set  down  flat.  Coming  straight  toward  the 
observer  the  hoofs  seem  to  rise  and  fall  perpendicularly. 


HORSKSHOEING.  •  593 

A  hoof  of  tk€  hase-tfidc  pmtition  is  always  awry.  The  outer  Avali 
is-  more  slanting,  longer,  and  thicker  than  the  inner,  tlie  outer 
(juartor  more  curved  tiian  the  inner,  and  tlie  outer  half  of  the  sole 
vider  than  the  inner.  The  weight  falls  largely  into  the  inner  half 
of  the  hoof.  In  motion  the  hoof  is  moved  in  a  circle.  From  its 
position  on  the  ground  it  breaks  over  the  inner  toe,  is  canied  for- 
wanl  and  inward  close  to  the  supporting  leg,  thence  forward  and 
outward  to  the  ground,  which  the  hoof  meets  Hrst  with  the  outer 
toe.  Horses  that  are  toe-wide  ("splay-footed" — toes  turned  out- 
ward) show  all  these  peculiarities  of  hoof-ft)rm  and  hoof-ilight  to 
a  still  moiv  marked  degree  and  are  therefore  nioi-e  ])rone  to  "inter- 
fere "  when  in  motion. 

..-1  Iwof  of  tlie  bnse-iuuv'ow  position  is  awry,  but  not  to  so  marked  a 
degree  as  the  base-wide  hoof.  The  inner  wall  is  usually  a  little  more 
slanting  than  the  outer,  the  inner  half  of  the  sole  wider  than  the 
outer,  and  the  inner  quarter  more  curved  than  the  outer.  The  outer 
quarter  is  often  flattened  and  drawn  in  at  the  bottom.  The  weight 
falls  largely  into  the  outer  half  of  the  hoof.  In  motion  the  hoof 
breaks  over  the  outer  toe,  is  carried  forward  and  outward  at  sonic 
distance  from  the  supporting  leg,  thence  forward  and  inward  to  tho 
ground,  which  it  generally  meets  with  the  outer  toe.  The  foot  thus 
moves  in  a  circle,  whose  convexity  is  outward,  a  manner  of  flight 
called  "  paddling.*'  A  base-narrow  horse,  whose  toes  point  straight 
ahead,  frequently  "interferes,"'  while  a  toe-narrow  (pigeon-tood ) 
animal  seldom  does. 

^1  regxihtr  hoof  (fig.  56),  viewed  from  one  side,  has  a  straight  foot- 
axis  inclined  to  the  horizon  at  an  angle  of  45^  to  50°.  The  weight 
falls  near  the  center  of  the  foot  and  there  is  motlerate  expansion  of 
the  qu artel's. 

An  (wute-anfjUd  hoof  (fig.  5«)  has  a  straight  foot-axis  inclined  at 
an  angle  le.ss  than  45°  to  the  horizon.  The  weight  falls  more  largely 
in  the  back  half  of  the  hoof  and  there  is  greater  length  of  hoof  in 
contact  with  tin-  ground  and  gieater  expansion  of  the  heels  than  in 
the  regular  hoof, 

T^jtright  or  stumpif  hoof. — In  the  upright  or  stumj\v  hoof  (fig.  tx-) 
the  foot-axis  is  straight  and  more  than  55"  steep.  The  hoof  is  rela- 
tively short  from  toe  to  heel,  the  weight  falls  farther  foiward,  and 
there  is  less  expansion  of  the  heels  than  in  the  regidai-  hoof. 

M'idt'  and  n/in'oir  hoofs. — Finally,  there  art'  wide  hoofs  and  nar- 
row hoofs,  dependent  solely  upon  race  and  breeding.  The  wide  hoof 
is  almost  circular  on  the  grotind  surface,  the  sole  but  little  concave, 
the  frog  large,  and  the  quality  of  the  horn  coarse.  The  narrow  hoof 
has  a  .strongly  "  cupped  "  sole,  a  small  frog,  nearly  perpendicular 
side  walls,  and  fine-grained,  tough  horn. 

36444°—!': -F-S 


594  "  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

Ulnd  hoofs  are  influenced  in  shape  by  different  directions  of  their 
pasterns  much  as  front  feet  are.  A  hind  hoof  is  not  round  at  the 
toe  as  a  front  hoof  is,  but  is  more  pointed.  Its  greatest  width  is 
two-thirds  of  the  way  back  from  toe  to  heel,  the  sole  is  more  concave, 
the  heels  relatively  wider,  and  the  toe  about  10°  steeper  than  in  front 
hoofs. 

EXAMINATION  PRELIMINARY  TO  SHOEING. 

The  object  of  the  examination  is  to  ascertain  the  direction  and 
position  of  tlie  limbs,  the  shape,  character,  and  quality  of  the  hoofs, 
the  form,  length,  position,  and  wear  of  the  shoe,  the  number,  dis- 
tribution, and  direction  of  the  nails,  the  manner  in  which  the  hoof 
leaves  the  ground,  its  line  of  flight,  the  manner  in  which  it  is  set  to 
the  ground,  and  all  other  peculiarities,  that  at  the  next  and  subse- 
quent shoeings  proper  allowances  may  be  made  and  observed  faults 
corrected.  The  animal  must,  therefore,  be  observed  both  at  rest  and 
in  motion. 

At  rest,  the  observer  should  stand  in  front  and  note  the  slant  of  the 
long  pasterns.  Do  they  drop  perpendicularly,  or  slant  downward 
and  outward  (base-wide  foot),  or  downward  and  inward  (base-nar- 
row foot)  ?  Wliatever  be  the  direction  to  the  long  pastern,  an  im^ 
aginary  line  passing  through  its  long  axis,  when  prolonged  to  the 
ground,  should  apparently  pass  through  the  middle  of  the  toe.  But 
if  such  line  cuts  through  the  inner  toe  the  foot-axis  is  not  straight,  as 
it  should  be,  but  is  broken  inward  at  the  coronet,  an  indication  that 
either  the  outer  wall  of  the  hoof  is  too  long  (high)  or  that  the  inner 
wall  is  too  short  (low) .  On  the  contrar3%  if  the  center  line  of  the  long 
pastern  falls  through  the  outer  toe  the  foot-axis  is  broken  outward  at 
the  coronet,  an  indication  that  either  the  inner  wall  is  too  long  or  the 
outer  wall  too  short. 

Tlie  observer  should  now  place  himself  at  one  side,  tAvo  or  three 
paces  distant,  in  order  to  view  the  limb  and  hoof  in  profile.  Note  the 
size  of  the  hoof  in  relation  to  the  height  and  weight  of  the  animal, 
and  the  ol)liquity  of  the  hoof.  Is  the  foot-axis  straight — that  is,  does 
the  long  pastern  have  the  same  slant  as  the  toe,  or  does  the  toe  of  the 
hoof  stand  steeper  than  the  long  pastern  (fig.  de)  ?  In  which  case 
the  foot-axis  is  broken  forward  at  the  coronet,  an  indication,  usually, 
that  the  quarters  are  either  too  high  or  that  the  toe  is  too  short. 

If  the  long  pastern  stands  steeper  than  the  toe  (fig.  Ort)  the  foot- 
axis  is  broken  backward,  in  Avhich  case  the  toe  is  too  long  or  the  quar- 
ters are  too  low  (short).  In  figures  Ga  and  6<?  the  dotted  lines  passing 
from  toe  to  quarters  indicate  the  amount  of  horn  which  must  be 
removed  in  order  to  straighten  the  foot-axis,  as  shown  in  figure  66. 
Note  also  the  length  of  the  shoe. 

Next,  the  feet  should  be  raised  and  the  examiner  should  note  the 
outline  of  the  foot,  the  conformation  of  the  sole,  form  and  quality 


HORSESHOEINC. 


195 


of  the  froo:,  form  of  the  shoe,  wear  of  the  shoe,  and  the  number  and 
distribution  of  the  nails.  Does  the  shoe  fully  cover  the  entire  lower 
bordei"  of  the  wall  i  or  is  it  too  narrow,  or  tittetl  so  full  on  the  inside 
that  it  has  jriven  rise  to  interferin";?  or  has  the  shoe  l>een  nailed  on 
(•looked  (  or  has  it  become  loose  and  shifted  i  is  it  too  short,  or  so  wide 
at  the  enils  of  the  branches  a.s  not  to  support  the  buttresses  of  the 
hoof^  Does  the  shoe  correspond  with  the  form  of  the  hoof?  Are 
the  nails  distributed  so  as  to  interfere  as  little  as  possible  with  the 
expansion  of  the  (|uarters?  are  there  too  many  ^  are  they  too  larjije? 
driven  too  "fine"  or  too  hijjh  ^  Those  arc  (juestions  which  the 
observer  should  put  to  himself. 

Note  carefully  the  wear  of  the  old  shoe.  It  is  the  unimj)eachable 
cviilence  of  the  manner  in  which  the  hoof  has  been  set  to  the  ground 
since  the  shoe  was  nailed  to  it,  and  gives  valuable  "pointers''  in  lev- 
cliniT  the  hoof.    Wear  is  the  effect  of  friction  between  the  shoe  and  the 


Ku;.  (i.  -a,  Sldo  view  of  foot  witli  the  fooiaxis  lnokcn  backwaril  as  a  rosiiU  of  too  long  a 
toe.  The  amount  of  horn  to  be  removed  from  the  toe  In  order  to  strftl^hten  the  foot- 
axis  l8  denoted  l>y  a  dotted  line ;  b,  side  view  of  a  properly  balanced  foot,  with  a 
straljfht  foot-axis  of  de.siral)le  slant ;  c,  side  view  of  stumpy  foot  with  foot-axis  broken 
forward,  ua  a  result  of  overgrowth  of  the  quarters.  Tin-  amount  of  horn  to  l>e  removed 
in  order  to  straighten  the  foot-axis  is  shown  by  a  dotted  line. 

ground  at  the  moment  of  contact.  Since  the  properly  leveled  hoof 
is  .set  flat  to  the  ground,  the  "grounding  wear"  of  a  shoe  should  be 
uniform  at  every  point,  though  the  toe  will  always  show  wear  due  to 
scouring  at  the  moment  of  ''  breaking  over."  Everything  which 
tends  to  lengthen  the  stride  tends  also  to  make  the  "  p-ounding 
wear"  more  })ronounced  in  the  heels  of  the  shoe,  while  all  cause*> 
which  shorten  the  stride — as  stiffening  of  the  limbs  through  age, 
overwork,  or  disease — bring  the  grounding  wear  nearer  the  toe. 

An  exce])tion  should  l)e  noted,  however,  in  founder,  in  which  the 
grounding  wear  is  most  pronounced  at  the  heels. 

If  one  l)ranch  of  the  shoe  is  found  to  be  woiii  much  thiiiuer  than 
the  other,  the  thinner  branch  has  either  been  .set  too  near  the  middle 
line  of  the  foot  (fitted  too  close),  where  it  has  been  bearing  greater 
weight  while  rubbing  against  the  ground,  or.  what  is  much  more 
often  the  case,  the  section  of  wall  above  the  thinner  l)ranch  has  been 


596  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

too  long  (too  high),  or  the  c>pposite  section  of  wall  has  been  too  short 
(too  low).  "  One-sided  wear,  uneven  setting  down  of  the  feet,  and  an 
unnatural  course  of  the  wall  are  often  found  together.*'  How  much 
an  old  shoe  can  tell  us,  if  we  take  time  and  pains  to  decipher  its  scars ! 

The  horse  should  next  be  observed  at  a  walk  and  at  a  trot  or  pace, 
from  in  front,  from  behind,  and  from  the  side,  and  the  "breaking 
over."  the  carriage  of  the  feet,  and  the  manner  of  setting  them  to  the 
ground  carefully  noted  and  remembered.  A  horse  does  not  always 
move  just  as  his  standing  position  would  seem  to  imply.  Often  there 
is  so  great  a  difference  in  the  form  and  slant  of  two  fore  hoofs  or  two 
hind  hoofs  that  we  are  in  doubt  as  to  their  normal  shape,  when  a  few 
steps  at  a  trot  will  usually  solve  the  problem  instantly  by  showing  us 
the  line  of  flight  of  the  hoofs  and  referring  them  to  the  regular,  base- 
wide,  or  base-narrow  form. 

No  man  is  competent  either  to  shoe  a  hoi'se  or  to  direct  the  work 
till  he  has  made  the  precited  observations. 

PREPARATION  OF  THE  HOOF  FOR  THE  SHOE. 

After  raising  the  clinches  of  the  nails  with  a  rather  dull  clinch 
cutter  ("buffer-')  and  drawing  the  nails  one  at  a  time,  the  old  shoe 
is  critically  examined  and  laid  aside.  Remaining  stubs  of  nails  are 
then  drawn  or  punched  out  and  the  hoof  freed  of  dirt  and  partially 
detached  horn.  The  farrier  has  now  to  "  dress"  the  overgrown  hoof 
to  receive  the  new  shoe:  in  other  words,  he  has  to  form  a  base  of  sup- 
port so  inclined  to  the  direction  of  the  pasterns  that  in  motion  this 
surface  shall  be  set  flat  upon  the  ground.  He  must  not  rob  the  hoof 
nor  leave  too  much  horn :  either  mistake  may  lead  to  injury.  If  he 
has  made  a  careful  preliminary  examination  he  knows  what  part  of 
the  wall  requires  removal  and  what  part  must  be  left,  for  he  already 
knows  the  direction  of  the  foot  axis  and  the  wear  of  the  old  shoe 
and  has  made  up  his  mind  just  where  and  how  much  horn  must  be 
removed  to  leave  the  hoof  of  proper  length  and  the  foot  axis  straight. 

A  greatly  overgroAvn  hoof  may  be  quickly  shortened  with  sharp 
nippers  and  the  sole  freed  of  semidetached  flakes  of  horn.  The  con- 
cave sole  of  a  thick-walled,  strong  hoof  may  be  pared  out  around  the 
point  of  the  frog,  but  not  so  much  as  to  remove  all  evidences  of  ex- 
foliation. The  wall  should  be  leveled  with  the  rasp  till  its  full 
thickness,  the  white  line,  and  an  eighth  of  an  inch  of  the  margin  of 
the  sole  are  in  one  horizontal  plane,  called  the  "  bearing  surface  of 
the  hoof."  The  bars,  if  long,  may  be  shortened,  but  never  pared  on 
the  side.  The  branches  of  the  sole  in  the  angle  between  the  bars  and 
the  wall  of  the  quarters  should  be  left  a  little  lower  than  the  wall,  so 
as  not  to  be  pressed  upon  by  the  inner  web  of  the  shoe.  "  Corns,"  or 
bruises  of  the  pododerm,  are  usually  a  result  of  leaving  a  thick  mass 
of  dry.  unyielding  horn  at  this  point.     The  frog  should  not  be 


iiORSESHOEixr..  597 

touched  fiirtluT  tlian  to  ivinove  tags  or  layois  that  are  so  loose  as  to 

form  no  })rotcction.     A  i^oft  frou:  will  shorten  itself  spontaneously 

by  the  exfoliation  of  sui)erii('ial  layers  of  horn,  while  if  the  Irog  is 

dry,  hard,  and  too  prominent  it  is  better  to  soften  it  by  applying 

moisture  in  some  foruj,  and  to  allow  it  to  wear  away  naturally  than 

to  pare  it  down.     It  is  of  adxantage  to  have  the  frog  project  hflow 

the  level  of  the  wall  an  amount  equal  to  the  thickness  of  a  plain 

shoe,  though  we  rarely  see  fi'oirs  of  such  si/.e  except  in  draft  horses. 

The  sharp  lower  border  of  the  wall  slumld  be  rounded  with  the  ra.sp 

to  prevent  its  being  bent  outward  and  broken  away.     Finally,  the 

foot  is  set  to  tiu^  ground  and  again  ol)served  from  all  sides  to  make 

sure  that  the  lines  iiounding  the  hoof  correspond  with  the  directi<m 

of  the  \inix  pasti>rn. 

THE  SHOE. 

The  shoe  is  an  artificial  base  of  support,  by  no  means  ideal,  because 
it  interferes  to  a  great<.*r  or  less  degree  with  the  physiology  of  the 
foot,  but  indispensable  except  f(U"  horses  at  slow  work  on  soft 
ground.  Since  a  proper  surface  of  support  is  of  the  greatest  im- 
portance in  preserving  the  health  of  the  feet  and  legs,  it  is  necessary 
to  consider  the  various  forms  of  shoes  best  adapted  to  the  different 
forms  of  hoofs.  Certain  jiroperties  are  common  to  all  shoes  and  may 
be  considered  first.  They  are  form,  width,  thickness,  length,  sur- 
faces, borders,  "fullering,"  nail  holes,  and  clips. 

Fomi. — Every  shoe  should  have  the  form  of  the  hoof  for  which  it 
is  intended,  provided  the  hoof  retains  its  proper  sha])e:  but  for  every 
hoof  that  has  undeigone  change  of  form  we  must  endeavor  to  give  the 
shoe  that  form  which  the  hoof  originally  possessed.  Front  shoes  and 
hind  sh<  es,  rights  and  lefts,  should  be  distinctly  different  and  easily 
distinguishable. 

Width. — All  shoes  should  be  wider  at  the  toe  than  at  the  ends  of 
the  branches.  The  average  width  shoidd  be  about  double  the  thick- 
ness of  the  wall  at  the  toe. 

Thiclru^88. — The  thickness  should  be  suflicient  to  make  the  shoe  last 
about  four  weeks  and  should  be  uniform  except  in  special  cases. 

Length. — This  will  depend  upon  the  obliquity  of  the  hoof  viewed  in 
profile.  The  acute-angled  hoof  (fig.  ha)  has  long  overhanging  heels, 
and  a  considerai^le  proportion  of  the  weight  borne  by  the  leg  falls  in 
the  posterior  half  of  the  hoof.  For  such  a  hoof  the  branches  of  the 
shoe  should  extend  back  of  the  buttresses  to  a  distance  nearly  double 
the  thickness  of  the  shoe.  For  a  hoof  of  the  regular  form  (llgs.  h}> 
and  8)  the  branches  should  project  an  amount  equal  to  the  thickness 
of  the  shoe.  In  a  stumpy  hoof  (fig.  5r)  the  shoe  need  not  i)roject 
more  than  one-eighth  of  an  inch.  Tn  all  cases  the  shoe  should  cover 
the  entire  "bearing  surface"  of  the  wall. 


598  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

Surfaces. — The  surface  that  is  turned  toward  the  hoof  is  known  as 
the  "  upper,"  or  "  hoof  surface,"  of  the  shoe.  That  part  of  the  hoof 
surface  which  is  in  actual  contact  with  the  horn  is  called  the  "  bearini^ 
surface"  of  the  shoe.  The  "bearing  surface"  should  be  perfectly 
horizontal  from  side  to  side,  and  wide  enough  to  support  the  full 
thickness  of  the  wall,  the  white  line,  and  about  an  eighth  of  an  inch 
of  the  margin  of  the  sole.  The  bearing  surface  should  also  be  per- 
fectly' flat,  except  that  it  may  be  turned  up  at  the  toe  ("rolling- 
motion  "  shoe,  fig.  5  «.,  Z),  c.)  The  surface  between  the  bearing  surface 
and  the  inner  edge  of  the  shoe  is  often  beaten  down  or  concaved  to 
prevent  pressure  too  far  inward  upon  the  sole.  This  "  concaving,"  or 
"  seating,"  should  be  deeper  or  shallower  as  the  horny  sole  is  less  or 
more  concave.  As  a  rule,  strongly  "  cupped  "  soles  require  no  con- 
caving (hind  hoofs,  narrow  fore  hoofs). 

Borders. — The  entire  outer  border  should  be  beveled  under  the  foot. 
Such  a  shoe  is  not  so  readily  loosened,  nor  is  it  so  apt  to  lead  to 
interfering. 

Fullering. — This  is  a  groove  in  the  ground  surface  of  the  shoe.  It 
should  pass  through  two-thirds  of  the  thickness  of  the  shoe,  be  clean, 
and  of  uniform  width.  It  is  of  advantage  in  that  it  makes  the  shoe 
lighter  in  proportion  to  its  width  and,  by  making  the  ground  surface 
somewhat  rough,  tends  to  prevent  slipping. 

Nail  holes. — The  shoe  must  be  so  "  punched  "  that  the  nail  holes 
will  fall  directly  on  the  white  line.  They  should  be  confined  to  the 
fore  half  of  front  shoes,  but  may  occupy  the  anterior  two-thirds  of 
hind  shoes.  For  a  medium-weight  shoe  three  nail  holes  in  each 
branch  are  sufficient,  but  for  heavier  shoes,  especially  those  provided 
with  long  calks,  eight  holes  are  about  right,  though  three  on  the  in- 
side and  four  on  the  outside  may  do. 

Clips. — These  are  half -circular  ears  drawn  up  from  the  outer  edge 
of  the  shoe  either  at  the  toe  or  opposite  the  side  wall.  The  height  of 
a  clip  should  equal  the  thickness  of  the  shoe,  though  they  should  be 
even  higher  on  hind  shoes  and  when  a  leather  sole  is  interposed  be- 
tAveen  the  shoe  and  hoof.  Clips  secure  the  shoe  against  shifting.  A 
side  clip  should  always  be  drawn  up  on  that  branch  of  the  shoe  tliat 
first  meets  the  ground  in  locomotion. 

SPECIAL  FEATURES  AND   FITTING  THE  SHOES. 

A  shoe  for  a  regular  hoof  (figs.  7  and  8)  fits  when  its  outer  border 
follows  the  wall  closely  in  the  region  of  the  nail  holes  and  from  the 
last  nail  to  the  end  of  the  branch  gradually  projects  beyond  the  sur- 
face of  the  wall  to  an  eighth  of  an  inch  and  extends  back  of  the  but- 
tresses an  amount  equal  to  the  thickness  of  the  shoe.  The  shoe  must 
be  straight,  firm,  air-tight,  its  nail  holes  directly  over  the  white  lino. 


HORSESHOEING. 


599 


and  its  branches  far  enough  from  the  branclies  of  the  frog  to  permit 
thi'  passaj^e  of  a  foot  pit-k.  liranc-hes  of  the  shoe  must  he  of  e(]ual 
U'li^'th. 

In  titling  a  slioe  to  a  hoof  of  reguhii'  form  we  foUow  the  form  of 
the  hoof,  but  in  base-wick'  ami 
base-narrow  hoofs,  which  are 
of  irreguhir  form,  we  nuist  pay 
attention  not  only  to  the  foiiu 
of  the  hoof  but  also  to  the  (b- 
rection  of  the  pasterns  and 
tlie  c-onsecjuent  cbstribution  of 
weight  in  the  hoof,  because 
where  the  most  weight  falls  the 
surface  of  support  of  the  foot 
must  be  widened,  and  where  the 
least  weight  falls  (opposite 
side  of  the  hoof)  the  surface  of 
sup|)(jrt  should  be  narrowed. 
In  this  way  the  improper  dis- 
tribution of  weight  within  the 
hoof  is  evenly  distributed  over 
the  surface  of  support. 

.1  shoe  for  a  hase-ir}<h'  hoof 
should  be  fitted  full  cm  the  in- 
ner side  of  the  foot  and  fitted 
close  on  the  outer  side,  because 
the  inner  side  bears  the  most 
weight.  The  nails  in  the  outer  branch  are  placed  well  back,  i)ut  in 
the  innei-  branch  are  crowded  forward  towai'd  the  toe. 


Fig 


7. — Lffi  fore  hoof  oi"  regular  form, 
shod  with  a  plain  "  fullorcd  '  shoe.  Nob- 
the  dLstrlhuHon  of  tho  ualls,  length  of 
the  fuller  (crease),  and  the  olo.KCUeKs  of 
the  en«ls  of  the  shoe  to  the  branches  of 
the   fro.n. 


Ki<;.  .S. — Side  view  of  hoof  and  shoe  sliown  In  flR.  7.  \ote  tlic  stral>;ht  toe,  weak  rinj: 
formation  runnlntr  parnllel  to  the  coronet,  clinches  low  down  iind  "ii  n  l.v.  i  iiiitih  of 
the  shoe,  and  the  under-bevel  at  the  toe  and  heel. 

.1  shoe  for  a  hase-narroir  hoof  should  i)e  just  the  reverse  of  the 
pivceding.  The  outer  branch  should  be  s<»mewhat  longer  than  the 
inner. 


600  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 

A  shoe  for  an  acjite-angled  hoof  should  be  long  in  the  branches, 
because  most  of  the  weight  falls  in  the  posterior  half  of  the  foot. 
71ie  support  in  front  should  be  diminished  either  by  turning  the  shoe 
up  at  the  toe  or  by  beveling  it  under  the  toe  (fig.  5a). 

A  shoe  for  a  stumpy  hoof  should  be  short  in  the  branches,  and 
for  pronounced  cases  should  increase  the  support  of  the  toe,  where 
the  most  of  the  weight  falls,  by  being  beveled  downward  and  forward. 

In  many  cases,  especially  in  draft  horses,  where  the  hoofs  stand 
very  close  together,  the  coronet  of  the  outer  quarter  is  found  to  stand 
out  beyond  the  lower  border  of  the  quarter.  In  such  cases  the  outer 
branch  of  the  shoe  from  the  last  nail  back  must  be  fitted  so  fiill  that 
an  imaginary  perpendicular  dropped  from  the  coronet  will  just  meet 
the  outer  border  of  the  shoe.  The  inner  branch,  on  the  other  hand, 
must  be  fitted  as  "  close  "  as  possible.  The  principal  thought  should 
be  to  set  the  new  shoe  farther  toward  the  more  strongly  worn  side. 
Such  a  practice  will  render  unnecessary  the  widespread  and  popular 
fad  of  giving  the  outer  quarter  and  heel  calk  of  hind  shoes  an  extreme 
outward  bend.  Care  should  be  taken,  however,  that  in  fitting  the 
shoe  "  full "  at  the  quarter  the  bearing  surface  of  the  hoof  at  the 
quarter  be  not  left  unsupported  or  incomplete!}^  covered,  to  be 
pinched  and  squeezed  inward  against  the  frog.  This  will  be  obviated 
by  making  the  outer  branch  of  the  shoe  sufficiently  wide  and  punch- 
ing it  so  coarse  that  the  nails  Avill  fall  upon  the  white  line. 

Hot  fitting. — Few  farriers  have  either  the  time  or  the  skill  neces- 
sary to  adjust  a  cold  shoe  to  the  hoof  so  that  it  will  fit,  as  we  say, 
"  air-tight."  Though  the  opponents  of  hot  fitting  draw  a  lurid  pic- 
ture of  the  direful  consequences  of  appljdng  a  hot  shoe  to  the  hoof,  it 
is  only  the  abuse  of  the  practice  that  is  to  be  condemned.  If  a  heavy 
shoe  at  a  yellow  heat  be  held  tightly  pressed  against  a  hoof  which 
has  been  pared  too  thin,  till  it  embeds  itself,  serious  damage  may  be 
done.  But  a  shoe  at  a  dark  heat  may  be  pressed  against  a  properly 
dressed  hoof  long  enough  to  scorch,  and  thus  indicate  to  the  farrier 
the  portions  of  horn  that  should  be  lowered  without  appreciable  in- 
jury to  the  hoof  and  to  the  ultimate  benefit  of  the  animal. 

Nailing. — The  horse  owner  should  insist  on  the  nails  being  driven 
low.  They  should  pierce  the  w^all  not  above  an  inch  and  five-eighths 
above  the  shoe.  A  nail  penetrating  the  white  line  and  emerging  low 
on  the  wall  destroys  the  least  possible  amount  of  horn,  has  a  wide 
and  strong  clinch,  rather  than  a  narrow  one,  which  would  be  formed 
near  the  point  of  the  nail,  and,  furthermore,  has  the  strongest  pos- 
sible hold  on  the  wall,  because  its  clinch  is  pulling  more  nearly  at  a 
right  angle  to  the  grain  (horn  tubes)  of  the  wall  than  if  driven 
high.  Finally,  do  not  allow  the  rasp  to  touch  the  wall  above  the 
clinches. 


HORSESHOKING. 


601 


THE   BAR   SHOE. 

Tlio  bar  shoe  (fi*;.  i>)  has  a  variety  of  uses.  It  enables  us  to  ^ive 
tlie  fro^  pressure,  to  restore  it  to  its  oriujiiial  state  of  activity  and 
development  when,  by  reason  of  disuse,  it  has  boconie  atrophied.  Tt 
pives  the  hoof  an  increased  surface  of  supj)ort  and  enables  us  to  re- 
lieve one  or  botii  (juarters  of  unilue  pressuie  that  may  have  induced 
inflammation  and  sorenes.s.  The  bar  of  the  shoo  should  equal  the 
averafre  width  of  the  remainder  of  the  shoe  and  should  |)ies>  but 
lightly  on  the  branches  of  the  frog.     The  addition  of  a  leather  sole 


Plo.  0. — An  acuto;in;,'lod  loft  fore  hoof  shod  with  a 
Uir  Bhoe.  Note  the  width  and  poeition  of  the  bar 
and  the  fact  that  the  nails  are  placed  well  toward 
the  toe,  so  as  not  to  Interfere  with  the  expuDHlon 
of   tl;<-   quarters. 


Fui.  10. — A  fairly  formed  rlpht 
foro  loo  shoe  for  a  roadster. 
The  toe  and  outer-hcci  calks  cut 
at  rljiht  an;:les,  and  the  Inner- 
heel  ciilk  Is  slender  and  blunt. 
The  back  Kiirfaec  rf  the  toe  on!k 
should  be  perpendicular. 


with  tar  and  oakum  sole-packing  allows  us  to  distribute  the  weight 
of  the  bodv  over  the  entire  srround  surface  of  the  hoof. 


THE   RUBBER   PAD. 


Various  forms  of  rubber  pads,  rubber  shoe^,  rope  shoes,  (iber  shoes, 
antl  other  contrivances  to  diminish  .shock  and  prevent  slipping  on  the 
hard  and  slippery  pavements  of  our  large  cities  are  in  use  in  dilfer- 
ent  parts  of  the  world.  In  Germany  the  rope  shoe  (a  malleable-iron 
shoe  with  a  groove  in  it«  ground  surface  in  which  lies  a  piece  of  tarred 
rope)  is  extensively  used  with  most  gratifying  results.  It  is  cheap, 
durable,  easily  applied,  and  effective. 


602 


DISEASES    OF    THE    HOBSE. 


In  the  large  cities  of  England  and  the  United  States  rubber  pads 
are  extensively  used.    They  are  rather  expensive,  but  are  quite  effi- 
cient  in   preventing  slipping  on  polished   and  g-ummy  pavements, 
though    not    so   effective    on    ice. 
Figure  11  is  an  illustration  of  one 
of  the  best  of  many  rubber  pads. 
The   rubber    is   stitched    and    ce- 
mented to  a   leather  sole   and  is 
secured  by  the  nails  of  a  three- 
quarter   shoe.      Such   a   pad   will 
usually  last  as  long  as  two  shoes. 
Thev  maA'  be  used  continuouslv. 


Pig.  11.  -  Left  fore  hoof  of  regular  form  shod 
with  a  rubber  pad  and  "  three-quarter  '" 
shoe.      (Ground  surface.) 


Fig.  1?.— a  narrow  riuht  fore  hoof  of  the 
base-wide  I  toe-wide  I  standing  position, 
shod  with  a  plain  "  dropped-crease  " 
slioe  to  prevent  the  toe  cutting  (interfer- 
ing). The  dotted  line  at  the  inner  toe 
indicates  the  edge  of  the  wall  which 
•was  rasped  away  in  order  to  narrow  tlie 
hoof  along  the  strilting  section.  Note 
tlii>  inward  bevel  of  the  slioe  at  this 
point,  the  dropped  crease,  tlie  distribu- 
tion of  the  nails,  tlie  long  "  full  "  inni-r 
branch,  and  the  short  "  close  "  outer 
branch. 


not  only  without  injury  to  the  hoof,  but  to  its  great  benefit.  The 
belief,  unsupported  by  evidence,  that  rubber  pads  "  draw  the  feet " 
keeps  many  from  using  them.  A  human  foot  encased  in  a  rubber 
boot  may  eventually  be  blistered  by  the  sweat  poured  iijion  the  sur- 
face of  the  skin  and  held  there  by  the  impervious  rubber  till  decom- 
position takes  place  with  the  formation  of  irritating  fatty  acids; 
but  there  is  no  basis  for  an  analogy  in  the  hoof  of  a  horse. 


OTHER  SPECIAL  FORMS. 


Some  drawings,  designed  to  illustrate  shoeing  in  connection  with 
"interfering"  and  "forging,"  and  other  special  conditions,  are 
shown  in  figures  13  to  18. 


liOItSI'.SIIOlMXC. 


60.'J 


Kn;.  1.1. — Hoof  surface  «)f  a  ri«?ht  hind  shoo  to  prevent  interfetiuK.  Tlio  inner  brnncb  has 
no  nail  holes  nnd  Is  fitted  and  bovi>led  under  the  hoof.  Note  the  numl>er  and  position 
of  the  n:til   holes,   tin-  clip  on  the  outer  side  wall,  and  the  narrowneH.s  and   hend  of   the 

ililKM     l>r;iiiili. 


I  I-.  14.  tlrounii  surfar-e  of  sIi<m»  -iliown  in  IIk-  previouM  IlRijn-.  I'lie  inn<  r.  nailh-Hw  liranrh 
has  the  thirkneas  of  the  outer  hrnnoh  plus  ItH  rnlk.  so  tlmt  the  Inner  an<l  outer  i|unrten» 
of   the   hoof  iire  i.<|uiili.Ht:iut    from    the   Kroun<! 


604 


DISEASES    OF    THE    HOESE. 


r'iG.  15. — Side  view  of  a  fore  lioof  shod  so  as  to  quicken  the  "  breaking  over  "  (quicken 
the  action  I  in  a  "  forger."  Note  the  short  shoe,  heel  calks  inclined  forward,  and  tbe 
rolled   toe. 


Fig.  16. — Side  view  of  a  short-toed  hind  hoof  of  a  foi-ger,  shod  to  slow  the  action  and  to 
prevent  injury  to  the  fore  heels  l>.v  the  toe  of  the  hind  shoe.  Note  the  elevation  of  the 
short  toe  by  means  of  a  toe  calk  and  the  projection  of  the  toe  beyond  the  shoe.  When 
such  a  hoof  has  grown  more  toe,  the  toe  calk  can  be  dispensed  with  and  the  shoe  set 
farther   forward. 


I 


HORSKSIIOEING. 


605 


Fig.  17.  -A  toe-weight  .'«hoo  to  increase  the  length  of  stride  of  fore  feet.  The  nails  are 
plnoed  too  far  back,  and  the  slio^  has  no  characteristic  form  hut  the  wetght  is  properly 
placed. 


i-: 


i' 


Fir..  IS. — Most  common  form  of  punched  heel-weleht  shoe  to  Induce  high  action  in  fore 
feet.  The  profile  of  the  shoe  bIiows  a  "  roll  "  :i»  the  toe  and  "  swelled  "  heels.  The 
Wfight  Ih  well  pl:i'-ed.  but  "  rolling  "  (ho  (no  anci  raising  tli"  IhtIh  lower  action.  The 
shoe  would  l)e  much  more  effective  If  of  uniform  thicknesn  ami  with  no  roll  at  the  toe. 


INDKX. 


Alxlomen —  Page. 

dropny,  in  foal,  or  awritefl,  (loscriplion  and  tioatmt'ni 193 

drnn.sy,  or  ascitos,  description,  Hyuij>toai«,  and  treatuiout 86 

liiul).-",  and  pcrinvtitn,  dmjjsiy  alfcHtin^,  di'.s<ription  and  treatment 180 

wheal li,  and  i)enis,  .swelling',  cause  and  treatment 171 

Abnormal  prewntationB  at  hirth 197-202 

Abortion,  dc.xription,  cans*',  symptoms,  and  treatment 182 

AbtH-esM    - 

and  intlammation  of  lymphatic  ^dands,  descriptions,  eymptoms,  treatment.  272 

in  lung  and  suppuration,  symptoms 127 

Abs<esses — 

acute,  description  and  treatment '>00 

c<dd,  desc-ription  and  treatment 501 

description 500 

in  throat,  treatment 62 

.irtiri',  parasites  of  eye 296 

Acariasis,  or  manire,  note 478 

Arhorion  schoiilnni,  vegetable  j)arasite  of  skin,  description 478 

Adams,  Joiin  W'.,  chapter  on  "Horseshoeing" 5H3-605 

Air  embolLsm,  or  air  in  veins,  note 270 

Albuminoid  poisoning,  hemoglobinuria,  azoturia,  azotemia,  symptoms,  preven- 
tion, and  treatment 141 

Aloes,  use  agtiinst  hots  in  horses 93 

Amauroais,  or  palsy  of  nerve  of  sight,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment . .  231,  295 

Amnion,  droj>sy,  description  and  treatment ISO 

Anasarca,  or  purpura  hemorrhagica,  causes,  symptoms,  treatment,  etc 531,  533 

Anatomy  and  physiology  of  brain  and  nervous  system 210 

Anemia — 

of  l>rain,  <au9es,  symntoms,  pathology,  and  treatment 223 

spinal,  symptoms  anci  treatment 234 

Aneurism — 

dewription,  symptoms,  pathology,  and  treatment 265 

one  form  caused  oy  Strongyliis  vulgaris 265 

Anidian  monsters,  or  moles,  desrription 179 

Animal  parasites,  des<rription  of  kinds 478 

Ankle- 

and  fetlock,  skin,  note 397 

fetlock,  and  foot,  dis<';us<'s,  chapter  by  A.  A.  Holcombe 395-457 

Ankles,  cocked,  or  knuckling,  dewription,  causes,  and  tn-atment 400 

Anthrax   - 

definition,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 540-544 

prevention  by  destruction  of  bacteria 544 

vaccination  as  preventive 544 

A|>o])lexv,  or  «erebral  hemorrhage,   causes,  sjanptoms,   pathology-,   and  treat- 
ment. .' ! 220 

Arteries  - 

description 249 

diseaises,  or  arteritis,  and  cnilarteritis.  dtw<  ription.  symptoms,  pathology, 

and  treatment 2<>;i 

A  rterv' — 

fonstriction.  description 265 

nipture.  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 266 

Arthritis,  open  joints,  broken  knees,  and  synovitis.  cau.<*o  and  treatment 357 

AsntriH  equorum,  intiwtinal  worm,  note 90 

Ascit«"s.  or  drojwy  of  al)dom('n.  dcwcription.  8ym]>toms.  and  treatment 86, 193 

Asthma,  heave's,  or  l)roken  wind.  <lelinition.  symptomH,  and  treatment 128 

Atlieroma  of  veins  and  arteries,  description 264 

Autogenic  vaccincB,  description . .  506 


608  DISEASES   OF   THE   HORSE. 

Page. 

Autumn  mange,  description  and  treatment 480 

Azotemia,  hemoglobinuria,   azoturia,  poisoning  by  albuminoids,  symptoms, 

prevention,  and  treatment 141 

Azoturia,  hemoglobinuria,  azotemia,  poisoning  by  albuminoids,  symptoms, 

prevention,  and  treatment 141 

Bacillus  equisepticwi,  cause  of  pneumonia 522 

Bacteria,  kinds  responsible  for  pneumonia  in  horses 522 

Bacteria  vaccines,  kinds  and  uses 506,  531 

Balls,  or  pills,  description  and  manner  of  administering 44 

Bar  shoe,  uses 601 

Bees,  wasps,  and  hornets,  stings,  treatment 485 

Beets  as  feed 56 

Bichlorid,  use  in  disinfection 509 

Bighead  (osteoporosis) — 

chapter  by  John  R.  Mohler 578-582 

symptoms,  lesions,  and  treatment 580 

Biliary  calculi,  or  gallstones,  symptoms  and  treatment 90 

Bilocular  cavity,  or  calculus  in  sheath,  or  preputial  calculus,  description  and 

treatment 163 

Birth,  abnormal  j^resentations  at 197-202 

Black  pigment  tumors,  or  melanosis,  description  and  treatment 476 

Bladder- 
calculus,  or  stone,  and  tumor  affecting 190 

diseases  gi'owths,  symptoms  and  treatment 151 

eversion,  description  and  treatment 152 

inflammation,  cystitis,  or  urocystitis,  symptoms  and  treatment 149 

irritable,  cause  and  treatment 150 

neck,  spasms  affecting,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 146,  225 

paralysis,  description  and  cause 230 

paralysis,  symptoms  and  treatment 148 

stone,  vesical  calculus,  or  cystic  calculus,  description,  symptoms,   and 

treatment 159 

worm  of  kidney 146 

Bleeding — 

after  castration,  treatment 170 

from  lungs,  or  hemoptysis,  causes,  description,  and  treatment 127 

fi'om  nose,  causes  and  treatment 103 

or  flooding  from  womb ,  treatment 205 

skin  eruptions,  or  Dennaiorrhagia  parasitica,  description  and  treatment 469 

Blisters,  inflammation,  or  eczema,  description  and  treatment 464 

Bloat  colic,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 73 

Blood- 
circulation  of  heart,  description 248 

clots  in  walls  of  vagina 207 

medicine  administered  into  veins 48 

medium  of  disease  transmission 511 

of  penis,  extravasation,  cause  and  treatment 167 

spavin,  bog  spavin,  and  thoroughpin,  description  and  treatment 356 

Blood  vessels — 

and  heart,  diseases,  remarks 250 

heart,  and  lymphatics,  diseases,  chapter  by  M.  R.  Trumbower 247-273 

physiology  and  anatomy 247 

Bloody  urine,  or  hematuria,  cause  and  treatment 141 

Blowing,  high,  description 110 

Bluebottle  {Lucilia  caesar),  note 481 

Bog  spavin,  blood  spavin,  and  thoroughpin,  description  and  treatment 356 

Boil  of  eyelid,  description  and  treatment 282 

Boils— 

or  Dermatitis  granidosa 469 

or  fiuuncles,  description  and  treatment 466 

Bone — 

hip,  fracture,  or  on  innominatum,  description,  symptoms,  prognosis,  and 

treatment 341 

premaxijlary,  fractures,  description  and  treatment 336 

spavin.     See  Spavin. 


INDEX.  C09 

Bone«—  PaRc. 

cimiion,  fractures,  description,  syinplom.s,  :md  treatment 350, 31)5 

cranial,  IracturcH.  causes,  Hyuiptoni.s,  and  treatment 335 

disea*<es,  de>*cription 309 

dislocations  aiul  luxations,  cause.  8yni|»toms,  aiid  treatment 301 

of  face,  fractures,  description,  and  ireatment 360 

of  fetlock  and  foot,  description .305 

of  hij),  fractunw,  causes 1S8 

one  system  of  locomotion 2M9,  .301 

seeamoid.  fractures,  cause,  symptoms,  prognosifl,  and  treatment 352 

Botfly,  habits  and  tn^titment " 93 

Hots,  injury  to  horscjf.  symptoms,  aiul  treatment 93-94 

Bowels,  twisting,  vuhnilus.  or  gut-tie.  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 72 

Bniin — 

an<l  membranes,  inflammation,  description 212,  213 

and  nervous  system,  anatomy,  and  physiology 210 

anemia,  causes,  symptt)ms,  jtathology,  and  treatment 223 

compression,  causes,  sym))toms.  and  treatment 221 

concussion,  causes,  symptoms,  treatment,  and  prevention 222 

congestion,  or  megrims,  dewcrijjtion,  causes,  symptoms,  treatment,  and  pre- 
vention   217 

description 211 

drojwy,  or  hydrocephalus,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 223 

Bran ,  value  as  feeil 55 

Broken  knee,  open  joints,  synovitis,  and  arthritis,  cause,  prognosis,  and  treat- 
ment   357 

Broken  wind,  heaves,  or  asthma,  definition,  symptoms,  and  treatment 128 

Bronchitis — 

and  broncho-jmeumonia,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 120 

chronic,  dcscrijition  and  treatment 110 

Broncho-pleuro-pneumonia.  descrijition 120 

Broncho-pneumonia  and  bronchitis,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment.  . .  120 

15niise  of  frog,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 425 

Burns  and  scalds,  treatment 483, 496 

Oalculi  — 

biliar>-,  or  gallstones,  svonptoms  and  treatment 90 

or  stones,  in  intestines.  des<ription.  symjitoms,  and  treatment 71 

or  stones,  in  stomach,  symi>toms  and  treatment 70 

renal,  description.  sjTnptoms.  and  treatment 158 

ureteric,  description  and  tn>a(ment 158-159 

urinary,  classification 157 

urinary,  stone,  or  gravel 154, 150 

Calculus— 

in  sheath,  or  bilocular  cavity,  or  preputial  calculus,  description,  and  treat- 
ment   103 

or  stone,  and  tumor  in  bladder 190 

urethral,  or  stone  in  urethra,  description.  sym])toms.  and  treatment 102 

vesical,  stone  in  bladder,  or  cystic  calculus,  description,  s\nnptoms,  and 

treatment 159 

Calk  wounds,  description  and  treatment 405 

rallositics— 

description • 475 

sloughing,  homy  sloughs,  or  sitfasts,  description  and  treatment 475,  190 

Cancer,  epithelial,  or  epithelioma,  description  and  treatment 477 

<  'anker — 

of  foot,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 418 

or  grt-ase  (inllanunation  of  heels  with  sebaceoufl  secretion),  description, 

caiLs«»a,  8yu>pt(.:iis,  and  treatment 472 

Cannon  bone — 

desrn  ption 395 

fractun^.  des«-ription,  s\iuptonis,  and  treatment 350 

Capped  elbow,  cau.'<e,  H}^nptouls.  and  treatment 379 

Capj)ed  hock,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 385 

Cap{)ed  knee,  description,  cause,  treatment ,  etc 383 

Carbolic  acid,  use  in  disinfection 509 

3(>444°— 16 39 


610  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

Page. 

Carbon  disulphid,  use  against  worms  in  horses 93,  94 

Cardiac  enlargement,  or  hj^ertrophy  of  heart,  description,  symptoms,  and 

treatment .' " 260 

Caries  of  cartilage,  or  tumor  of  haw,  description  and  treatment 284 

Carrots,  value  as  feed 56 

Cartilaginous  quitter,  description,  caiL'^es,  sjanptoms,  and  treatment 415 

Cartilage  nictitans,  or  winking  cartilage  (the  haw),  description 276 

Castration — 

bleeding  after  operation,  treatment 170 

by  covered  operation,  method 172 

of  crj-pt orchids,  or  ridglings,  method 169 

of  mare,  method 172 

of  stallions,  method 168 

pain  after  operation,  treatment 170 

successful  method 169 

Cataract,  remarks 295 

Catarrh — 

chronic,  nasal  gleet  or  collection  in  sinuses,  causes,  s^^nptoms,  and  treat- 
ment  ." 99 

gastro-intestinal,  or  indigestion,  cause,  sjanptoms,  and  treatment 76 

nasal,  or  cold  in  head,  sjanptoms,  and  treatment ,  98 

Cerebral  hemorrhage,  or  apoplexy,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 220 

Cerebritis,  causes,  sjanptoms,  and  treatment 212 

Cerebrospinal  meningitis,  so  called,  or  forage  poisoning,  caxises,  symptoms,  and 

treatment 237 

Cervical  choke,  description 63,  64 

Chaff  for  feeding 54 

Chaps  on  knee  and  hock,  scratches,  or  cracked  heels,  description,  causes,  and 

treatment 470 

Chest  walls,  wounds  penetrating,  description  and  treatment 131 

Chicken  acari,  or  Dermanyssus  gallinx,  animal  parasite  of  skin 480 

Chigoe,  or  jigger — 

larvrs  of  Tronibldium,  Lcptus  anie7'ica7ius ,  animal  parasite  of  skin 480 

Palex  penetrans,  bite,  treatment 482 

Choke— _ 

cervical,  description 63,  64 

pharyngeal,  cervical,  and  thoracic,  symptoms  and  treatment 63 

Chorea,  or  St.  Vitus  dance,  description  and  treatment 227 

Chorioptes — • 

bovis  (Symbiotes  cqui,  Drrmatophagus  cqui),  animal  parasite  of  skin 480 

spathiferus.  animal  parasite  of  skin 480 

Choroiditis,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 288 

Chronic  bronchitis,  description  and  treatment 110 

Circinate  ringworm,  or  Tinea  tonsiirans.  description,  symptoms,  treatment 477 

Circulation  organs,  methods  of  examination ' 13 

Clubfoot,  description 398 

Clysters,  or  enemas,  description  and  manner  of  administering 48 

Cocked  ankles,  or  knuckling,  description,  causes,  and  treatment 400 

Cofhn  joint,  description 396 

Cofiinbone,  description 396 

Cold  in  head,  or  nasal  catarrh,  symptoms  and  treatment 98 

Colic— 

bloat,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 73 

cramp,  or  spasmodic,  ca\ise,  symptoms,  and  treatment 74 

flatulent,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 73 

obstruction,  caused  by  impaction  of  large  intestine,  symptoms,  and  treat- 
ment   68 

specific  forms 66 

wind,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 73 

worms,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 90-94 

tympanitic,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 73 

Colt.     ^eeFola. 

Compression  of  brain,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 221 

Concussion — 

of  brain,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 222 

spinal,  causes.and  treatment 235 


ixDKx.  (;i  1 

Conformation —  •'"Re- 

ofloot.  lauhs :5'.)8 

of  horse H) 

Con^unilal  Htrotal  hi'rniii,  (U'ATiptioii  ami  inMiint-iil S2 

Congestion — 

active,  ciinsc'S .  M) 

and  inllaniniation  of  M'.cin.  des^ripUDn  oi  kiuild U'A 

and  intlanxnuitii>n  of  teatiele.s,  or  on-hitis,  canst's,  syniplonis,  and  troatmonl .  IG4 

deariptioii 30 

of  hrain,  or  nieirrims,  causes,  symptoms,  troatmonl,  et<' 217 

of  heart,  des  ripiion  and  symi)toms 2G3 

of  lunjjs,  de.s  riptiun  and  treatment Ill 

of  skin,  red  elll  )rescen(e,  or  erj'tliema,  description  and  treatment KJl 

of  skin,  with  small  pimples,  or  pauples,  description  and  treatniont 103 

of  spine,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 233 

passive,  causes 31 

Conjunctives,   or  external  ophthalmia,   destrription,   causes,   symptoms,   and 

treatment 285 

Constipation,  or  eostiveness,  cause  and  treatment 70,  181 

Constitution  of  horse 10 

Consumption,  or  tul>crculosis,  note 128 

Coutairious  pneumonia,  discussion .■')21-527 

Convulsions,  description  and  treatment...  22G 
Cord — 

spt^rmatic,  strangulated,  cau.sc»  and  Iri'atmcni .  .                     170 

siH-rmalic.  tumors,  cau.ses  and  treatment 171 

spinal,  description 212 

Corn,  or  maize,  how  to  teed 55 

Cornea  — 

ulcers,  treatment 288 

white  sfK'cka  and  cloudiness,  cause  and  treatment 288 

Corns,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 421 

Coronar)'  liaml.  description 397 

Coronet — 

des«  ription 596 

fractures,  s>'mptoms  and  treatment 351 

Cosliveness,  or  constipation.  cau><e  and  treatment 70,  181 

Cough,  chronic,  description 131 

Cracrked  heels,  or  scratches,  causes  and  treatment 170 

Cramp — 

ol  hind  liml),  or  spasm  of  thigh,  dewription  and  treatment 226 

or  spasmodic,  or  colic,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 74 

Cram^>fl — 

ol  hind  limbs,  cause  and  treatment ISl 

or  spiu-^ms,  cau.ses  and  treatment 22G 

Cranial  hones,  fractures,  cau.ses.  symptoms,  and  treatment 335 

Cranium,  tumor  within,  dc-w-ription  of  kinds 224 

Cre.**ol.  u.so  in  di.sinfei  tion 579 

Crookedf(H)t.  dc-*  ription 399 

Croup  and  diphllieria.  mistakes  in  di;igno.-<is 108 

Crjj)torchi(L><.  or  ri<lglings,  castration,  methml 169 

Curb  of  hixk.  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 374 

Curr>'ing,  value  as  preventive  of  bots 94 

Cutaneous  (piittor.  de.>«ription.  <au.ses.  .symptoms,  and  treatment 407 

Cuticlcj  dc.s<  rij>tion 459 

Cyanosis  of  newborn  foals,  description 2()3 

Cylirostnmnin  spp,  panisit*',  danijcr  and  remedies 92-93 

Cystic  t-alculus,  or  stone  in  bladder,  de.s<ription.  symptoms,  and  treatment. . . .  159 

Cv'stic  di.sea.s<f  of  wall  of  womb,  or  vosticular  mole,  de.s<-ription  and  twatment. .  179 

Cyaticrrcu.1,  parasite  of  eye 297 

Cystitis,  inllammation  of  bladder,  or  urocystitis,  symptoms  and  treatment.  .  .  .  149 

DennanyssuH  gallin.r ,  or  chicken  acari,  animal  parasite  of  skin  .                480 

Dermatitis  granulosa,  or  bnil.s 469 

Drrinatocoptt.1  cqui,  animal  pantsit*^  of  .skin 480 

Drrmatndertts  cqui.  animal  pant-iitr'  ot  .skin 4S0 

Dermalophagua  o/ui,  animal  parasite  of  skin 480 


612  DISEASES   OF    THE   HORSE. 

Paga 
Dermatorrhagia  parasitica,  or  bleeding  skin  eruptions,  description  and  treat- 
ment   469 

Dennis,  or  true  skin,  description 459 

Descazeaux,  study  of  summer  sores,  note 479 

Diabetes — 

insipidous,  diviresis,  polyuria,  or  excessive  secretion  of  urine,  causes,  symp- 
toms, and  treatment 138 

mellitus,  saccharine  diabetes,  glycosuria,  or  inosuria,  causes,  symptoms. 

and  treatment 139 

Diaphragm — 

nipture,  cause  and  symptoms 133 

spasm,  or  thumps,  description  and  treatment 132, 225 

Diaphragmatic  hernia,  description 85 

DiaiThea,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 77 

Dieckerhoff,  experiments  in  disease  transmission,  note 511 

Digestive  organs,  diseases,  chapter  by  ('h.  B.  Michener 49-94 

Digestive  tract,  examination 20 

Dilatation — 

of  heart,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 261 

of  veins,  varicose,  or  A^arix.  causes  and  treatment 269 

Dioctophyme  renale,  roundworm  of  kidney 146 

Diphtheria  and  croup,  mistakes  in  diagnosis 108 

Dips,  use  against  mange  in  hoi-ses 479 

Diseases,  fundamental  principles  of,  chapter  by  Rush  Shippen  Huidekoper. . .  27-43 

Disinfection,  directions  and  materials 508-509 

Dislocations  and  luxations  of  bones,  causes,  symptoms,  treatment,  etc 361 

Distemper,  cause,  sj'mptoms,  and  treatment 527-531 

Diuresis,  polyuria,  diabetes  insipidus,  or  excessive  secretion  of  urine,  causes, 

symptoms,  and  treatment 138 

Douche,  nasal,  in  administering  medicines 47 

Dourine,  or  maladie  du  coit — 

article  by  John  R.  Mohler 562-564 

description  and  treatment 562 

symptoms  and  treatment 562-564 

Drench,  methods 45 

Dropsies,  synovial,  remarks • 355 

Dropsy — 

general,  of  fetus,  description  and  treatment 193 

of  abdomen  in  foal,  or  ascites,  description  and  treatment 193 

of  abdomen,  or  ascites,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 86 

of  amnion,  description  and  treatment 180 

of  brain,  or  hydrocephalus,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 223 

of  limbs,  perineum,  and  abdomen,  description  and  treatment 180 

of  scrotum,  or  hydrocele,  symptoms  and  treatment 166 

of  womb,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 179 

Dysentery,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 79 

Echinococcus^ 

parasite  of  eye 296 

parasite  of  kidn3y 146 

Ectropion  and  enti'opion,  or  eversion  and  inversion  of  eyelid,  causes  and  treat- 
ment   283 

Eczema,  or  inflammation  with  blisters,  description  and  treatment 464 

Edematous  pneumonia,  definition,  causes,  symptoms,  treatment,  etc 521-527 

Elbow — 

capped,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 379 

muscles,  sprains,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 368 

Electric  shock,  causes,  desciiption,  and  treatment 246 

Electiuies,  or  pastes,  description,  and  manner  of  administering 45 

Embolism — 

air,  or  air  in  veins,  note 270 

and  thrombus,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 267 

Embryotomy  of  parts  at  abnormal  births 202 

Emphysema,  or  swelling  of  fetus  Avith  gas,  description  and  treatment 194 

Encephalitis,  cause,  symptoms,  amd  treatment 212 

Endarteritis,  and  arteritis,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 263 

Endocarditis,  or  inflammation  of  lining  membrane  of  heart,  cause,  symptoms, 

and  treatment 252 


INDEX.  613 

I'age. 

Enemas,  or  clysters,  description,  and  manner  of  administering 48 

Eiif^jO^emeiil  colic,  dcsciiptiou,  syiiiptumH,  and  treatment 66 

Enteritis,  delinition 66 

Entropion  and  ectroj>ion,  or  iuversion  and  eversion  of  eyelid,  causes  and  treat- 
ment   283 

Epile|^)sv,  or  fallinj;  fits,  symptoms  and  treatment 227 

Epithelial  cancer,  or  epithelioma,  description  and  treatment 477 

Epithelioma — 

dix^eneration  of  penis,  or  papillioma 167 

or  epithelial  cancer,  description  and  treatment 477 

Equine  variola,  or  horsepox,  causes,  symptoms,  treatment,  et^- .'i3&-540 

Eruptions,  bleetling  skin,  or  Dermalorrluigia  parasitica,  description  and  treat- 
ment    469 

EryBii>elas,  description,  cause,  and  treatment 474 

Erythema,  congestion  of  skin,  or  red  effloresence,  description  and  treatment. . .  461 
Edophai,'us  — 

dilatation,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 65 

or  pullet,  treatment  for  lorei;,'n  bodies 62 

stricture,  description  and  treatment 65 

Eversion — 

and  inversion  of  eyelid,  or  ectropion  and  entropion,  causes  and  treatment. .  283 

of  bladder,  description  and  treatment 152 

or  womb  after  dillicult  parturition,  treatment 205 

Exostosis,  cause,  description,  and  treatment 309 

Extravasation  of  blood  of  penL^,  causes  and  treatment 167 

Eyc^-: 

diseases,  chapter  by  James  Law 274-297 

examination 277 

haw,  or  winkinpj  cartilage,  description 276 

lachrvmal  apjKiratus 277 

muscles,  description 276 

palsy  of  nerve  of  si^ht,  or  amaurosis,  caus&s,  symptoms,  and  treatment. . . .  295 

panisites,  affecting,  description  of  different  kinds 296 

watering,  or  obstruction  of  lachrymal  apj)aratus.  description  and  remedies..  285 
Eyeball— 

description 274 

tumors  affecting 29G 

Eyelid — 

dLse;u5es.  dcsfTij^tion  of  different  kinds 279 

inflammation,  <  aiisi-s  and  treatment 280 

inversion  and  eversion,  or  entropion  and  ectropion,  causes  and  treatment.  283 

sty,  or  furuncle  (boil  i,  affectinu:,  description  and  treatment 282 

toni.  or  wounds  affe^'ting.  description  an  I  treatment 284 

warts  and  tumors  affecting,  description  and  treatment 283 

Fare  bonoa.  fractures,  description  and  treatment 336 

Facial  paralysis,  cause  and  symjitoms 230 

Faintim^,  or  syncope,  symptoms  and  treatment 259 

Farcy— 

and  glanders,  definition,  causes,  etc 5'14-557 

chronic,  symptoms 650 

F'atty  degeneration  of  heart,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 261 

Favus,  or  honeycomb  ringworm,  description  and  treatment 478 

Feces,  impaction  of  rectum 191 

Feed   - 

kinds  to  give 51 

musty  and  moldy,  effect  on  digestive  organs 53 

preparation 57 

Feening,  corn 65 

Fi-et.  interfering,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 399 

Femur,  fracture,  cause,  symptoms,  and  tre;itment 347 

Fetloik  - 

and  ankle  skin,  note 397 

and  !<xjt  bonop,  description 395 

ankle,  and  foot,  di.«eascs,  chapter  by  A.  A.  Uolcombc. .  ...  .395-457 

ioint .  description 396 

tnucklin;;.  eauses.  symptoms,  and  treatment 372 

sprain,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 402 


614  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

Fetus —  Page. 

adherent  to  walls  of  womb,  description,  cause,  and  treatment 192 

excessive  size i 192 

general  dropsy,  description  and  treatment 193 

or  foal,  prolonged  retention,  cause  and  treatment 181 

swelling  with  gas,  or  emphysema,  description  and  treatment 194 

tumors,  or  inclosed  ovum,  description  and  treatment 194 

Fever,  description,  causes,  and  treatment , 38-43 

Fibrous  bands  constricting  and  crossing  neck  of  womb,  description  and  treat- 
ment   191 

Fibrous  constriction  of  vagina  or  vulva,  cause  and  treatment 191 

Filaria — 

conjunctivae,  parasite  of  eye 297 

equina,  parasite  of  eye 297 

haemorrhagica,  threadworm  causing  skin  disease 469 

irritans,  parasite  causing  summer  sores,  description  and  treatment 469 

multipapiUosa,  threadworm  causing  bleeding  skin  eruptions 469 

palpebralis,  parasite  of  eye 296 

Fistulas,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 502-506 

Fits,  falling,  or  epilepsy,  symptoms  and  treatment 227 

Flatfoot,  description 398 

Flatulent  colic,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 73 

Flea,  or  pulex,  prevention  and  treatment  of  bite 482 

Flesh  fly  {Sarcophaga  carnaria),  note 481 

Flexor — 

metatarsis,  rupture,  description,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 377 

pedis  perforans,  description 397 

pedis  perforatus,  description 397 

tendons  or  their  sheath,  and  suspensory  ligaments,  sprains,  cause,  symp- 
toms, and  treatment ' 371 

Flies,  method  of  attacking  horses,  prevention  and  treatment  for  bite 481 

Flooding,  or  bleeding  from  womb,  treatment 205 

Flukes,  occurrence  in  horses,  note 90 

Flyblow,  or  grubs  in  skin,  description  and  treatment 481 

Foal- 
contractions  of  muscles,  description  and  treatment 194 

monstrosities,  description  of  kinds,  causes,  and  treatment 194 

natural  presentation 185 

prolonged  retention,  cause  and  treatment. '. 181 

water  in  head,  or  hydrocephalus,  description  and  treatment 192 

Foals,  newborn,  cyanosis  affecting,  description 263 

Foot- 
anatomical  review 395, 583 

and  fetlock  bones,  description 395 

canker,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 418 

conformation,  faults 398 

fetlock,  and  ankle,  diseases,  chapter  by  A.  A.  Holcombe 395-457 

mange,  description  and  treatment 480 

punctured  wounds,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 426 

sand-cracks,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 432 

sole  description 397 

Ssee  also  Hoof. 

Forage  poisoning,  or  cerebro-spinal  meningitis,  symptoms  and  treatment 237 

Forearm,  fracture,  description,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 345 

Founder,  or  laminitis — 

acute,  subacute,  and  chronic,  description 447-449 

complications 449 

curative  measures 455 

description  and  causes 441 

following  parturition,  cause 207 

sequel  of  superpm'gation 79 

symptoms 444 

treatment  and  prevention 453 

Fractures — 

causes  and  symptoms 322 

description  of  different  kind?^ 322 

of  different  bones,  description 335 

prognosis  and  treatment 328 


INDEX.  615 

Frog —  ''nge. 

bruises,  causes,  symptuuis,  and  trerttinoiit 125 

tlfscription :l!)7 

Frostbites,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment '05 

Furuncle — 

or  boil,  description  and  treatment IG6 

tir  sty  (boil),  of  eyelid,  description  and  lr(>atmeiii  L'82 

GalYky,  invest  i<jation  of  pneumonia. iiife«tion,  note.  .                            jJ2 

Galls,  harness,  or  sitfasts,  description  and  treatment 475,496 

Gallstones,  or  biliary  calculi,  symptnitis  aiu!  tn-af  imut .                      90 

Gau^rene — 

or  mortification,  causes 127 

or  niortilication,  description,  symptoms,  and  tnainicni 198 

Gas,  swellinji:  of  fetus,  or  emi)hysema,  descrii)tion  and  treatment 194 

Gastritis,  detinition (iG 

Gastro-enteritis,  de.-ciiption,  symptoiu.s  and  treatment 80 

Gastio-intestinal  catarrh,  or  indijjestion,  description,  cause,  symptoms,  and 

treatinent 7G 

Gastro-intestinal  parasites,  de.xcriptiou  and  treatment,  di.scu8.sion  by  Afaurice  V. 

Hall 90-94 

Gastrophilus,  spp.,  injury  to  horses,  symptoms  and  treatment 93-94 

Generative  orj^ns,  diseases  affecting,  chapter  by  James  Law lf!4-209 

Genito-urinary  pa.ssages,  method  of  medication 48 

Gentian,  use  ajjaiust  piuworms  in  horses 91 

Gestation,  extra-uterine,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 178 

Glanders — 

acute,  symptoms 553 

and  farcy,  definition,  causes,  etc 544-557 

chronic,  symptoms 552 

treatment 556 

Glands- 
lymphatic,  description,  symptoms,  and  tnatnunt 271 

sebaceous,  description 460 

sweat,  description 461 

Gleet  ^ 

inflammation  of  urethra,  or  urethritis,  symptoms  and  treatment l."),S 

nasal,  chronic  catarrh,   or  collection  in   .sinuses,   caiuses,  H\nnptoms,   and 

treatment .' 99-101 

Glossitis,  description  and  treatment 60-61 

Glottis,  spasm,  description 225 

Glycosuria,  Baccharine  diabetes  mellitus,  or  inoauria,  causes,  symptoms,  and 

treatment 139 

Grains  for  f»'edin>? 54 

Grasses,  important  feed 56 

Gravel,  urinary  calculi,  or  stone  dcscriptioii,  and  cau.^es 154, 156 

Grease  or  canker,  cau.ses,  symptoms,  and  treat  mtiit 472 

Grubs — 

or  flyblow,  description  and  treatment ISl 

under  the  .skin,  description  and  treatment 481 

(iruntinj;.  testinj; ]()0 

Gidlet.  or  e.sophapus.  treatment  for  foreipn  bodies 62 

Gunshot  Wounds,  «le.scription  an<l  treatment 494 

Gut-lie,  Volvulus,  or  twisting  of  bowels,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 72 

Guttimil  pouches,  descripticm  and  treatment 119 

ffahronrmn.  spp..  cau.se  of  summer  sores,  etc.,  note 170 

Hairs  on  .skin,  description J60 

Ilarbaugh.  W.  H.,  chajiter  on  •Di-seases  of  respiraUiry  orpans" 95-133 

Harness  palls,  or  sitfasts.  description  and  treatnient 475.  496 

Harvest  buK.  larva*!  of  Tnwibiaium .  Lcptua  amfrimnnit.  jiRRer  (chiRoe).  animal 

parasite  of  skin 480 

Haw- 

or  winking  cartilage  of  the  eye.  description 276 

tumor,  or  caries  of  cartilage  of  the  eye,  desc-riptiou  ami  treatment 284 

Hay.  kinds  for  feeding 53 


616  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOBSE. 

Heart —  Page 

adA^entitioixs  growths,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 238 

anatomy  and  physiology 247 

and  blood  vessels,  diseases,  remarks 250 

blood  vessels,  and  lymphatics,  dieeaees,  chapter  by  ?>!.  R.  Trumbower. .  247-273 

circulation  of  blood,  description 248 

congestion,  description,  and  symptoms 263 

dilatation,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 261 

fatty  degeneration,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 261 

hypertrophy,  or  cardiac  enlargement,  description,  sj-mptoms,  and  treat- 
ment  ' 260 

inflammation  of  lining  membrane,   or  endocarditis,   cause,   description, 

symptoms,  and  treatment 251 

inflammation  of  muscular  structure,  or  myocarditis,  symptoms,  alterations, 

and  treatment 251 

inflammation  of  sac  inclosing,  or  pericarditis,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treat- 
ment   255 

inflammator/  diseases,  description  and  treatment 251 

palpitation,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 259 

rupture,  description  and  cause 262 

valvular  disease,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 257 

weakness,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 262 

Heat  exhaustion,  sunstroke,  or  heat  stroke,  symptoms,  pathology,  treatment, 

and  prevention 219 

Heaves,  broken  wind,  or  asthma,  definition,  symptoms,  and  treatment 128 

Heels — 

contracted,  or  hoof-bound,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment. .  429 
cracked,  scratches,  or  chaps  on  knee  and  hock,  description,  causes,  and 

treatment 470 

inflammation,  with  sebaceous  secretion,  grease,   or  canker,   description, 

causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 472 

Hematuria,  or  bloody  urine,  cause  and  treatment 141 

Hemiplegia,  or  paralysis  of  on  side,  or  half  the  body,  descriprion  and  symptoms .  228 
Hemoglobinuria,   azoturia,   azotemia,   poisoning  by  albuminoids,   s^'mptoms, 

prevention,  and  treatment 141 

Hemoptysis,  or  bleeding  from  lungs,  causes,  description,  and  treatment 127 

Hemorrhage — 

process  of  healing  and  method  of  treatment 486 

spinal,  symptoms  and  treatment 225 

Hemorrhoids,  or  piles,  description  and  treatment 81 

Hemostasia,  description  and  treatment 485 

Hepatitis,  or  inflammation  of  liver,  s>Tnptoms,  causes,  and  treatment 87 

Hernia — 

congenital  scrotal,  description  and  treatment 82 

diaphragmatic,  description 85 

inguinal,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 83 

of  womb,  description  and  treatment 189 

or  rupture,  description  of  different  kinds 82 

scrotal,  cause 82 

umbilical,  description  and  treatment. . . . -. 84 

ventral,  description  and  treatment 83 

Herpes,  description  and  treatment 468 

High  blowing,  description 110 

Hip-  .  . 

bone,  or  os  innonunatwn,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 341 

bones,  fractured,  causes 188 

joint,  luxation,  description  and  treatment 363 

lameness,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 369 

Hock— 

and  knee,  chaps  or  scratches,  description,  causes,  and  treatment 470 

capped,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 385 

curb,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 374 

fractures,  note 350 

Holcombe,  A.  A.,  chapter  on  "Diseases  of  ankle,  fetlock,  and  foot" 395-457 

Honeycomb  ringworm,  or  favus,  description  and  treatment 478 


INDEX.  617 

Hoof—  I'H-e. 

bound,  or  contraotetl  heels,  doficription,  (-aubetj,  symptomti,  and  in^utuienl.  429 

doMcrii)tion 397 

t,'ro\vth r>S8 

lunilthy,  iharactrrL'itics 590 

physioU)t^ifal  inovenu'Ut.s : . .  .  "jS? 

preparation  for  theahoe MX; 

.Set-  also  Foot. 

Iloofd- 

un.sho<l,  rare 590 

variouH  formw 591 

Hornets,  Ix'en,  and  wiifpn,  treatment  for  Htinjrs 483 

Horny  slouf^hs  (nitfasti*),  or  nlou^hing  callosities,  deeeription  an<l  treatment. .  475.  496 

Horse,  siek — 

attitude  and  general  rondition  indicative  of  disease 8 

eonformation  and  conntitution 10 

danj»er  from  silaj^e  a^t  feed 56-57 

examination,  rhaj)t«'r  by  Leonard  Pear.«on 7-26 

histiiry  of  dL-^'ase-s  necct^-ary  in  <'xaiiun;ition 8 

parasite.^,  intestinal,  and  injuries  from  them 90-94 

Horsepox,  or  equine  variola,  causes,  symptoms,  and  ti;>»atment 535-540 

Horses — 

anatomv,  description 300 

danger  irom  silagi-  as  feed 56-57 

Horseshoes.     Sec  Shoe. 

Huidekoper.  Rush  Shippon,  chapter  on  "  Infectious  diseasea  " 507-582 

Humerus,  fractures,  symptoms  and  treatment 345 

Hytlnxele,  or  drops>'  of  scrotum,  syraptons  and  treatment 166 

Uydrixephalu.s — 

or  drops>'  of  bnun,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 223 

or  wa'er  in  head,  of  foal,  description  and  treatment 192 

Hydrophobia.     See  Rabie.s. 

Hvdrotliorax,  treatment 126 

Hypertrophy  of  heart,  or  cardiac  enlargement,  description,  symptoms,  and 

treatment '. 260 

n<j (Hidtrma-lineata,  note 481 

Icterus,  jaundice,  or  yellows,  description  anil  treatment 88 

Impaction — 

of  lar^e  intestine,  cause  of  obstruction  colic,  symptoms  and  treatment 68 

of  n?ctum  with  feces 191 

Indii»estion,  or  givstro-intestinal  catarrh,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and 
treatment 76 

Infectious  anemia — 

chapter  by  John  R.  Mohler 66'.t-572 

cau.se  and  hxalities  infected 569 

dia^iiMJs  and  treatment 671 

s>'mptnTns  and  lesions 570 

Infe<'tioiis  «li.s<^as<»8 — 

chapter  l>y  Rush  Shippen  Huidekoper 507-582 

general  di.scuasion 607-508 

Inflammation — 

acute,  of  kidnevs,  or  acute  nephritis,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment. .  .       143 
and  a!i.scos.s  of  iymy)hatic  glands,  de.sr-ription,  s^'inptoms,  and  treatment. .       272 

and  congestion  of  .skin,  description  of  kinds 461 

and  conge.siion  of  teats  and  udder,  .symjitoms  and  treatment 208 

and  congestion  of  testicl<'s,  or  orchitis,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment..       IM 

chronic,  of  kidneys,  cau.s4's,  symptoms,  and  treatment 145 

des<  ription,  s\mptoms,  tennination,  and  treatment 33-38 

loc^al,  and  abscess  of  lymphatic  glands.  des<  ription,  sj-mpttmis,  and  treat- 
ment        272 

of  bladder,  c^•stitis,  or  urocystitis,  symptoms  and  treatment 149 

of  br.\in  and  its  membranes,  description 193,  212,  213 

of  evelids.  cau.Hes  and  treatment 280 

of  heels,  with  seba<-eous  se<r«tion.  grease,  or  canker,  dewription,  causes, 
8>'mptom8.  and  tit?atment 472 


618  DISEASES    OF    THE    HOKSE. 

Inflammation — Continued . 

of  lining  membrane  ol  heart,  or  endocarditis,  cause,  description,  symptoms,  Page. 

and  treatment ' . . .  251 

of  Liver,  or  hepatitis,  symptoms,  causes,  and  treatment 87 

of  membranes,  a  complication  of  influenza 518 

of  membranes  of  spinal  cord,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 232 

of  muscular  structure  of  heart,  or  myocarditis,  symptoms,  alterations,  and 

treatment 251 

of  nerve,  or  neiuitis,  cause,  sjTnptoms,  and  treatment 23G 

of  pharynx,  description 103 

of  sac  inclosing  heart,  or  pericarditis,  causes,  sjTnptoms,  pathology,  and 

treatment ". 255 

of  substance  of  spinal  cord,  or  myelitis,  causes,  sjTnptoms,  pathology,  and 

treatment 233 

of  m-ethra,  m-etluitis,  or  gleet,  symptoms  and  treatment 153 

of  womb  and  peritoneum,  symptoms  and  treatment 207 

with  blisters,  or  eczema,  description  and  treatment 464 

with  pustules,  description  and  treatment 465 

Inflammatory  diseases  of  the  heart,  description  and  treatment 251 

Influenza,  definition,  s\Tnptoms,  termination,  complications,  and  treatment.  510-521 

Inguinal  hernia,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 83 

Inhalation,  manner  of  administering  medicines 47 

Injections,  methods  of  administering  medicines 47 

Inosuria,  saccharine  diabetes,  diabetes  mellitus.  or  glycosuria,  causes,  symp- 
toms, and  treatment 139 

Insufflation,  description 46 

Interfering — 

and  speedy  cuts,  description,  symptoms,  prognosis,  and  treatment 387 

of  feet,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 399 

Intestinal — 

paralysis,  cause 230 

worm,  or  Ascaris  equorum .  note 90 

Intestines — 

and  stomach,  diseases,  remarks 65 

calculi,  or  stones,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 71 

large,  impaction,  cause  of  obstruction  colic,  symptoms  and  treatment 68 

paralysis,  description  and  treatment 72 

spasms 225 

Intussusception,  or  invagination,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 71 

Invagination,  or  intussusception,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment. . .'....  71 

Iritis,  causes,  sjTnptoms,  and  treatment 288 

Irritation,  nervous,  of  skin,  or  prmitus,  description  and  treatment 468 

Jaundice,  icterus,  or  yellows,  description  and  treatment 88 

Jaw,  lower,  fracture,  description,  causes,  and  treatment 337 

Jigger,  or  chigoe,  Leptus  ainericaniis ,  animal  parasite  of  skin 480 

Joint — 

hip,  luxation,  description  and  treatment 361 

shoulder,  displacement,  description  and  treatment 363 

Joints — 

diseases,  note 354 

open,  cause,  prognosis,  and  treatment 357 

Kidneys — 

acute  inflammation,  or  acute  nephiitis.  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment. .  143 

ciironic  inflammation,  causes.  s\Tnptoms,  and  treatment 145 

bladder  worm  and  roundworm  affecting 146 

tumors,  note 146 

Knee — 

broken,  cause,  prognosis,  and  treatment 357 

capped,  description,  cause,  symptoms,  prognosis,  and  treatment 383 

fracttire,  cause,  symptoms,  prognosis,  and  treatment 347 

or  hock,  chaps,  scratches,  or  cracked  heels,  description,  causes,  and  treat- 
ment   470 

Knees,  sprung,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 373 

Knuckling — 

of  fetlock,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 372 

or  cocked  ankles,  description,  causes,  and  treatment 400 


! 


INDEX.  619 

Page. 

Labor  i)aiii.s.  promaturo,  (.auau,  ami  ireaiiiiem 186 

Lachrymal  apparatus  of  eye  — 

<kv(rripti<)ii 277 

oljrtiruciion.  or  watering  oyo,  dewriptiou  aiui  remedy .  285 

Lameiioiw 

dutinilion.  physiology  ami  description :U)3 

how  lo  delect  the  t^eat :i()7 

how  to  discover ;U)4 

its  causes  and  treatment,  chapter  by  A.  A.  Liautard 2!)S-;{')4 

of  hip,  descrii)tion,  symptoms,  proj^uoais.  and  treatment 'M'>9 

of  .shoulder,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 31)5 

Laminae,  sensitive,  description :{?)8 

Laminitis.     »SVt'  I'ounder. 

Lampas,  des<ription  and  treatment ..  <;0 

Larynjrismus  paralyticus,  or  mariiij!:,  description  and  treatment lOS,  2'M) 

LaryuLjitis,  or  sore  throat,  description,  symptoms  and  treatment ]():$ 

Larynx,  sjjasms,  description  antl  treatment .    .  107 

Law.  James  - 

chapter  on  '•  Diseases  of  the  eye  " 271-2!I7 

chapter  on  "  Diseases  of  the  jjenerative  ortjans  " Hi  1-209 

chapter  on  "  Diseases  of  the  skin  " loS,  4K\ 

chapter  on  *•  Disea.se.s  of  the  urinary  orj^'ans" 131-l()3 

Letwl  poisoninj:,  or  plumhi.sm,  cau.ses,  symptoms,  and  treatment . .  245 

Leplus  annricdiiH.f.  or  liarvest  hui^,  animal  panvsite  of  skin 480 

Leucorrhea.  des<riptit>n  and  treatment 208 

Liautard,  A.,  chapter  on    "  Lameness:   Its  cau.ses  and  treatment  " 298-394 

Lice,  or  i)ediculi,  descrii>tion  and  treatment  for  bite 482 

Ligament  - 

euspensor\-.  description 39<) 

suspensory,  rujiture,  des<'rii)tion.  symptoms,  and  treatment 403 

Ligaments — 

descriptit)n  and  functions .    .  :M)2 

suspensory',  sprains,  causes,  sj'mptoms.  prognosis,  and  treatment 371 

Limbs — 

hind,  cramp,  cause  and  treatment 181 

perineum,  and  abdomen,  dropsy,  description  and  treatment ISO 

lime-and-sulphur  dip.  use  against  mange  in  horse 479 

1  jiuseed,  ground,  value  as  laxative 55 

IJvcr — 

diseases,  remarks 87 

inllammation,  or  hejtatitis,  symptoms,  causes,  and  treatment 87 

rupture,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 88 

Lorkjaw.  or  tetanus.  cau.s<>s.  8ymj)toms,  j)revention.  and  treatment 241 

Lo<omotor  ataxia,  or  incoordinatum  of  movement,  de.s<rij)tion 230 

Loiius.  .sjirains.  de.s<ription.  cau.s*'.  symptoms,  and  treatment 392 

Liiber,  investigation  of  pneumonia  infection 522 

Lurilia  caetar,  or  bluebottle,  and  />.  hominivornx.  or  screwAvorm  fly.  note 4Hl 

Lung  - 

abscess,  and  suppuration,  symptoms 127 

fever,  or  pneumonia,  de.s<ription,  symptoms,  and  treatment 113 

Lungs — • 

bleeding,  or  hemoptysis,  causes,  des<Tiption,  ami  treatment 127 

ronge.stion.  de.s<ription  and  treatment ill 

description ill 

Luxations  aiul  disliMations  (»f  bones,  cause,  s>'mptoms,  and  treatment 3r»l 

Lymphangitis,  causes,  s^-mptoms.  and  treatment 272 

Lymphatic — • 

glands,  hx-al  inllammation,  and  abscess  affecting,  description,  symptoms, 

and  treatment ". 272 

.system.  di8e;is4\'»,  des<ription 271 

Lymphatics,  heart,  ami  bloo<l  ves-sela.  diaeasc*s,  ehapterby  M.  R.  Trumbower.  247-273 

Madness,  rabies,  orhydrojjhobia.  cause,  symptonw,  treatment,  and  |)revention.  244,  .5.59 

Maize,  or  com,  how  to  feed 55 

\taladie  de  coit,  or  dourine,  <le.scription  and  treatment . .  5fi2 


620  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

flange —  Page- 

autumn,  and  mange  of  foot,  description  and  treatment 480 

horse,  treatment 479 

or  acariasis.  note 478 

Mare — 

castration,  method 172 

pregnant,  hygiene 177 

sterility,  causes  and  treatment 172 

^lasturbation,  or  self-abuse,  remedy 168 

JTeat  fly,  or  Musca  romitona.  note 481 

^ledicines,  methods  of  administering,  chapter  by  Ch.  B.  Michener 44  18 

^legrims,  or  congestion  of  brain,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  treatment,  etc.       217 

Melanosis,  or  black  pigment  tumor,  description  and  treatment 476 

^Membrane — 

lining,  of  heart,  inflammation,  or  endocarditis,  cause,  description,  symp- 
toms, and  treatment 252 

of  nose,  thickening,  sjTnptoms  and  treatment 101 

^lembranes — 

inflammation,  a  complication  of  influenza 518 

mucous,  "\dsible,  and  skin  may  indicate  disease 11 

of  brain,  inflammation,  description 212,  213 

of  spinal  cord,  inflammation,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 232 

Meningitis — 

causes,  sjTnptoms,  and  treatment 212 

spinal,  causes,  symptoms,  pathology,  and  treatment 232 

Metatarei,  flexor,  ruptvu-e,  description,  cause,  sjTuptoms,  and  treatment 377 

Michener.  Ch.  B. — 

chapter  on  "  Diseases  of  the  digestive  organs  " 49-94 

chapter  on  "  ^lethods  of  administering  medicines '' 44-48 

chapter  on  "  Wounds  and  their  treatment" 484-506 

Wicrosporon  furfur,  vegetable  parasite  of  skin 478 

Mohler,  John  R.— 

chapter  on  "  Doiuine  " 562-564 

chapter  on  *'  Infectious  anemia" 569-572 

chapter  on  "  Mycotic  lymphangitis  " 557-559 

chapter  on  "  Osteoporosis,  or  bighead  " 578-582 

Mold,  silage,  danger  to  horees 5()-57 

Mole,  vesicular,  or  cystic  disease  of  walls  of  womb,  description  and  treatment. .       179 

iloles,  or  anidian  monsters,  description -. .       179 

Monstrosities  in  foal,  description  of  kinds,  causes,  and  treatment 194 

Moonblindness,  or  periodic  ophthalmia,  causes,  symptoms,  treatment 291 

Mortiiication,  or  gangi-ene.     See  Gangrene. 

Mouth,  diseases,  remarks 60 

Mucous  membranes,  visible,  and  skin  may  indicate  disease 11 

Mules,  danger  from  silage  as  feed 56-57 

Musca  vomiioria,  or  meat  fly,  note 481 

Muscles — 

and  tendons,  diseases 365 

contraction  in  foal,  de.-^cription  and  treatment , . .       194 

of  elbow,  sprain,  causes.  s\Tnptoms,  and  treatmer.t 368 

of  eye,  description 276 

one  system  of  locomotion 299,  300 

Mycotic  h-mphangitis — 

and  glanders,  differentiation. . . : 557 

chapter  by  John  R.  Mohler 657-559 

diagnosis  and  treatment 558 

s>Tnptoms  and  lesions 558 

Myelitis,  or  inflammation  of  substance  of  spinal  cord,  causes,  svmptoms,  and 

treatment .' 233 

Myocarditis,  or  inflammation  of  muscular  structure  of  heart,  sjTnptoms,  altera- 
tions, and  treatment 251 

Nasal — 

catairh,  or  cold  in  head,  symptoms  and  treatment 98 

douche,  used  in  administering  medicines 47 

gleet,  chronic  catarrh,  or  collection  in  sinuses,  causes,  symptoms,  and 

treatment '. 99 

polypiis,  description  and  treatment 102 


INDLX.  621 

Navel —  Pago. 

discluuge  of  urine,  or  IK.■r.si^teM^  unu  luis,  ik'(<riii»tu»n  aud  treutiiu-ui 161 

string,  fouijtriction  of  a  ineinhor.  d«*wrii)tion 19'j 

Navicular  — 

bone,  deri<"ription 390 

di.st'xso,  dewription.  causfs!,  Hvmptoins,  and  treat ineut 435 

Net'k  of  womb,  twisting:,  doprription  and  treatment 18f> 

Nepliritie,  acute,  or  acute  intlainination  of  kidneys,  caunew,  eymptonis,  :uul 

treatment 113 

Nerve — 

inflammation,  or  neurili.s,  cause,  symptomn,  ivnd  treatment 230 

tumor,  or  neuroma.  caUHC,  Hymptoin.-^,  and  treatment 230 

\erves   - 

injuries,  description  and  treatment 237 

spinal,  designations 212 

Nervous  Hvntera  — 

!uul  hr.iin,  anatomy  and  physiology 2IU 

diseases  affecting,  chapter  by  M.  R.  Trumbower 2 10-240 

ex;unination 23 

Nettlenusli,  surfeit,  or  urticaria,  description  and  treatment 407 

Neuritis,  or  inflammation  of  a  nerve,  cause.  synii)tomH,  and  treatment 230 

Neiu"oma,  or  tumor  of  a  nerve,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 236 

Nose — 

bleeding  , causes  and  treatment 103 

membrane,  tliick(>ning.  symptoms  and  treatment 101 

Nostrils,  tumors  and  wounds,  treatment 97 

Obstruction  colic,  cause 08 

Open  joints.     See  Joints. 
Ophthalmia — 

exU.'rnal,  or  conjunctivitis,  description,  cautses,  symptoms,  and  treatment..  285 

internal,  causes,  symj)toms,  and  treatment 288 

periodic,  or  raoonblindnes."',  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 291 

Optic  nerve,  paralysis,  or  amaurosis,  cause 231 

Orchitis,  or  congestion  anil  inflammation  of  testicles,  causes,  symptoms,  and 

treatment 104 

Os  innominatum,  or  hip-bone  fracture,  description,  symptoms,  aud  treatment. .  341 

Os  pedis,  or  third  phalanx,  fractures,  cause  and  treatment 352 

O.steoporosis,  or  bighead,  clianter  by  John  U.  ^folder 578-582 

Ostitis,  cau.se,  symptoni-s.  and  treatment 309 

(Overreach,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 404 

Ovum,  inclos<;d,  or  tumors  of  fetus,  description  and  treatment ]!)4 

Oxifurus  equorum,  parasite,  symptoms  and  treatment  for 91 

Palpitation  of  heart,  description,  svmptoms.  an<l  tn-atment 259 

Palsy  — 

of  nerve  of  sight,  or  amaurosis,  causi's,  symptoms,  and  treatment 295 

or  i>aralysis,  descrijition  and  cau.'^es 228 

Pancreas  and  spleen.  di.sea.ses.  remarl  s 90 

Papilloma,  epithelioma,  or  tlegeneration  of  penis 167 

Pa[>ules,  or  congestion  of  skin  witli  small  pimples,  d'-scripfion  and  treatment..  463 
Paralysis — 

fa<'ial ,  symptoms  and  cauw 2;')0 

general,  cause ...  228 

of  bla<lder.  description  and  cause ..    140,230 

of  hind  legs.  cau.«e  and  treatment 181 

of  intestines,  cause 72,  230 

of  one  side  or  half  the  liorly  or  hemiplegia,  description  and  fljTnj)tomH 228 

of  optic  nerve,  or  amaurosis,  cause 231 

of  penis,  cause  and  treatment 167 

of  phar>-nx,  description  and  treatment 61 

of  rectum  and  tail,  cau.se 230 

or  palsy,  descript  ion  and  causes 228 

transverse,  of  hind  extn'mities,  or  paraplegia,  description  and  svmptoms. .  229 

treatment ." 231 

I'araphymopis  and  phymosis.  description  and  treatment 171 

raraple:.:ia.  or  l^ans^'erse  paralysis  of  hind  extremities,  cai'fo  and  Irpfttmenf . . .  229 


622  DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 

Parasites —  Page. 

animal,  of  skin,  description  of  kinds 478 

causincj  worm  colic 91,  92,  93 

gastrointestinal 90-94 

in  eye,  description  of  kinds 296 

specific  kinds  affecting  urinary  organs 146 

vegetable,  of  skin,  description  of  kinds,  symptoms,  and  treatment 477 

Parasitic  pityriasis,  description  and  treatment 478 

Partmition — 

different  presentations 197 

difficult,  from  narrow  pelvis,  cause  and  treatment. 1S6, 188 

symptoms 185 

Pastern  joint,  description 396 

Pastes,  or  electuaries,  description  and  manner  of  administering 45 

Pasture,  relation  to  worms  in  horses 93 

Patella- 
fracture,  description 349 

pseudoluxations,  descriptions,  symptoms,  cause,  and  treatment 363 

Pearson,  Leonard,  chapter  on  "  Examination  of  a  sick  horse '' 7-26 

Pediculi,  or  lice,  description  and  treatment  for  ])ite 482 

Pelvis — 

and  vagnia,  tumors  affecting,  description  and  treatment 188 

bones,  fracture,  different  kinds 341 

narrow,  cause  of  difficult  parturition,  cause  and  treatment 188 

Penis — 

degeneration,  papilloma,  or  epithelioma 167 

extravasation  of  blood  and  paralysis,  cause  and  treatment 167 

sheath,  and  abdomen,  swelling,  cause  and  treatment 171 

warts,  treatment 167 

Pericarditis — 

a  complication  of  influenza : 518 

or  inflamation  of  sac  inclosing  the  heart,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment . .  255 

Perineum,  limbs,  and  abdomen,  dropsy,  description  and  treatment 180 

Periostitis,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 309 

Peritoneum  and  womb,  inflammation,  symptoms  and  treatment 207 

Peritonitis — 

a  complication  of  influenza 518 

descrijjtion,  symptoms,  and  treatment 85 

Phalanx,  first,  second,  and  third,  fracture,  cause,  symptoms  and  treatment..  351,  352 

Pharyngeal  polyjius,  description  and  treatment 102 

PharjTigitis,  description  and  treatment 61 

Pharjmx — 

inflammation,  description 103 

paralysis,  description  and  treatment 61 

Phlebitis,  or  diseases  of  veins,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment,  .  268 

Phymosis  and  paraphymosis,  description  and  treatment 171 

Physiology  and  anatomy  of  brain  and  nervous  system 210 

Piles,  or  hemorrhoids,  description  and  treatment 81 

Pills,  or  balls,  description  and  manner  of  administering 44 

Pimples,  small,  or  congestion  of  skin,  description  and  treatment 463 

Pin  worm,  description  and  treatment 91 

Pit\Tiasis,  or  scaly  skin  disease,  description  and  treatment 467 

Plantar  cushion,  description 398 

Pleurisy — 

a  complication  of  influenza 518 

description,  symptoms,  and  ti'eatment 122 

Pleurodynia,  symptoms  and  treatment 131 

Pleuropneumonia,  description  and  treatment 126 

Plumbism,  or  lead  poisoning,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 245 

Pneumonia — 

contagious,  causes,  symptoms,  treatment,  etc 521-527 

infection,  transmission 521-522 

or  lung  fever,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 113 

Poifioning — 

albuminoid,  or  azotemia,  symptoms,  prevention,  and  treatment 141 

forage,  or  cerebrospinal  meningitis,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 237 

lead,  or  plumbism,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 245 

Poll  evil,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  treatmeht 502-506 


FNOKX.  G23 

Polypu.s  Pace. 

nasal,  destripliou  ami  ireatim-ul 102 

|>haryiit;t'al,  tk-scription  ami  Ircatuieut 102 

Polyuria,  tliurfsi.s,  dialnMcs  iusi])iiiii.>(.  rauscw.  Hyniptoin.s.  and  ticatraent liiS 

Pomhwt,  j,'tittiiral,  di^cription  and  treatment 119 

Poidtry,  a(ariju»i.s,  dt'.-i(rij)tit)n  and  tn-atniont -180 

I'Kwdrrs,  niauner  of  adinini.storin^' It 

Pn'i;nancy  — 

diiratiun J  77 

marc,  hyi;it'n»' 177 

nu'ilicaliun ]7r» 

l'n'nia.\illary  hone,  fractur*-.  de.-'criptiun  and  treatment ;{3(J 

Pn-putial  calcnlu.s,  caliuln.s  in  Hheath,  dcscripticin  and  treatment lOIJ 

I're.-^entation.H  at  birth,  almormal l!)7-200 

['ruriti.s,  or  nervou.s  irritation  of  skin,  description  and  treatment 408 

PtHMuloluxation.H  of  patflla,  d«'Hcription,  symptomH,  caiiBe.  and  treatment....  30;$ 

I'soroptts  K/ui,  animal  para.site  of  nkin -ISO 

P.xoriiptir  atariaMis,  de.scription  and  treatment isO 

Ptyali.-^m,  or  .salivation,  description  and  treatment (il 

Pulex  - 

or  Ilea,  prevention  and  treatment  for  bite 182 

penttniiis,  or  chigotf,  bite,  treatment -182 

Pulsi',  how  to  count .  l.'l 

I'urpura  hemorrhau;i(a-  - 

description,  Hymptoms,  and  treatment 270 

or  ana.s<'arca,  cau-se-,  aymptom.s,  anil  treatmeni                           .531 

Pustules,  intlamation,  description  and  treatment .                                  -JOS 

Quittor,  deHcription  of  different  kind.s 407 

Rabitw — 

description,  8yiuptom«,  and  treatment 2  J4-245,  559-502 

fatality  of 562 

Ran.som,  study  of  flies  and  worms 470 

Rectum — 

and  tail,  paraly.si.s,  cause 230 

inipaction  with  feces 191 

methcnls  of  administering  medicines 47 

Red  efllore.scence,  or  erythema,  description  and  treatment 401 

Renal  caliuli,  description,  .symptoms,  and  treatment 158 

Respinitory  organs — 

description 95 

diseases,  chapt<'r  by  W.  II.  Ilarbaugh !t5-l  .3;J 

methods  of  t^xamination 10 

Retinitis,  cau.ses,  .symptoms,  and  treatment 288 

Ribs,  fra<tures,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 3.39 

Ridglings,  or  cryptorcnids.  ciistration  method 1G9 

Uingbone.  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment  313.  439 

Ringworm — 

circinate,  or  Thua  toJisurons,  descrii)tion,  symptoms,  and  treatment 477 

honeycomb,  or  favus,  description  and  treatment 478 

Roaring  and  thick  wind,  descri])tion  and  treatment 108,  230 

Roundworm  of  kidney 14G 

Roundworms,  horse,  dangers  and  treatment 90-91 

Rubber  piuls  in  shoes,  uses 001 

Rupture- 

of  an  artery,  description,  .-symptoms,  and  treatment .                  206 

of  diaphragm,  caii.xw  and  symptoms 133 

of  flexor  metatan-i,  description,  cause,  .symptoms,  and  treatment 377 

of  heart,  description  and  cati.se 262 

of  liver,  cause,  symjifonis.  and  treatment 89 

of  sUimach,  result ol  engorgement,  <-olic,  8ynij)toms,  and  treatment 66,  67 

of  siispcnsoPt'  li'.:ament.  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 403 

of  vagina,  dtvcription  and  tn-atment 207 

or  hernia,  description  of  ditTerent  kinds 82 

or  laceration  of  womb,  causes  and  treatment 200 


624  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

Page. 
Saccharine  diabetes,  diabetes  mellitus,  glycosura,  or  inoeuria,  causes,  symp- 
toms, and  treatment 139 

Sacrum,  fractures,  description  and  treatment 341 

St.  Vitus  dance,  or  chorea,  description  and  treatment 227 

Salivation,  or  plyalism,  description  and  treatment 61 

Sand-cracks  of  foot,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 432 

Sarcocele,  description  and  treatment 165 

Sarcophaga  camaria,  or  flesh  fly,  note 481 

Sarcoptes,  scabiei  equi,  animal  parasite  of  skin 478 

Sarcoptic  acariasis,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 478 

Scalds  and  bums,  treatment 483,  496 

Scaly  skin  disease,  or  pitjTiasis,  description  and  treatment 467 

Scapula,  fracture,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 344 

Scorpion  and  tarantula,  treatment  for  sting  or  bite 483 

Scratches,  or  chaps  on  knee  and  hock,  or  cracked  heels,  causes  and  treatment.  467 

Screw-worm  fly,  or  Lucilia  hominivorax,  note 481 

Scrotal  or  congenital  hernia,  cause,  description,  and  treatment 82 

Scrotum,  dropsy,  or  hydrocele,  symptoms  and  treatment 166 

Sebaceous  glands,  description 460 

Self-abuse,  or  masturbation,  remedy 168 

Serum,  use  against  strangles  and  anthrax 531,  544 

Sesamoid  bones,  fracture,  cause,  symptoms,  treatment,  etc. . . . ._ 352 

Sesamoid  sheath,  inflammation,  or  navicular  disease,  description,  symptoms, 

and  treatment 435 

Sesamoids,  description 395 

Sexual  and  urinary  organs,  examination 24 

Sheath- 
calculus,  or  bilocular  cavity,  or  preputial  calculus,  description  and  treat- 
ment    1 63 

of  flexor  tendons,  sprains,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatnient 371 

penis,  and  abdomen,  swelling,  cause  and  treatment 171 

Shock,  electric,  description  and  treatment 246 

Shoe- 
bar,  uses 601 

detailed  description 597 

hot  fitting 600 

Shoeing — 

chapter  by  John  W.  Adams 583-605 

preliminary  examination 594 

preparation  of  the  hoof 596 

rubber  pads 601 

Shoes,  special  peculiarities  of  chief  classes 598 

Shoulder — 

joint,  displacement,  description  and  treatment 363 

lameness,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 365 

Sick  horse.     See  Horse,  sick. 

Sidebones,  description,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 316,  438 

Silage,  use  and  danger  as  horse  feed 56-57 

Sinuses,  collection  in,  chronic  catarrh,  or  nasal  gleet,  causes,  symptoms,  and 

treatment 99 

Sitfasts— 

horny  sloughs,  or  sloughing  callosities,  description  and  treatment 475 

or  harness  galls,  description  and  treatment 496 

Skin— 

and  visible  mucous  membranes,  may  indicate  disease 11 

animal  parasites  affecting,  description  of  kinds 478 

bleeding  eruptions,  description  and  treatment 469 

congestion,  red  efflorescence,  or  erythema,  description  and  treatment 461 

disease,  scaly,  or  pityriasis,  description  and  trestmont 467 

diseases,  chapter  by  James  Law 458-483 

grubs  under,  description  and  treatment 481 

hah-8,  description 460 

inflammation  and  congestion,  description  of  kinds 461 

nervous  irritation,  or  pruritis,  description  and  treatment 468 

of  fetlock  and  ankle,  note 397 

parasites 477-483 


INDEX.  625 

skin — Continuotl.^  ^  P:*'**. 

structure,  di\T>-ionH I.jO 

true,  or  dermis,  de;H.Tii)tiou -I.JO 

vt>*,'etal)le  i)iii-u.>*it<^,  til■^<Tiption  of  kind.-*,  Hynn)tomH  and  tri^lineiit -177 

wounds,  di-scription  of  diffen-nt  kindn  and  tre-.Uiui'nt 4f)3  -170 

Sloughs,  horny,  ^itfui^ts,  or  sk)Uj,'hln'^callositii's,  description  un<i  trwitment. . . .   475,  JOB 

Snake  l)itef<,  trwituieul AH'i 

Sole  of  foot,  description '.\97 

Sore  throat,  or  laryui^tis,  description,  Hymptonis,  and  treatineut 103 

Sores,  summer,  caused  by  Fitann  irriUins,  treatment 469,  470 

S|»asm — 

of  diaphragm,  or  thumpn,  descrii)tion  an(i  treatment 132,  225 

of  j;l<>ttis  or  intestines,  description  and  treatment 225 

of  larynx,  tlescription  and  treatment 107 

of  ne<-k  of  bladder,  (-auses,  symptoms,  and  treatment 14(j,  225 

of  ne<-k  of  womb,  description  and  treatment 1!>1 

of  thigh,  or  cramp  of  hind  limb,  descrijilion  ami  tr(>atment 226 

Spasmodic  or  cramp  colic,  cause,  s\mptoms,  and  treatment 74 

Spa.sms,  or  cramj)s,  causes  and  treatment 226 

Sniiv-in — 

bloud,  bog  Bpavin,  and  thorough  pii' ,  description  and  treatment 356 

description,  cause,  symptoms,  prognosis,  ancf  treatment 317 

Sj>ee<ly  cuts  and  interfering,  description,  symptoms,  treatme'it,  etc 387 

Spermatic  cord  -  - 

strangulated,  cause  and  treatment 170 

tumors,  causes  and  treatment ■. 171 

Spinal- 
anemia,  symptoms  and  treatment l.'34 

compression  and  concussion,  cause,  dascription,  and  treatment 234 

concussion,  causes,  and  treatment 235 

congcistion,  cause,  pymptoms,  and  treatment 233 

cord,  description 212 

cord,  inflammation  of  membranes,  causes,  pymptoms,  treatment,  etc 232 

coni,  inflammation  of  substance,  or  myeliti^i,  causes,  symjjtoms,  treatment. .  233 

hemorrluige,  symptom  and  treatmejit 235 

meningitis,  causes,  sjTuptomn.  pathology,  and  treatment 232 

nerA-es,  designation 212 

tumorp.  Hymptonifl  and  treatment 236 

Sple«'n  and  jKincreaa,  diseases,  remarlcs 00 

Splint,  description,  sjinptoms,  cause,  and  treatment . .  310 

Sprain  — 

of  elbow  mu8cle«.  causes,  symptoms,  an<l  treatmeni 368 

of  fetlock,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 402 

Sprains  - 

description  and  treatment 365-374, 392-3M 

of  loins.  de«  ription,  cau.se,  symptoms,  and  treatment 392 

of  suspen.'ory  ligamcnt.H  anA  of  flexor  tendons  or  their  sheath,    cause, 

symptoms,  and  treat  ment 371-^)72 

Sprung  knees,  cause,  .symptoms,  and  treatment 373 

Staphyloma,  or  bulging  cornea.  descri]>tion  and  treatment 2% 

Stallion    - 

c:istration,  metho<Is 108 

sterility,  cau.i4!  and  treatment 172 

Sterility  in  marc  and  stallion,  cause  and  txeatraent 172 

Stiles,  Ch.  Wanlell,  chai»ter  on  "Surra" 572-577 

Sto<k  vaicinee,  a<Iministration 506 

Stoma<'h    - 

and  intestines.  di.sea.''cr».  remarks C5 

•■al'uli.  or  stones,  symptoms  and  treatment 70 

nij)turo,  rc^idt  of  engorgemeni  colic,  symptoms  and  treatjnent 68 

wonns.  <Ie?<<riplion.  etc 91-02 

Stomatitis,  description  and  treatment 60 

Stone  — 

in  bladder,  vesical  calculus,  or  cystic  calcuhis.  description,  symptoms,  and 

treatment !«;0 

in  urethra,  or  tirethral  calcidns,  deecription.  symptoms,  an<l  treatment . . .  162 

364-MO— 16 to 


626  DISEASES   OF    THE    HORSE. 

Stoue — I'ontiuued.  Page. 

or  calculus,  and  tumor  in  bladder 190 

lU'inary  calculi,  or  gravel,  description 1 54, 157 

Stones — 

or  calculi,  in  intestines,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 71 

or  calculi,  in  stomach,  symptoms  and  treatment 70 

Strangles,  definition,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 527-531 

Strangulated  sjiermatic  cord,  cause  and  treatment 170 

Streptococcus  pyogenes  eqm,  cause  of  pneumonia 522 

Stricture — 

of  esophagus,  description  and  treatment 65 

of  urethra,  description  and  treatment 153 

Stringhalt .  desciiplion,  cause  and  treatment 227,  390 

Strongyles,  injuries  to  horses,  sjnnptoms  and  treatment 92-93 

Strong  i/l  us — 

equinum,  parasite  of  kidney 146 

spp.  injuries  by  and  treatment : 92-93 

vulgaris,  worm  causing  one  form  of  aneurism 265 

Sty,  furuncle,  or  boil  of  eyelid,  description  and  treatment 282 

Suffragiuis,  description 395 

Summer  sores,  caused  by  Filaria  irritans,  description  and  treatment 469,  470 

Sunstroke,  heat  stroke,  or  heat  exhaustion,  symptoms,  treatment,  etc 219 

Superpiu-gation,  description  and  treatment 1 78 

Suppositories,  description  and  uses 48 

Suppuration  and  abscess  in  lung,  symptoms 127 

Surfeit,  nettlerash,  or  m'ticaria,  description  and  treatment 467 

Sun-a — 

chapter  by  Ch.  Wardell  Stiles 572-577 

climatic  conditions,  animals  affected,  and  lethality 572 

diagnosis  and  treatment 577 

method  of  infection,  symptoms 573 

Suspensory  ligament — 

and  flexor  tendons,  or  their  sheaths,  sprains,  cause,  sj-mptoms,  treatment. .  37 1-372 

description 395 

rupture,  description,  symptoms,  and  treatment 403 

Sutures,  description  and  uses 486 

Swamp  fever.     Sec  Infectious  anemia. 

Sweat  glands,  description _. -  -  461 

Symbiotes  equi,  Dernuitophagus  equi,  or  Chorioptes  spathiferus,  animal  parasite 

of  skin 480 

SjTicope,  or  fainting,  symptoms  and  treatment 259 

S\Tio\ial — 

dropsies,  remarks 355 

sacs,  diseases,  description 355 

S^-noWtls,  cause,  prognosis,  and  treatment 357 

Tail  and  rectum,  paralysis,  cause 230 

Tapeworms,  horse,  kind  and  injuries 90 

Tarantula  and  scorpion,  treatment  for  bite  and  sting 483 

Teats,  sore,  scabs,  cracks,  warts,  cause,  and  treatment 209 

Teeth- 
diseases  ;  period  of  dentition 58 

iiregularities,  remedies 58 

Temperament  of  horse 10 

Temperature,  method  of  determining 15 

Tendon  sheaths,  wounds,  description  and  treatment 494 

Tendons — 

and  muscles,  diseases 365 

flexor,  or  their  sheath,  sprains,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 371 

functions 301 

lacerated,  cause,  symptoms,  prognosis,  and  treatment 376 

of  foot,  function 396 

Testicles — 

abnormal  number,  causes  of  degeneration 166 

or  orchitis,  congestion  and  inflammation,  causes,  symptoms,  treatment 164 

Tetanus,  or  lockjaw,  causes,  symptoms,  prevention,  and  treatment 241 


INDEX.  627 

Page. 

Thick  wiml  and  roarinsj.  (l«>s(riptioii  ainl  in-atinent 108 

Thiuli.  .spjusin.  »)r  cniiu])  of  liiiui  Hml),  description  and  tretttmont '22ti 

Tlinracic  cliokc.  di-scriptioii  and  trfalnimt (i;{,  Gl 

Tlioroiii:h]>in.  1>I(hm1  ^i)avin,  and  lu);;  Hj)avin,  iloscription  and  trt'atment :\W 

Tlin-adwornis,  causi'  of  Metilinj,'  skin  eruptions •}»;!• 

Throat 

ah-srcBsert  uffeftinp,  treatment (t2 

sore,  or  hiryni,'itLs.  descri])tion.  symptoms,  and  trcaluHiit lt);{ 

Throml>()fiis,  di\scription.  <ause.  symj)toms.  and  treatment ;{*M 

Throtnhiis  and  emltolism.  <le.s(Tiption.  sym])t(>nis,  and  treatment 2(j7 

Tlini.-ili.  de^cription.  caust>s.  symptoms,  and  ticilment 417 

Tlmnips.  or  s|>a.sm  of  diaplirai,'m,  des(  rijjtion  and  treatment '. l;{2,  225 

Til'ia.  fractures.  symi)toms  and  treatment 349 

Ticks,  docription  and  tre-atnu'iit 481 

Timotliy,  bi«t  hay  for  feeilinj: 53 

Tiiua  toiiitvraii.'i,  or  circinate  rini^vorm,  description  and  treatment 477 

Ti.-ism>i,  iler^cription 27 

Toliacco  tlii>.  use  airaiiLst  man<je  in  horseH 479 

Toothache,  how  to  tlet»Tmine  and  treat 59 

Trichia.-'is.  or  turned  eyehi.<hes.  th-scriptinn  and  treatment :?83 

Tnr/iojilii/fi,n  /o/uvi/m/i.v.  vej^otabh*  ])arartite  of  skin 477 

Tnimhower,  M.  11.   - 

» liapter  on  "  DLseasen  of  heart,  blood  vetweks.  and  lymphatics" 247-273 

chapter  on  '"  DistnLses  of  nervous  system' ' 2IO-24G 

Tn/panfmoina  tquiprrdiim,  cause  of  dourine,  note 5<)2 

Tuberctilosiii,  or  consumption,  note 1 2X 

Tiiinor  - 

and  calculus,  or  stone  in  bladder 1 ;»(» 

of  hau'.  or  caries  of  cartihiire.  de«crii)tion  and  treatment 2S4 

of  ner\e.  or  neuroma,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 2:iG 

on  BjHTmatic  cord,  causes  and  treatment 171 

Tumors   - 

and  warts  of  eyelids,  de.scription  and  treatment 283 

black  i)i!;ment.  or  melanosis,  description  and  treatment.  .  476 

in  noHtrils.  treatment 97 

in  vairina  and  jxdvis,  description  and  treatment 188 

of  eyeball,  remarks 296 

of  fetus,  or  inclosed  ovum,  description  and  treatment.  .                      I!t4 

of  kidneys,  note 146 

of  spine,  symptoms  and  treatment 236 

of  udder,  cause  and  treat nu-nt 209 

or  al)normal  growths,  cau.se  of  colic 73 

within  cranium,  description  of  kinds 224 

Twins,  remarks 196 

Tympanitic  colic,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 73 

Udder 

con>?e«tion  and  inllammation,  symptoms  and  treatment 'JOS 

tumors,  cau.>M>  and  treatment 209 

Ulceration,  description,  caiiws.  and  treatment 499 

Ulcers  on  cornea,  treatment 2>W 

Umbiliral  hernia,  description  and  treatment 84 

Urachus,  ix-rsistent.  or  di.schanje  of  urin(»  by  navel,  deecription  and  treatment. .  151 

Uremia,  clescription.  symptoms,  and  treatment 245 

Urethra 

intlammation.  urethritis,  or  uh'et,  symptoms  ami  treatment 153 

stone,  or  urethral  calculus,  detwription,  symptonw,  and  treatment 162 

stricture,  description  and  treatment 153 

Urethral  calculi,  description  ami  treatment 159 

Irethral  calctdus,  or  stone  in  urethra,  <les<ription,  symptoms,  and  trejitment. .  162 

Urr'thritLs,  inllammation  of  iirethra,  or  cleei.  symi)t4)ms,  and  tn-atmcnt 153 

Urinary 

:Mid  sexual  organs,  examination 24 

calculi.  classiticatioD 157 

calculi,  stone,  or  jrravel,  deecription  and  causes 154,  157 


628  DISEASES   OF    THE    HOBSE. 

ITriuary — Continued.  Page. 

disordere,  causes 134 

organs,  diseases,  chapter  by  James  Lavr 131-163 

organs,  parasites  affecting 146 

organs,  svnnptoms  of  disease 136 

organs,  nsee 134 

Urine — 

analysis 154 

bloody,  or  hematuria,  cause  and  treatment 141 

discharge  by  navel,  or  pei-sistent  urachus,  description  and  treatment 151 

excessive  secretion,  diuresis,  polyuria,  diabetes  insipidus,  causes,  symp- 
toms, and.treatment 138 

how  to  examine 136 

of  healthy  horse,  description 25 

Urocystitis,  inflammation  of  bladder,  or  cystitis,  symptoms  and  treatment 149 

Urticaria,  nettlerash.  or  surfeit,  description  and  treatment 467 

Vaccination — 

use  against  diseases  and  manufacture  of  material 510 

use  against  strangles  and  anthrax 531,  544 

Vaccines,  kinds  and  use 506,  631 

Vagina — 

and  pelvis,  tumoi-s  affecting,  description  and  treatment 188 

rupture,  description  and  treatment 207 

Vaginal  walls,  effusion  of  bloo<I 190 

Valvular  disease  of  heart,  symptoms  and  treatment 257 

Vaiicocele,  description  and  treatment 166 

Vaiicose  veins,  varix,  or  dilatation  of  veins,  causes  and  treatment 269 

Variola,  equine,  or  horsepox,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 535-540 

Veins — 

description 250 

dilatation,  varicose  veins,  or  varix,  causes  and  treatment 269 

diseases,  or  phlebitis,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 268 

Ventral  hernia,  description  and  treatment 83 

Vertebra,  fracture*,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 338 

Vesical  calcuhis,  stone  in  bladder,  or  cystic  calculus,  description,  s^-^mptoms, 

and  treatment 159 

Vesicular  mole,  or  cystic  disease  of  walls  of  womb,  description  and  treatment. .  179 

Volvulus,  gut-tie,  or  twisting  of  bowels,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 72 

Vulva,  or  vagina,  fibrous  constriction,  cause  and  treatment 191 

Warts— 

and  tumore  of  eyelids,  description  and  treatment 283 

description  and  treatment 476 

on  penis,  treatment - 167 

Wasps,  bees,  and  hornets,  stings,  treatment 483 

Water — 

impure,  cause  of  disease,  time  to  give 49 

in  head,  or  hydrocephalus  of  foal,  description  and  Ireatment 192 

Watering  eye,  or  ob.struction  of  lachiymal  apparatus  description  and  remedy. .  285 

Whistling,  descriptioii 110 

Wind- 
broken,  heaves,  or  asthma,  definition,  symptoms,  and  treatment 128 

colic,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 73 

Windgalls,  description,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment 355,  401 

Windpipe,  description 119 

Winkirig  cartilage,  or  caitilago  nictitans,  description 276 

Womb — 

and  peritoneum,  infiammation,  sjrmptoms,  and  treatment 206 

bleeding,  or  flooding,  treatment 205 

dropsy,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment 179 

evereion,  description  and  methotl  of  treatment 205 

hernia,  description  and  treatment 189 

laceration,  or  nipture,  causes  and  treatment 206 

neck,  twisting,  description  and  treatment 189 

Worm  colic,  notes 93 


iN'i)K.\.  629 

Wonue —  Page. 

blatUler,  affectinp  kidneys ]4(j 

injuries  liy.  iiiul  tri'utmt'rit 'JO^  94 

.^txonjjjle,  tlaiijjiT  lunl  tn-atmont 91i-93 

trcatuieut  with  (UpM 479 

Wouiul.s  - 

aiul  tlieir  troatmout,  <liui)tor  hy  Ch.  1?.  Micheucr 48-1-606 

},'uu.-hot.  tle.s<rij>t.i<Mi  an<l  tn-atmont 494 

liealint;  uucKt  a  M-ah,  frt-atiui-nt 487 

ill  nu'^trils,  caiiso  ami  tnaiment 97 

l;Mt'nit«'<l  and  contused,  description  and  tn-atment 488 

peiietratiufi  wall.-f  of  che;<t,  dif«rij)ti<m  and  tn-atnieni 131 

p.iisoned,  doM-ription  an<l  tn-atiuent 495 

j)nncf  urcd,  dem.ription,  BvinptoraH,  and  treatment .\2i\,  490 

Yi'llow.s,  jaundii-e,  or  icterus,  descriptiou  and  treatment 8.S 


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